Veterinary Technician

Location:

River Forest, IL
Job Type: Full‑Time
Compensation: $20.00–$24.00 per hour (based on experience)

Are you a skilled Veterinary Technician with a passion for surgical care? River Forest Animal Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Technician to join our dedicated team and play a vital role in providing exceptional surgical support for our patients.

River Forest Animal Hospital is a well‑established, 6‑doctor, full‑service small animal hospital that has proudly served the community since 1952. We are committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized care through every stage of a pet’s life. Our collaborative culture values growth, innovation, and teamwork—your skills and ideas truly matter here.

Learn more about us at

As a Veterinary Technician, your responsibilities will include:

• Assist veterinarians during exams, treatments, and surgical procedures
• Prepare animals for surgery (shaving, cleaning, positioning, monitoring anesthesia)
• Monitor patients’ vital signs before, during, and after procedures
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed
• Collect samples (blood, urine, feces) and run basic laboratory tests
• Take and process X‑rays and other diagnostic images
• Provide nursing care: wound care, catheter placement, fluid therapy, feeding support
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and exam rooms
• Care for hospitalized animals (medication schedules, comfort, observation)
• Educate clients on post‑treatment care, medications, nutrition, and preventive care
• Maintain medical records and update patient charts
• Handle patient restraint safely and humanely
• Stock supplies and assist with inventory management
• Answer phones, support appointments, and assist with client communication

• Supportive Environment:
  Opportunities for continued learning and professional development to expand your surgical and anesthesia skills
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work alongside experienced veterinarians and technicians in a culture that values communication and teamwork
• High Standards of Care:
  Be part of a practice committed to exceptional patient care and client service

• Minimum 2 years of veterinary technician experience (surgical and anesthesia experience preferred)
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and efficient in high‑pressure situations
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety
• Passion for advancing skills in surgery and anesthesia

• Weekdays: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Rotating Saturdays
• Hospital hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Full‑time employees are eligible for:

• Vacation/Sick/Holiday Pay
• Employee pet discounts
• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance
• Paid time off (including sick time)

Full‑time employees are also eligible for: medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, disability and life insurance, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees.

For positions based in Colorado, eligible employees receive paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.