Specialty Surgery Anesthesia Technician - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

Job Description

Job Description

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking a Specialty Surgery Anesthesia Technician to join their team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide , we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

The purpose of this position is to assist the RVT Tech 1's in the surgery department to ensure that all clients and patients are cared for with efficiency, compassion, and care. The primary focus of the Tech 2 will be client communication, schedule efficiency, and assisting with patient surgery and recovery.

At Pacific and Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists in Santa Cruz, California, our team shares a passion for exceptional patient care and a deep sense of teamwork. We work closely across departments to ensure every pet receives the highest quality of care and every client feels supported.  Our culture is built on collaboration, respect, and learning. Team members are encouraged to grow their skills through mentorship, continuing education, and hands-on experience in a supportive environment. 

Why Join Us:

• Join a collaborative, team-driven environment where growth and advancement are actively supported. Our Emergency Department thrives on strong partnerships between doctors, technicians, assistants, and client care teams, creating a workplace where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed.
• This role offers the opportunity to work alongside skilled surgeons while developing advanced anesthesia, perioperative, and surgical nursing skills in a growing department.
• We are also committed to mentorship and professional development. Through a supportive and collaborative culture, team members are encouraged to expand their knowledge, build confidence, and grow within the field. As our department continues to evolve, we are excited to welcome individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to that progress.

Key Responsibilities

Surgery days

• Review surgery schedule in Cornerstone the day before and discuss flow of patient load with Tech 1. Determine the order of patients and how dismissals and appointments will be scheduled.
• Update surgery board with surgery coordinator; ensure surgery coordinator knows the order of patient surgery; alert surgery coordinator of any client communication that needs to happen before, during, or after surgery
• Immediately upon arrival, round with ICU technician on any surgery patients in ICU with the goal of updating DVM when they arrive for the day;
• Immediately upon arrival, determine any dismissals for the day; review dismissal instructions with DVM to ensure no changes are needed; ensure medications are made up and ready to go; ensure appropriate dismissal appointment is scheduled in Cornerstone and matches surgery dismissal board
• Set up surgery suite for first surgery before induction; ensure all necessary instrumentation is present and set up, including arthroscopy, laparoscopy, ortho packs, laptop, and digital radiology computer; if rDVM films are necessary, ensure that they are loaded and ready to go for surgery
• Assist Tech 1 with patient prep; must be able to place IV catheters, perform peripheral venipuncture; give SQ and IM injections of pain meds/ pre-meds
• Must be able to perform drug dosage calculations (must be signed off by Tech 1)
• Assist doctor with surgical procedures (Scrub nurse); ability to monitor Grade 1 and 2 patients safely during anesthesia(must be checked off by Tech 1)
• While Tech 1 recovers patient in ICU, assist 2nd Tech 1 with 2nd patient prep OR
• Enter all charges for surgery to Cornerstone from the surgical flow sheet and tracking form; write/ finish homecare instructions according to DVM instructions; make up prescription medications or call in to pharmacy (must be checked off by Tech 1)

Appointment days (first 4 tasks of the day are the same)

• Review appointment schedule in Cornerstone the day before and discuss flow of patient load with Tech 1. Determine the order of patients and how dismissals and surgeries will be scheduled.
• Update surgery board with surgery coordinator; ensure surgery coordinator knows the order of patient surgery; alert surgery coordinator of any client communication that needs to happen before, during, or after surgery
• Immediately upon arrival, round with ICU technician on any surgery patients in ICU with the goal of updating DVM when they arrive for the day;
• Immediately upon arrival, determine any dismissals for the day; review dismissal instructions with DVM to ensure no changes are needed; ensure medications are made up and ready to go; ensure appropriate dismissal appointment is scheduled in Cornerstone and matches surgery dismissal board
• Before appointments begin, thoroughly clean and stock both surgery exam rooms; ensure that surgery CT area and hallway (anything a client will see) are clean and free from clutter
• Begin Cornerstone reports for every patient being seen each day
• Before seeing pet, load rDVM radiographs and/or ensure films from rDVM are available for review
• Check in patients and clients for rechecks/ consults; take a brief history in the exam room and relay to DVM
• Assist doctors with consultations; educate and answer client questions regarding surgery and aftercare of patients
• Assist with radiographs, labs, etc during exam
• Use travel sheet to enter all exam charges
• Schedule next recheck appointment with client before they leave the hospital if possible- this can be done in the exam room
• Walk client to front desk
• Clean room and make ready for next appointment

Other duties

• Clean and sterilize all instruments, gloves, drapes and equipment used, so that it will be ready the next time they are needed.
• Keep log of all surgeries done
• Take surgery department inventory on a bi-weekly basis and provide list to inventory manager
• Review sterilization dates on bone instruments and orthopedic implants and inventory/ re-sterilize as needed
• Maintain all anesthetic machines, autoclave, and any other equipment used in surgery
• Thoroughly clean surgery room and area weekly

Qualifications (Required)

• 3 or more years of Anesthesia experience

• Knowledge of sterile technique

• Knowledge of instrument names and cleaning processes

• Can monitor anesthesia independently

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this position

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Specialty experience, including soft tissue and ortho
• Arthroscopy experience
• Knowledge of a ventilator

Schedule

• 4 ten-hour shifts Monday - Friday. Including some holidays.
• On call one weekend a month for emergency surgery

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• 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 team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$30—$32 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a  Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 400 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals , including 1700+ veterinarians , we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy , empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

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

PetVet respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.  Please see our privacy notice for additional information about our data practices.