Veterinary Assistant Surgery

Great Lakes Veterinary Specialists is seeking a detail oriented Veterinary Assistant to join our growing Surgery Team!

Are you looking to take your patient care and expertise to the next level? Are you an experienced VA wanting to expand your knowledge and skillset while working with a variety of cases?

Potential

Schedule:

4-Day work week, alternating on-call opportunities

Compensation
: $15 - $18/ hr based on skill set and experience.

We are a 24/7 Specialty and Emergency hospital staffed with an amazing team of compassionate and experienced veterinarians, highly skilled RVTs and an awesome team of well-trained veterinary assistants. New team members are trained through a mentorship program before working independently. Applicants must have a positive attitude, be a great communicator and an excellent work ethic with 1-2 years working in surgery preferred, but not required.

You must be self‑motivated and able to think on your feet.

• Surgical Support: Assist veterinary surgeons and RVTs during procedures by preparing surgical suites, maintaining a sterile environment, and ensuring all necessary equipment is in place.
• Instrument Preparation: Ensure all surgical instruments are properly sterilized and ready for use, maintaining a meticulous and organized approach to inventory management.
• Sterilization Procedures: Sterilize all surgical instruments and supplies using either autoclave sterilizers and be trained and certified to use the gas sterilizer.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed records of surgical procedures, anesthesia protocols, and patient vitals.
• Pre‑ and Post‑Operative Care: Assist RVTs with providing pre‑operative patient assessments, IVC, administer medications as directed, intubation, and assist in post‑operative recovery and care.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with the surgery and critical care teams, communicating effectively to ensure seamless coordination of patient care.
• Client
  
  Education:
  
  Provide pre and post‑operative care instructions to pet owners and address any questions or concerns they may have.

We are passionate about our team's health and wellness and continue to foster a culture where asking questions is welcome, and training is the expectation. At VCA we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity, and strive to be a place where a talented mix of people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

We not only work hard, but we also play hard too. Our newly renovated hospital leaves a lot of room for activities, including our pop‑up staff appreciation party, which included a week‑long list of games, events, and prizes. We have a training system for new associates to assist you in acclimating to a new hospital. During the winter months we host a monthly craft night, if that is your thing.

We have a discounted food plan that you can subscribe to where fresh meals are delivered right to our hospital for you! And, have you seen our Vet Tech Week? It is epic! This is a small sampling of the gratitude we show our team for being the most compassionate, dedicated veterinary medical professionals around.

• Leadership opportunities (career growth potential)
• Hefty discounts to Vet Girl
  , RECOVER and Fear Free Certification
• Free wellness subscriptions (Head Space)
• Referral bonuses
• Competitive wage
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Life, long and short‑term disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Infertility Benefits
• Paid vacation and sick time
• 401(k)
• Free access to Plumbs, and educational platforms such as Vetfolio

Candidates must be positive and motivated. The hospital team meets frequently, and your ideas and suggestions are encouraged to help us continue to grow. Our team takes pride in fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and recognition while being adaptable, goal‑driven, and engaged. We work hard to protect our culture and ensure we hire associates that are going to have the determination to rise above obstacles, wear multiple hats, and work as a team.

Ready to grow with a collaborative and supportive team?

The information in this position description indicates the…