Veterinary Technician - Surgery

Department: Veterinary TechniciansLocation: Chattanooga, Tennessee DescriptionAre you an experienced Veterinary Technician with strong surgical and anesthesia experience looking to grow your career in a high-level specialty environment?Animal Emergency & Specialty Center (AESC) Chattanooga is seeking a skilled and clinically confident Veterinary Technician to support our Surgery Department. While licensure in Tennessee is preferred, we are open to highly experienced surgical technicians with significant anesthesia and perioperative experience.This is an excellent opportunity for a Veterinary Technician who thrives in a fast-paced specialty hospital and is eager to refine advanced surgical and anesthesia skills.ScheduleMonday – Thursday (Day Shift)Rotating on-call weekend requirement once fully trained (On-call support required if a surgery case is called in)This consistent weekday schedule provides strong structure, while on-call participation supports our commitment to emergency surgical care.Animal Emergency & Specialty Center is a trusted provider of advanced veterinary emergency and specialty medicine in the Chattanooga, TN region. Our collaborative team includes experienced surgeons, emergency clinicians, and highly trained support staff dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care.We are proud to offer:A collaborative, team-oriented specialty environmentAccess to advanced surgical procedures and complex case managementState-of-the-art monitoring and anesthesia equipmentA culture that prioritizes professional growth and clinical excellenceA strong, well-established referral network in the Chattanooga communityKey ResponsibilitiesAnesthesia & Surgical SupportAdminister and monitor general anesthesia for soft tissue, orthopedic, and emergency surgical proceduresPerform thorough anesthetic calculations and individualized patient protocolsMonitor vital parameters including ECG, blood pressure (including invasive BP), SpO₂, ETCO₂, and anesthetic gas analysisOperate ventilators and advanced monitoring equipmentAdjust anesthesia based on patient condition and surgeon directionSurgical AssistancePrepare patients for surgery including catheter placement, clipping, sterile prep, and positioningMaintain sterile technique and assist surgeons intraoperativelySupport advanced procedures including orthopedic and specialty soft tissue casesPerioperative & Critical Care SupportProvide diligent patient monitoring during recoveryRecognize and respond appropriately to anesthetic complicationsAssist in stabilization of emergency surgical casesDocumentation & ComplianceMaintain accurate anesthesia and surgical recordsEnsure compliance with hospital protocols and standards of careTeam CollaborationWork closely with surgeons, ER doctors, and fellow techniciansParticipate in ongoing training and skill developmentQualifications & ExperienceRequired:2+ years of hands-on experience in veterinary anesthesia and surgical supportStrong working knowledge of anesthetic agents, monitoring equipment, and emergency response protocolsExperience in a high-volume general practice, emergency, or specialty hospitalConfidence managing complex surgical casesAbility to work on-call weekend rotations once trainedPreferred:Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT/CVT/RVT) in TennesseeExperience in specialty or referral hospital settingsAdvanced anesthesia training or interest in pursuing specialty growthSkills & Attributes We’re Looking ForStrong clinical judgment and critical thinking skillsCalm, focused demeanor during high-pressure casesExceptional attention to detailCommitment to high standards of patient careDesire to grow within a specialty surgical environmentPhysical RequirementsAbility to stand for extended periodsLift and assist with patients up to 40 poundsPerform physical tasks associated with surgical preparation and emergency responseWhat We Offer at AESC Chattanooga As part of the Innovetive Petcare network, AESC Chattanooga offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our veterinary support teams — including Licensed Veterinary Technicians — both professionally and personally.We recognize the advanced skillset required to thrive in specialty surgical medicine and believe in rewarding that expertise.💰 Competitive CompensationCompetitive hourly pay based on experience and clinical skill levelShift differentials where applicableOn-call compensation for weekend surgical supportOvertime pay in accordance with state and federal guidelines🎓 Continuing Education & Professional GrowthAnnual CE allowance to support continuing educationPaid CE days for approved professional developmentAccess to specialty-level mentorship and advanced surgical trainingOpportunities to pursue advanced certifications (including VTS pathways)Internal training resources through Innovetive PetcareWe are committed to supporting Licensed Veterinary Technicians who want to grow their clinical skillset in anesthesia, surgical monitoring, and specialty medicine.🏥 Comprehensive Health & Wellness BenefitsMedical, dental, and vision insurance options401(k) retirement plan with employer matchPaid Time Off (PTO)Paid holidaysCompany-paid life and disability insuranceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)🐾 Veterinary Professional PerksGenerous employee pet care discountsDiscounted services and products for your petsAccess to advanced specialty care for your own animals📈 Career Advancement OpportunitiesGrowth pathways within AESC and across the Innovetive Petcare networkLeadership development opportunitiesCross-training in emergency and specialty departmentsPotential advancement into lead or supervisory technician roles🤝 Supportive, Collaborative CultureWork alongside experienced surgeons and emergency cliniciansState-of-the-art anesthesia and surgical equipmentA team environment that values technician input and clinical autonomyA culture that prioritizes excellence in patient care and mutual respect