Surgery Veterinary Assistant, AVS

Surgical Veterinary Assistant, AVS in Santa Barbara, CA

Compensation & Work Schedule:

• Hourly rate:  Up to $26.00/hr (based on skills, qualifications, and experience)
• Up to $1,000 Sign-On Bonus
• Full-time, weekends and holiday flexibility required

Who We Are: Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS) is home to board-certified specialists in surgery, oncology, internal medicine, cardiology, and dentistry, alongside a highly skilled team of emergency veterinarians. We are proud to provide exceptional care to pets and their families.

AVS is accredited by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society as a  Level II Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Facility —one of only two in California to hold this distinction.

About the Role: We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our surgery team. This position plays a vital role in supporting our veterinarians and technicians in providing excellent surgical care. If you are detail-oriented, team-focused, and passionate about animal health, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide compassionate care to patients before and after surgery.
• Assist with patient restraint, comfort, and monitoring under the direction of an RVT or veterinarian.
• Prepare surgical suites and recovery areas, ensuring cleanliness and readiness for procedures.
• Assist with surgical prep, including shaving and scrubbing patients according to hospital protocols.
• Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments using autoclaves and gas sterilizers.
• Restock surgical and prep areas with necessary supplies and materials.
• Maintain accurate and organized labeling, storage, and inventory of surgical instruments and equipment.
• Support the surgery team by cleaning tables, equipment, and patient areas after each procedure.
• Safely transport and position patients for surgery and recovery.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth workflow in the surgery department.
• Provide exemplary customer service while maintaining professionalism and teamwork.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of clinical experience in a veterinary setting; surgery experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Must maintain California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) within 60 days of hire.

Why Join AVS?Be part of a team that is committed to delivering the highest standard of veterinary care in a collaborative, professional, and compassionate environment.

• Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, disability and life insurances, flex-spending accounts, 401(k), Employee Assistance Program, 3 weeks accrued paid time off, and uniforms
• Highly competitive and comparable wages based on experience and skill set.
• Competitive Vet Assistant and RVT CE allowance annually
• VetBloom access: Race approved continuing education, training, and curriculum library
• Opportunities for growth and advancement