Surgery Veterinary Technician

VCA Arboretum View Animal Hospital is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join our Surgery Department! 

Compensation: $22-32 / hour. Starting range is determined by skill set and years of experience in the field. Financial growth opportunities available.  A $4,000 sign-on bonus is available to eligible new hires. Terms and conditions apply.

Schedule: Full-time opportunity, 4 x 10 hour weekday shifts. Upon complete training with the Surgery Service (commonly three months), associates will train to perform on-call surgery duties (Weekdays, weekends, and holidays). Bonuses apply! 

Position Overview: As a Veterinary Technician in our Surgery/Anesthesia Service, you will play a crucial role in assisting our Veterinary Surgeons in providing exceptional care to our patients. This position offers an exciting opportunity for an individual who is passionate about surgical and anesthesia procedures and eager to grow their technical skills.  

Responsibilities: 

As a member of the VCA Surgical team, you will help creating a positive, low-stress atmosphere for our clients and patients. The skills that will be utilized include, but are not limited to: 

• Planning and Calculations: Complete pre-operative anesthesia planning. Calculate drug dosages and administer pre/induction medications. Calculate and deliver constant rate infusions. 

• Surgical Support: Assist veterinary surgeons during procedures by preparing surgical suites, maintaining a sterile environment, and ensuring all necessary equipment is in place. 

• Anesthesia Monitoring: Monitor and adjust anesthesia levels during surgeries, ensuring the safety and well-being of the patients (heart rate, respiratory rate, end-tidal/inspired CO2, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, body temperature, basic ECG tracings). 

• Pre- and Post-Operative Care: Provide pre-operative patient assessments, IVC, administer medications as directed, intubation, and assist in post-operative recovery and care. 

• Instrument Preparation: Ensure all surgical instruments are properly sterilized and ready for use, maintaining a meticulous and organized approach to inventory management. 

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and detailed records of surgical procedures, anesthesia protocols, and patient vitals. 

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the surgery and anesthesia teams, communicating effectively to ensure seamless coordination of patient care. 

• Client Education: Provide post-operative care instructions to pet owners and address any questions or concerns they may have 

• Develop Skills: Perform or be trained in safe practice of locoregional anesthesia technique, arterial catheterization, and CPCR. 

VCA offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and professional development of its associates. Key benefits include: 

• Mental Health: Access to the Lyra mental health platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources. 

• Full Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options, as well as fertility benefits. 

• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave. 

• Financial Support: 100% employer-paid short-term and long- 

• Protection: Access to the Better Together Fund for crisis support in qualifying situations. 

• Perks: Rabies prophylaxis vaccine and titer testing.
• Education: Continuing Education (CE) allowance for veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, along with access to WOOF University®, which includes RACE-approved courses. 

• Latest Tech & Innovation: Opportunities to work with the latest technology and programs that encourage innovation and creativity, such as VCA Next. 

• Sponsorships: Penn Foster and VTNE test prep sponsorships, as well as VTNE prep courses. 

• Discounts: Discounted Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly certifications, along with VETGirl and VIN subscriptions. 

• Freebies: Free NAVTA membership and a free subscription to Plumb’s. 

• Programs: Leadership development and mentorship programs. 

• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with increasing employer contribution. 

• Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal to one year’s salary. 

• Pet Care Perks: Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs. 

• Advisory Services: Student loan advisory services, tools, and resources. 

• Legal Resources: Access to legal resources for common legal services. 

• Transfer Opportunities: Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities. 

Apply Today! Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of animals. We look forward to welcoming a new team member dedicated to excellence in veterinary care. 

Location: 2551 Warrenville Rd, Downers Grove, IL 60515 

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.