Veterinary Surgery Technician, AERA

Veterinary Surgery Technician

The Animal Emergency & Referral Associates in West Caldwell, NJ is hiring a dedicated and enthusiastic Certified Veterinary Technician to join our Surgery team!

Founded in 1977 by a visionary team of veterinarians, the Animal Emergency Group was created to meet the growing demand for specialized around-the-clock emergency care for pets. As one of the first hospitals in the nation dedicated exclusively to small animal emergency medicine, it set a new standard in veterinary care. Recognizing the need for expanded services, the hospital evolved into Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in the mid-nineties, introducing a range of veterinary specialties to better serve the local pet community. In 2016, AERA further strengthened its commitment to exceptional pet care by expanding its emergency services to operate 24/7, 365 days a year. From its humble beginnings as an after-hours clinic to its status as a premier multi-specialty veterinary hospital, AERA remains dedicated to innovation, expertise, and compassionate care for every pet it serves.

Position Overview:
The purpose of the position is to provide primary support to the Specialist with diagnostics, treatments, and procedures, while ensuring the best quality of care possible for our patients. The Veterinary Nurse must pay attention to detail and maintain very high standards of cleanliness and care. They must be able to communicate well with doctors and coworkers to ensure overall accuracy and satisfaction.

Compensation:

• $26-$38 hourly, based on skills and expereince
• Sign On Bonus offered to qualified candidates!
  • LVT $5000!!
  • VTS $7500!!

Anticipated Schedule:

• Full Time

Key Responsibilities:
To provide care to incoming emergencies with any and all needs, including but not limited to:

• Practice “Fear Free” standards and protocols
• Understand the organization and operations of the department
• Ability to manage the daily OR schedule timely and efficiently
• Ensuring the safety and set-up of each induction station and OR scheduled for the day
• Completing pre-operative testing required for anesthesia (blood draws, radiographs, etc)
• Preparing drugs, fluids, and CRIs for the next surgery
• Pre-medicating patients, setting IVC, and preparing patients for induction
• Assisting Anesthetist with completion of pre-op checklist, induction, and intubation of patient
• Monitoring patient under good anesthetic plane during surgical preparation and local/regional block administration
• Having the knowledge and ability to identify normal vs abnormal vitals and communicating concerns to the anesthetist
• Documenting vitals, recording problems and interventions, ensuring completion of 2nd check list
• Carry out orders from the anesthetist (i.e. changes in anesthesia, drug administration, etc)
• Knowledge of proper surgical scrubbing, gowning, and gloving to assist surgeon in OR
• Instrument and equipment care: cleaning, maintenance, packing, and sterilization
• Complete post-operative diagnostics and other orders
• Recover each patient smoothly with the ability to intervene if delirium, dysphoria, and/or pain is displayed
• Ability to properly assess pain, assign pain score, and treat pain if present
• Knowing, understanding, and ensuring the surgery scheduling protocols are followed
• Ability to communicate effectively and put both clients and patients at ease
• Assist doctors with restraint/handling, suture removals, and medication refills
• Facilitate bandage changes and radiographs for outpatient rechecks
• Provide basic client education on nutrition, home care, zoonotic diseases, medication administration, post-operative care, and all other hospital recommendations/protocols, as directed by the Specialist
• Train less experienced staff members on proper policies, procedures, technical skills, and medical information
• Cross-train to assist in other areas of the hospital as needed work

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Credentialed Veterinary Technician required (LVT, CVT, RVT)
• 2 years’ experience working as a veterinary technician in an emergency or specialty setting
• Knowledge of safety procedures and acceptable sanitation/sterilization practices
• Comprehension of commonly used medical terminology and equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!
• Ability to calculate accurate dosages
• Able to participate in CPR
• Ability to take direction from a variety of people under various situations and accurately follow instructions
• Ability to react quickly and appropriately during emergency situations, and remain calm under pressure
• Excellent communication/people skills
• Must have team-oriented attitude and promote positive culture
• Ability to work with and without direct supervision

Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life and Disability insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Generous CE Allowance
• Uniform stipend
• Free access to VetBloom and Talent Unleashed for RACE-approved continuing education and training
• Paid DoorDash subscription

Why Choose AERA?

• Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
• Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
• Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.
• Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.
• Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.

If you’re ready to take on a rewarding role that combines communication, organization, and compassion, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become an essential part of a team where your efforts truly make a difference—one pet and one family at a time!

For more information about our hospital, please visit

Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.
Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
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.
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