Veterinary Assistant- Surgical Pack and Prep

Surgical Pack and Prep Assistant

Behind every successful surgery there is a dedicated clinical team keeping the operating room running flawlessly. We are hiring a Surgical Pack and Prep Assistant to play a critical role in our team by maintaining sterile environments, preparing specialized equipment, and supporting our veterinarians and technicians through patient prep, procedures, and recovery.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail, teamwork, and a passion for animal health are celebrated.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Clean, maintain, and sterilize surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies
• Prepare, assemble, and package sterile surgical instrument packs following strict aseptic techniques and infection control protocols
• Prepare and open the OR, including connecting anesthesia, initializing cautery and gas analyzers, setting up specialized equipment (e.g., LigaSure), preparing instrument packs, and setting out PPE
• Ensure all equipment is functioning properly and in good repair
• Aseptically prepare surgical sites and open supply packs
• Assist with patient preparation, including blood work, catheter placement, radiographs, and surgical clipping
• Assist with anesthesia induction, patient positioning, monitoring equipment attachment, and arterial line placement
• Assist surgeons and scrub technicians with gowning
• Circulate in the OR to supply necessary instruments and materials
• Clean and shut down the OR post-procedure following established protocols
• Set up radiology equipment, recovery kennels, and bandage supplies as needed
• Assist with bandaging and post-operative recovery
• Stock supplies daily in the OR, prep table, and pack/prep areas
• Process, fold, and store surgical laundry
• Execute the deep cleaning schedule for the OR, autoclaves, and instrument packs

CORE COMPENTENCIES

• Lead by example through positive conduct, strong work ethic, and teamwork
• Support the surgical team and maintain high standards for the care of instruments, equipment, and the OR
• Collaborate effectively with veterinary staff across all departments
• Communicate clearly and supportively with shift colleagues
• Accept feedback constructively and manage time efficiently

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum 1 year of veterinary experience/training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to safely handle, lift, and restrain animal patients during exams and procedures
• Knowledge of veterinary practices, medical terminology, and documentation standards, with a commitment to ongoing learning
• Strong commitment to client service and compassionate care
• Ability to perform foundational assistant tasks (e.g., kennel care, form completion, assisting clinical staff)
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, general computers, and organization

Preferred:

• Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA)
• Familiarity with Fear Free handling techniques
• Experience with Instinct software
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR
• Prior experience in sterile processing or medical instrument assembly and packaging
• Prior surgical or diagnostic imaging experience (training provided for qualified candidates)

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Maintain technical knowledge regarding the use, care, and maintenance of veterinary surgical, laboratory, and imaging equipment
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of veterinary medical terminology, surgical procedures, and practice standards
• Apply familiarity with hospital administration, practice management software, and operational workflows
• Demonstrate proficiency in cleaning, packaging, and sterilization techniques, including autoclave and Ethylene Oxide (EtO)
• Understand OSHA, DEA, and regulatory animal health standards
• Communicate hospital services, products, and medical programs effectively to clients

SAFETY

• Follow OSHA and USP guidelines for safety and handling of hazardous materials
• Follow established hospital safety protocols for animal handling, controlled substances, radiation protection, bite wounds, and equipment use
• Maintain familiarity with federal and state animal health laws, including OSHA and DEA regulations

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Proper safety protocols and protective measures must be followed at all times. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Stand and walk for extended periods
• Bend, kneel, reach, crouch, crawl, and twist to handle patients, restock inventory, and/or move medical equipment
• Occasionally climb or balance and hold animals in awkward, static positions for X-rays and/or maintaining surgical postures
• Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 100 pounds or more with assistance

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Proper safety protocols and protective measures must be followed at all times. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently exposed to risk of radiation
• Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals
• The noise level is usually moderate to loud
• Regular proximity to animal waste, biological fluids, strong pet odors, medical-grade disinfectants, and sharp objects
• Employees will encounter animals and work in environments where zoonotic diseases could be present, posing a risk of transmission
• Involves scheduled on-call, overnight, and weekend coverage depending on hospital needs
• Routinely exposed to strong chemicals, waste anesthetic gases, and the physical risk of being bitten or scratched by stressed patients

Why You Should Consider Us

Our Mission: To Provide Excellence in Care with Love.

We achieve this by:

• Practicing the highest quality team-based care;
• Creating one practice within a multi-specialty environment;
• Caring for our patients, each other, our clients, and our family veterinarians;
• Creating a trusting, emotional, and empathetic bond.

As a member of the Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists team, your desire for medicine and kindness for pets and people is matched with a commitment to your professional growth.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, dental and vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, matching retirement plan, paid vacation and sick leave, uniforms, continuing education allowances, online training, personal pet care discounts, employee assistance program, onsite wellness coach, great work-life integration and more!

We are an organization that takes pride in our collaboration and cohesion within the workplace and we are excited to add another skilled and motivated individual to our team!

More information about our hospital can be found at

• www.4seasonsvetspecialists.com
• https://youtu.be/YHfVfHufi-M
• www.facebook.com/vetspecialistsloveland

WORK REMOTE: NO

Pay: $18.05 - $27.74 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• License reimbursement
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Travel reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Veterinary assistant: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $28