Surgery Veterinary Assistant, AVS

Surgical Veterinary Assistant, AVS in Santa Barbara, CA Compensation & Work Schedule

• Hourly rate:
  Up to $26.00
  /hr (based on skills, qualifications, and experience)
• Up to $1,000 Sign-On Bonus
• Full-time, weekends and holiday flexibility required

Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS) is home to board-certified specialists in surgery, oncology, internal medicine, cardiology, and dentistry, alongside a highly skilled team of emergency veterinarians. We are proud to provide exceptional care to pets and their families. AVS is accredited by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society as a Level II Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Facility
—one of only two in California to hold this distinction.

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our surgery team. This position plays a vital role in supporting our veterinarians and technicians in providing excellent surgical care. If you are detail-oriented, team-focused, and passionate about animal health, we encourage you to apply.

• Provide compassionate care to patients before and after surgery.
• Assist with patient restraint, comfort, and monitoring under the direction of an RVT or veterinarian.
• Prepare surgical suites and recovery areas, ensuring cleanliness and readiness for procedures.
• Assist with surgical prep, including shaving and scrubbing patients according to hospital protocols.
• Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments using autoclaves and gas sterilizers.
• Restock surgical and prep areas with necessary supplies and materials.
• Maintain accurate and organized labeling, storage, and inventory of surgical instruments and equipment.
• Support the surgery team by cleaning tables, equipment, and patient areas after each procedure.
• Safely transport and position patients for surgery and recovery.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth workflow in the surgery department.
• Provide exemplary customer service while maintaining professionalism and teamwork.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of clinical experience in a veterinary setting; surgery experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Must maintain California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) within 60 days of hire.

Be part of a team that is committed to delivering the highest standard of veterinary care in a collaborative, professional, and compassionate environment.

• Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, disability and life insurances, flex‑spending accounts, 401(k), Employee Assistance Program, 3 weeks accrued paid time off, and uniforms
• Highly competitive and comparable wages based on experience and skill set.
• Competitive Vet Assistant and RVT CE allowance annually
• Vet Bloom access:
  Race approved continuing education, training, and curriculum library
• Opportunities for growth and advancement

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.