Emergency Veterinary Technician (Swing) - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

Position Overview Emergency Veterinary Technicians are under the direct guidance and supervision of the doctor. They assist practitioners to the fullest extent to improve the quality of care for patients at Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists and help achieve greater efficiency by handling technical work and administrative tasks. At Pacific and Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists in Santa Cruz, California, our team shares a passion for exceptional patient care and teamwork. We work closely across departments to ensure every pet receives the highest quality of care and every client feels supported. Team members are encouraged to grow their skills through mentorship, continuing education, and hands‑on experience. Key Responsibilities Prepare for shifts by stocking exam rooms and treatment areas, setting up syringes, catheter kits, and ensuring drugs and equipment are ready. Provide restraint for examination and treatment. Assist the doctor with anesthesia: prepare patients for surgery, monitor patients during surgery and recovery, assist in surgery, administer fluids, and perform supportive therapies. Clean, pack, and autoclave surgical materials; keep the operating room stocked and prepared. Assist in treatment procedures including wound care, monitoring anesthesia, monitoring fluid administration, reading ECGs and blood pressure, and performing emergency medication administration. Maintain accurate and timely charts of all patient progress and treatments; enter all charges into the computer system. Perform clinic laboratory procedures such as blood chemistries, CBC, electrolytes, heartworm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; prepare samples for shipping. Take radiographs. Provide care and comfort in ICU and kennels, including changing bedding, assessing pain, and administering pain medication. Admit and discharge patients per doctor’s orders, ensuring proper grooming and medical state; answer client questions and provide follow‑up information. Assist the receptionist when necessary and perform receptionist duties during absences. Maintain inventory of supplies, report low stock, rotate products, and keep labeling correct. Perform cleaning tasks on daily, weekly, and monthly schedules to maintain hospital cleanliness. Advancement Veterinary Technicians will receive training and support to reach their full potential. Specialized interests such as radiology or anesthesiology are encouraged through continued education and formal training. Qualifications (Required) 3+ years of emergency case experience. Proficiency in IV catheter placement (IVC) and venipuncture. Experience with radiographs. Strong knowledge of safe patient handling techniques. Ability to perform accurate medical calculations. Skilled in CPR. Experience with sedation and general anesthesia (GA). Preferred Skills (Nice to Have) Previous ER hospital experience. Schedule Sunday – Wednesday shifts starting between 2 PM–5 PM (ten‑hour shifts), including one weekend shift per week and some holidays. Four 10‑hour swing shifts. Knowledge RVT or equivalent; minimum 3–5 years in critical care, intensive care, and emergency. Knowledge of patient care procedures, medical supplies ordering, and laboratory testing. Understanding of veterinary instrument care, sterilization, and equipment use. Skills Physical assessment, venipuncture, catheter placement, cystocentesis (blind and ultrasound guided). CPR and critical care assessment. Radiology, anesthesiology, surgical assisting, post‑surgical care. Laboratory tests: CBC, chemistries, UA, viral tests, PT/PTT, etc. Equipment setup and monitoring: Doppler, Cardell, SpO₂, ECG, IV pumps, anesthesia machines. Knowledge of infectious/zoonotic diseases. Physical Effort Work often involves lifting and carrying animals up to 100 lbs; assists are provided for larger animals. Requires standing, walking, and frequent bent positions. Working Conditions Exposure to unpleasant odors, noises, bites, scratches, animal waste, and potential contagious diseases. What We Offer Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster). 401(k) with discretionary contribution. Team member pet discounts. Emotional wellbeing support including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP. CE stipends and career development resources. Grant Circle – a relief fund for personal hardship. Local hospital culture backed by national resources. Pay Range $27 – $30 USD. Equal Opportunity Employer PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V. Privacy Statement PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Please see the privacy notice for additional information about our data practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr