Veterinary Assistant - Surgery

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Are you an experienced Veterinary Technician with strong surgical and anesthesia experience looking to grow your career in a high-level specialty environment?

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center (AESC) Chattanooga is seeking a skilled and clinically confident Veterinary Technician to support our Surgery Department. While licensure in Tennessee is preferred, we are open to highly experienced surgical technicians with significant anesthesia and perioperative experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Veterinary Technician who thrives in a fast-paced specialty hospital and is eager to refine advanced surgical and anesthesia skills.

• Monday – Thursday (Day Shift)
• Rotating on-call weekend requirement once fully trained
  (On-call support required if a surgery case is called in)

This consistent weekday schedule provides strong structure, while on-call participation supports our commitment to emergency surgical care.

Animal Emergency & Specialty Center is a trusted provider of advanced veterinary emergency and specialty medicine in the Chattanooga, TN region. Our collaborative team includes experienced surgeons, emergency clinicians, and highly trained support staff dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care.

We are proud to offer:

• A collaborative, team-oriented specialty environment
• Access to advanced surgical procedures and complex case management
• State-of-the-art monitoring and anesthesia equipment
• A culture that prioritizes professional growth and clinical excellence
• A strong, well-established referral network in the Chattanooga community

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and monitor general anesthesia for soft tissue, orthopedic, and emergency surgical procedures
• Perform thorough anesthetic calculations and individualized patient protocols
• Monitor vital parameters including ECG, blood pressure (including invasive BP), SpO₂, ETCO₂, and anesthetic gas analysis
• Operate ventilators and advanced monitoring equipment
• Adjust anesthesia based on patient condition and surgeon direction

• Prepare patients for surgery including catheter placement, clipping, sterile prep, and positioning
• Maintain sterile technique and assist surgeons intraoperatively
• Support advanced procedures including orthopedic and specialty soft tissue cases

• Provide diligent patient monitoring during recovery
• Recognize and respond appropriately to anesthetic complications
• Assist in stabilization of emergency surgical cases

• Maintain accurate anesthesia and surgical records
• Ensure compliance with hospital protocols and standards of care

• Work closely with surgeons, ER doctors, and fellow technicians
• Participate in ongoing training and skill development

Qualifications & Experience

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in veterinary anesthesia and surgical support
• Strong working knowledge of anesthetic agents, monitoring equipment, and emergency response protocols
• Experience in a high-volume general practice, emergency, or specialty hospital
• Confidence managing complex surgical cases
• Ability to work on-call weekend rotations once trained

• Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT/CVT/RVT) in Tennessee
• Experience in specialty or referral hospital settings
• Advanced anesthesia training or interest in pursuing specialty growth

• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills
• Calm, focused demeanor during high-pressure cases
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Commitment to high standards of patient care
• Desire to grow within a specialty surgical environment

• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Lift and assist with patients up to 40 pounds
• Perform physical tasks associated with surgical preparation and emergency response

What We Offer at AESC Chattanooga

As part of the Innovetive Petcare network, AESC Chattanooga offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our veterinary support teams — including Licensed Veterinary Technicians — both professionally and personally.

We recognize the advanced skillset required to thrive in specialty surgical medicine and believe in rewarding that expertise.

• Competitive hourly pay based on experience and clinical skill level
• Shift differentials where applicable
• On-call compensation for weekend surgical support
• Overtime pay in accordance with state and federal guidelines

• Annual CE allowance to support continuing education
• Paid CE days for approved professional development
• Access to specialty-level mentorship and advanced surgical training
• Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications (including VTS pathways)
• Internal training resources through Innovetive Petcare

We are committed to supporting Licensed Veterinary Technicians who want to grow their clinical skillset in anesthesia, surgical monitoring, and specialty medicine.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Generous employee pet care discounts
• Discounted services and products for your pets
• Access to advanced specialty care for your own animals

• Growth pathways within AESC and across the Innovetive Petcare network
• Leadership development opportunities
• Cross-training in emergency and specialty departments
• Potential advancement into lead or supervisory technician roles

• Work alongside experienced surgeons and emergency clinicians
• State-of-the-art anesthesia and surgical equipment
• A team environment that values technician input and clinical autonomy
• A culture that prioritizes excellence in patient care and mutual respect