Licensed Veterinary Technician (Surgery) - Columbia River Veterinary Specialists

PetVet Care Centers' Columbia River Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking a Licensed Veterinary Technician (Surgery) 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 supportCareer mobility and development opportunitiesA collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes firstYou care for pets. We care for you.Signing Bonus Eligibility:Up to $3,000 Sign-On BonusMust commit to a full-time scheduleRequires a one-year commitmentBonus is subject to repayment if employment ends before the one-year anniversaryPosition OverviewJoin our team as a Licensed Veterinary Technician who supports hospital operations by providing dedicated quality veterinary care and exceptional service to our patients and clients. Responsibilities include providing patient care by determining animal requirements, conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures, assisting during surgery and operations, providing nursing care, assisting with feeding and caring for patients, maintaining medical supplies and equipment, overseeing triage and discharging patients, and maintaining patient medical records.Columbia River Veterinary Specialists in Vancouver, Washington, is a specialty and emergency hospital providing advanced care across multiple disciplines. The highly skilled team works collaboratively to deliver exceptional outcomes for complex cases.Basic SkillsAble to work in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment while maintaining composure and professional demeanorAble to work well with others in a supportive and collaborative environmentAble to restrain, lift, and transport patients safelyAble to learn basic computer systems including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Outlook as well as veterinary-based software systemsProvide excellent customer service and maintain a professional demeanor via phone and in-person while assisting clientsObtain and record accurate patient information including but not limited to signalment, health history, and medication regimensKeep clients up to date on their pet’s status while in the care of the Surgery team and inform clients on care plans, financial costs, and policies. Communicates any concerns directly to Surgery manager in a timely mannerJob DutiesPerform and assist in patient procedures/appointments in the areas of Cardiology, Surgery, Radiology, Emergency, and Critical Care medicineMaintain patient comfort and cleanliness both preemptively and activelyAdminister high quality patient care through timely monitoring and completion of treatments as directed by Surgeon or staff DVM and immediately reports change in patient conditionAccurately calculate and administer drug doses/dosages, IV fluid rates, and fluid additives for continuous rate infusionPerform basic skills including but not limited to venipuncture, IV catheterization, and urinary catheterizationPerform automated laboratory tests including but not limited to use of in-house equipment such as Catalyst, VetStat, ProCyte, Heska EPOC, and SCA2000Safely perform various radiographic techniques on alert, sedated, and anesthetized patientsPerform manual laboratory analysis including but not limited to blood smear evaluation, PCV/TS, blood typing and cross-matching, fecal analysis, and urinalysisLearn and perform advanced skills including but not limited to intermittent positive pressure ventilation, local/regional nerve blocks including epidurals, placement of arterial lines and invasive blood pressure monitoring, placement of nasogastric tubes, and placement of central IV linesInduce, monitor, and recover patients from anesthesia for elective and emergent surgical proceduresScrub in and assist with surgical procedures while maintaining asepsisAssists in equipment maintenance and regular quality control procedures as needed. Trouble shoots equipment failure and reports issues to Surgery or Facilities manager. Cleans and sterilizes surgical instruments in a timely fashion; Reports broken or dull instruments to the Surgery manager. Perform other medical tasks under appropriate supervision as dictated in WAC 246-935-050Hospital EnvironmentMaintains a clean and safe work environment for patients, clients, and all staff members, including the use of PPE where indicatedCan tolerate loud noises generated by medical equipment and patientsEducationHigh school diploma or GEDGraduation from certified Veterinary Technology programCurrent or eligible for licensure in state of WashingtonMinimum of 2 years in veterinary fieldExperience in specialty veterinary medicine is preferred but not requiredQualifications (Required)High School Diploma or GEDLicensed Veterinary Technician in Washington or ability to become Licensed in the State of Washington if licensed in another state within 90 days of hireExcellent Written and Verbal Communication skillsThe ability to lift, push and pull up to 40lbsAbility to withstand long hours of standing, squatting, kneeling and walkingBasic computer skillsAdapt to an ever-changing work environmentMaintain objectivity during highly stressful/emotional situationsKeep a positive and professional demeanor during interactions with clients and team members, leading by exampleHas 2 or more years of Surgery / Anesthesia experiencePreferred Skills (Nice To Have)Function as charge nurse in respective department/area. Provide excellent documentation including client communications, treatments, anesthetic monitoring, and controlled drug logs (Cubex)Ability to give clear and concise rounds with relevant patient informationEducate other staff members with your skills/knowledge whenever possibleProficient in phlebotomy, cystocentesis, canine urinary catheter placement and NG tube placement. Able to perform treatments/fluid therapy when given doseAbility to perform CPR including chest compressions, intubation, and breath administration. Direct others during a code. Ability to collect vital, pertinent information from distraught owners when patients are critical. Ability to perform advanced laboratory skills including cell morphology review, urine dry prep slide review and fecal review. Excellent/effective triage skills including being able to communicate with client status of patient and treatments we are implementingAbility to perform phone triage confidently, kindly, and effectively with clients. Start immediate stabilization on patients under doctor directionUnderstand relevant CBC/CHEM valuesUnderstand the use, common doses and contraindications of all medications administeredBlood transfusion therapy including collection, administration, and transfusion reactionsAlbumin/Plasma transfusion therapy including administration and transfusion reactionsIdentify obvious murmurs, arrythmias and pulse deficitsExcellent anesthetic skills with knowledge of common side effects and immediate actions necessary to combat them. Ability to monitor and record sedation/anesthetic events with confidenceKnow anesthetic medications, their normal range for dosing, side effects, and contraindicationsScheduleWednesday to Friday; 7AM-7PMMay have to stay late for emergency surgeries. What We OfferWe care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:Medical, dental, and vision insurancePaid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)401(k) with discretionary contributionTeam Member Pet DiscountsEmotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAPCE stipends and career development resourcesGrant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardshipLocal hospital culture backed by national resourcesPay Range$30.50—$37 USDAt 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 420 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. 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