Equine Anesthesia Technician

Performs pre-anesthetic evaluation of horses; administers anesthetic agents; and prepares, monitors, and supports patients throughout anesthesia and recovery. Oversee the proper maintenance of anesthesia equipment and orders supplies and medications as needed. This role requires prior anesthesia experience, graduation from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary technology, successful completion of the VTNE, and remain in good standing with the DORA.

Wages and Benefits

$21-$25 per hour; benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; supplemental benefit options; a 401(k) match after 6 months; competitive PTO accrual; and a continuing education stipend. A full benefits package is available upon request with a completed application.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and monitor anesthesia for equine surgical and medical procedures.
• Prepare patients for surgery, including pre-anesthetic exams, bloodwork review, risk assessment, intubation, and medication/fluid administration.
• Place and maintain IV catheters; perform venipuncture and blood collection.
• Calculate and administer anesthetic drugs, emergency medications, and IV fluids appropriate to each patient.
• Monitor patients during anesthesia and recovery, providing sedation or emergency support as needed.
• Maintain accurate anesthetic records, controlled drug logs, and medication reports.
• Assist veterinarians with emergency cases, critical care admissions, and triage.
• Develop anesthetic protocols in collaboration with surgeons and medical staff.
• Train interns, technician students, and new employees in anesthesia procedures and protocols.
• Maintain anesthesia equipment, supplies, oxygen inventory, and surgical/induction areas.
• Provide field anesthesia support and remain on call for surgical emergencies as required.
• Communicate with clients and assist with euthanasia procedures when requested.
• Follow hospital guidelines for isolation patients and safety protocols.
• Produce and process high-quality radiographs.
• Maintain current veterinary technician certification or equivalent credentials.

Education/Experience: Graduation from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary technology and successful completion of the VTNE are required. Candidates must be in good standing with the applicable state veterinary technician governing association (e.g., CACVT). Equine-related experience and/or training is preferred.

Language Skills: Ability to read, understand, and write simple instructions, correspondence, and memos. Ability to communicate effectively one-on-one and in small group settings with clients, customers, and coworkers. 

Math Skills: Ability to calculate drug dosages, dilutions, percentages, rates, ratios, and volumes. Ability to use basic algebra and perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. 

Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply common sense to carry out written, oral, or diagram-based instructions and solve problems involving several variables in standardized situations. 

Computer Skills: Proficiency with standard computer software and ability to learn veterinary systems such as HVMS, e-Film, Keystone, and other practice management software. 

Special Skills: Strong equine handling, restraint, and horsemanship skills. 

Work Environment 

The work environment described here reflects the conditions employees may encounter while performing essential job functions. This role regularly involves outdoor work in all seasons, with occasional exposure to wet or humid conditions and moving mechanical parts. Employees are frequently exposed to radiation and chemicals. Knowledge of MSDS, safe handling practices, and use of personal protective equipment including gloves, masks, and eyewash stations is required. The typical noise level is moderate. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities. This role requires standing for extended periods, jogging horses in hand, and lifting 50–70 pounds.

Salary : $21 - $25