Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) is seeking a full-time Surgery Veterinary Assistant to join our Specialty Surgery team in Charleston, SC. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Veterinary Assistant who is passionate about surgery, anesthesia, and advanced patient care. You'll work alongside board-certified surgeons and experienced Veterinary Technicians while supporting patients throughout every stage of their surgical experience.

Compensation

$17–$22/hour based on experience

Full-Time Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee pet insurance
• Continuing Education (CE) opportunities
• Uniform allowance
• Leadership development and career growth opportunities
• Commitment to work-life balance

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Variable Monday–Friday schedule
• Some on-call responsibilities required based on department needs

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeons, Veterinary Technicians, and specialists during appointments, consultations, and patient evaluations.
• Prepare surgical patients for anesthesia, including patient setup and pre-operative preparation.
• Assist with patient restraint, positioning, and monitoring before and after procedures.
• Scrub in and assist veterinarians during surgical procedures while maintaining sterile technique.
• Prepare, clean, and organize operating rooms before and after surgery.
• Clean, sterilize, organize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment.
• Become proficient with specialty surgical instruments, implants, equipment, and supplies.
• Assist with anesthesia preparation and patient recovery under the direction of the veterinary team.
• Obtain patient vital signs and assist with diagnostic procedures as directed.
• Perform laboratory testing and fill prescriptions as assigned.
• Maintain accurate medical records and support efficient workflow throughout the Surgery department.
• Follow OSHA regulations and hospital safety standards.
• Demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and compassionate patient care in every interaction.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the Surgery service.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Veterinary Assistant preferred
• Specialty or emergency veterinary experience preferred
• Previous surgical or anesthesia experience preferred
• Experience with advanced patient handling and restraint
• Strong interest in surgery and advanced veterinary medicine
• Excellent communication, organizational, and teamwork skills
• Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced specialty hospital
• Experience with EzyVet and SmartFlow preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office preferred
• Ability to safely lift and restrain animals weighing over 50 pounds with assistance when appropriate
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills are a plus
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required

About the Hospital

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) is a leading 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital serving the Lowcountry with advanced veterinary care. Our collaborative team includes specialists in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Cardiology, Emergency & Critical Care, and additional specialty services, allowing us to provide comprehensive care for complex medical and surgical cases.

Our state-of-the-art hospital offers advanced diagnostic and treatment capabilities, providing our teams with the opportunity to practice progressive medicine while continuing to learn and grow alongside experienced specialists and Veterinary Technicians.

Surrounding Areas

Located in Charleston, SC, CVRC is conveniently accessible from Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, James Island, Johns Island, West Ashley, Moncks Corner, and surrounding Lowcountry communities. Charleston offers an outstanding combination of coastal living, historic charm, world-class dining, beautiful beaches, and abundant outdoor recreation, making it an exceptional place to build your veterinary career.

Join Us

Ready to grow your career in specialty veterinary medicine? Apply today to join the Surgery team at Charleston Veterinary Referral Center and help provide exceptional surgical care while working alongside an experienced, collaborative team dedicated to advancing patient care.

Charleston, SC

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next. Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery. Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally. At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.