ER/ICU Hospital Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About Us: Why Cerro Alto?

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is a privately owned specialty and emergency practice committed to both healing and education. Our team of board-certified specialists, experienced emergency doctors, registered veterinary technicians, assistants, and client service professionals work collaboratively to provide exceptional medical care while fostering a supportive, respectful, and positive workplace.

As a new, state-of-the-art facility, we are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including a 128-slice CT scanner, fluoroscopy, digital radiology, ultrasound, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and endoscopy. Our hospital includes full-time boarded surgery, radiology, and oncology services, part-time cardiology and internal medicine services, and a 24/7 emergency department supported by experienced emergency veterinarians.

At Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, we are deeply committed to mentorship, continuing education, and professional growth. We recognize the demands of veterinary medicine and strive to balance clinical excellence with sustainability, teamwork, and long-term career fulfillment.

Position Overview : Hospital Assistant

Hospital Assistants support the daily operations by playing an essential role in patient care and sanitation. As a Hospital Assistant, you will work closely with our experienced Veterinary Assistants and RVTs to coordinate the care and maintenance of our hospitalized and boarded patients. You will also support hospital operations by maintaining a sanitary environment and keeping our essential hospital supplies stocked. 

Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide daily care for hospitalized and boarding animals, including feeding, walking, cleaning, and monitoring comfort
• Observe patients for changes in appetite, behavior, mobility, or elimination and promptly report findings
• Assist with safe handling, restraint, and transport of animals within the hospital as directed by senior staff
• Maintain patient housing areas in accordance with hospital infection control and biosecurity protocols
• Clean and disinfect kennels, runs, cages, and animal housing areas routinely and as needed
• Maintain cleanliness of all hospital spaces, including: treatment and ICU areas, exam rooms, lobby and client waiting areas, employee break rooms and storage areas, employee and client restrooms
• Perform routine facility tasks including: taking out trash and regulated medical/biohazard waste, sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down counters, exam tables and common surfaces, washing dishes and performing laundry duties, restocking cleaning and patient care supplies
• Ensure all cleaning agents and disinfectants are used safely and in accordance with hospital infection control policies and OSHA guidelines
• Process patient samples on in-house lab equipment, including blood and urine

These duties represent the essential functions of the position but are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Qualifications & Skills

• This is an entry-level position ; prior veterinary, kennel, shelter, or animal care experience is not required, but is preferred
• Genuine interest in animal care and working in a veterinary hospital environment
• An interest in learning and growing your skill sets
• Ability to follow instructions, adhere to protocols, and work collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail
• Ability to safely perform the essential physical functions of the role, including standing for extended periods, lifting and transporting patients, performing repetitive cleaning tasks, and working in a physically demanding environment

Scheduling & Availability Requirements

• This position is based in a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital.
• For full-time: reliable availability to work three to four 10-hour shifts or four to five 8-hour shifts
• For part-time: reliable availability to work at least two 10-hour shifts or two 8-hour shifts
• Requests for schedule modifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be considered where reasonable and consistent with business operations and applicable law.

What We Offer

• Compensation of $18.50-$21.50 per hour based on experience and skill level
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match for eligible employees
• Paid sick time and vacation time for eligible employees
• A collaborative, respectful workplace culture
• Exposure to emergency and specialty veterinary medicine in a modern facility
• The opportunity to live and work in San Luis Obispo, with access to outdoor recreation, wineries, and a vibrant community

Shift Differentials

We recognize the value of overnight and weekend coverage and offer additional compensation for eligible hours worked:

• Overnight Differential : +$3.00/hour for hours worked between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Weekend Differential : +$3.00/hour for hours worked between Friday at 8:00 PM and Monday at 6:00 AM

These differentials are separate and cumulative . Team members working eligible overnight hours during the weekend differential period may earn both differentials, providing the opportunity to earn up to an additional $6.00/hour above their base rate.

Join Our Team!

If you are new to the veterinary field and looking to grow your career in emergency and specialty medicine, we would love to hear from you! Join us in shaping the future of veterinary medicine while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families.

For more information about Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, visit our website at We look forward to welcoming you to the Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital team!