Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Veterinary Assistant, Surgery
Starting at $16/hr. | +$2/hr. Partial Night/ $3/hr. Weekend Differentials
Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists| Houston, TX

Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care? Do you excel in dynamic, fast-paced settings where every day brings something new? If you're a highly organized, compassionate, and energetic team player with strong collaboration skills, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is looking for you to join our team as a Veterinary Surgery Assistant.

Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is a leader in specialized care for companion animals, known for excellence and collaboration with the veterinary community. Our state-of-the-art facility and expert team provide top-tier care across a range of specialties, including emergency, cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery, and more. Join us and make a difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.

Compensation:

• Starting at $16/hr., based on experience
• +$2/hr. Partial Night Differential (after 7pm)
• +$3/hr. Weekend Differentials

Full-Time Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life and Disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
• Professional development and tuition assistance
• Uniform stipend
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Full-Time
  • Monday - Friday
  • 10:00am – 7:00pm
• Rotating Saturdays required

Job Description:
As a Surgery Assistant in a specialty hospital such as Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, you will be a part of an elite team. This role is highly technical and demanding - combining extensive knowledge of surgical support with advanced patient care. Your duties will go beyond those of a general practice assistant and require specialized knowledge surrounding advanced surgical procedures, surgical preparation, increased instrumentation knowledge, and departmental support.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain operating room cleanliness, equipment, anesthesia machines, and monitors; assist with post-procedure turnover and sterilization workflows
• Assist with patient care including restraint, grooming, discharge preparation, ICU/kennel support, and client service assistance
• Perform preliminary diagnostics and lab work (IV catheters, vitals, ECGs, blood/urine collection, in-house lab testing)
•  Prepare, calculate, document, and administer medications, CRIs, blood transfusions, and controlled substances per doctor/LVT direction
• Assist with anesthetic induction, monitoring, pain management, and recovery under supervision
• Provide surgical support including site prep, sterile technique, scrubbing, circulating, instrumentation handling, and minor procedures
• Accurately document anesthesia, surgical procedures, treatments, diagnostics, and invoicing codes
• Handle reference lab submissions (histopathology, cultures, uroliths) following proper protocols
• Clean, wrap, sterilize, and organize surgical instruments and suites
• Operate diagnostic imaging equipment (radiography, CT, MRI) and follow all safety standards
• Perform advanced technical procedures as trained (arterial lines, nerve blocks, epidurals)

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: Previous experience in a surgical or specialty veterinary setting is preferred.
• Minimum of 2-year experience in general or specialty veterinary service.
• Technical Skills: Strong technical skills are essential, including:
  • Venipuncture and IV catheter placement
  • Intubation/Extubation experience
  • Surgical preparation and assistance
  • Proficiency in diagnostic imaging and laboratory procedures
• Experience handling and processing surgical instruments, including specialized equipment
• Adapts positively to the ever-changing healthcare environment by supporting technology and process changes.
• Must possess excellent listening and interpersonal skills and problem-solving methods.
• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!

Why choose GCVS?

• Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
• Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
• 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.

About GCVS
At GCVS, we offer a comprehensive range of veterinary specialties, including emergency and critical care, anesthesia and pain management, avian and exotic animal medicine, cardiology, dermatology and allergy care, diagnostic imaging, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, ophthalmology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and surgery and orthopedics. Join us and become part of a team that strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families every day.

Nearby Communities
GCVS attracts Veterinary Technicians from throughout the Greater Houston area, including:

• Houston, TX
• Pearland, TX
• Friendswood, TX
• League City, TX
• Webster, TX
• Clear Lake, TX
• Pasadena, TX
• Baytown, TX
• Sugar Land, TX
• Missouri City, TX
• Katy, TX
• Richmond, TX
• Cypress, TX
• Spring, TX
• The Woodlands, TX
• Humble, TX
• Kingwood, TX
• Channelview, TX
• La Porte, TX
• Deer Park, TX

Know Someone Amazing?
If this role isn't the right fit but you know a great Veterinary Technician, send them our way!
Email Craig.Rizzo@ethosvet.com to learn more about current opportunities.

About Ethos Veterinary Health  

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next. Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery. Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally. At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.  

Join Us  
At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.  
Candidates can confidentially submit their CV to Talent Acquisition Partner Craig at Craig.Rizzo@ethosvet.com

Equal Opportunity Employer  
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.