Veterinary Technician - Surgery and Anesthesia

Department: Veterinary Technicians

Location: Hickory, North CarolinaCompensation: $21.00 - $26.00 / hourDescriptionBuild the Next Chapter of Surgery at CASECarolina Animal Specialty and Emergency (CASE) | Hickory, NCFull-Time | November 2026 Training Start | New Surgical Service Expansion January 2027CASE is growing our Surgery and Anesthesia service with a new surgeon joining the team in January 2027.

We’re looking for an experienced Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant to join the team in November and receive hands-on training ahead of this exciting expansion.If you thrive in a specialty and emergency hospital, enjoy advanced anesthesia, and want to work alongside experienced surgeons and emergency clinicians, this is an opportunity to take your skills to the next level.Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) preferred. Experienced Veterinary Assistants with strong surgery or anesthesia experience are encouraged to apply. What You’ll Do Surgery & AnesthesiaPrepare patients for surgery, anesthesia, and advanced proceduresCalculate and administer anesthetic and perioperative medicationsPerform anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recoveryMonitor ECG, blood pressure, SpO₂, ETCO₂, temperature, and ventilationRecognize anesthetic changes and communicate concerns quicklyAssist with soft tissue and orthopedic surgeryMaintain sterile technique and efficient surgical workflowPrepare instruments, surgical packs, and equipmentProvide post-operative nursing care and pain-management supportEmergency & Critical CareSupport emergency surgical cases and urgent proceduresCare for hospitalized and ICU surgical patientsRecognize changes in patient condition and respond appropriatelyParticipate in CPR and emergency responseCollaborate with Emergency and Critical Care teams during complex casesTechnical NursingIV catheter placement and venipunctureMedication administrationLaboratory diagnostics and radiology supportPatient assessment, monitoring, and nursing careAccurate medical records and treatment documentation What We’re Looking For Previous experience in veterinary surgery, anesthesia, emergency medicine, specialty medicine, or high-volume surgeryStrong understanding of anesthesia monitoring, perioperative nursing, and patient safetyAbility to remain calm, organized, and focused during complex or emergency casesStrong clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, and attention to detailAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced specialty hospitalRVT/LVT/CVT preferredEmergency, specialty, orthopedic, soft tissue surgery, or advanced anesthesia experience preferredRECOVER CPR certification preferred or willingness to obtainExperienced Veterinary Assistants with strong surgery, anesthesia, emergency, critical care, or high-volume spay/neuter experience are encouraged to apply.Physical Requirements & Working ConditionsThis position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced Emergency and Specialty veterinary hospital. Essential functions include:Standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and remaining active for extended periodsSafely lifting, carrying, and assisting with movement of animals and equipment up to 50 pounds, with assistance when neededSafely restraining and positioning canine and feline patients during examinations, diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery, and recoveryPerforming repetitive tasks requiring manual dexterity, including catheter placement, venipuncture, medication administration, anesthesia support, and equipment operationWorking around blood, bodily fluids, sharps, medical gases, anesthetic agents, infectious materials, animal dander, odors, cleaning agents, and veterinary chemicalsWearing required PPE, including surgical attire, gloves, masks, eye protection, and radiation safety equipmentResponding quickly during emergencies, including CPR and life-saving interventionsCommunicating effectively with doctors, technicians, assistants, clients, leadership, and referring veterinary partnersAdapting to changing priorities in a high-volume clinical environmentGrow Your Surgery and Anesthesia Career Continuing education allowance + paid CE timePaid training and specialty skill developmentTuition reimbursement opportunitiesSpecialty technician growth and leadership developmentLicensure renewal supportStudent loan assistance opportunitiesCareer advancement within the Innovetive Petcare networkMentorship from experienced surgeons, anesthetists, and specialty cliniciansEligible recently credentialed RVTs may also qualify for HeadStart Student Loan Support, including student loan assistance and professional development resources.Full-Time BenefitsCompetitive compensationMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time off and holidaysLife insuranceEmployee assistance and mental health resourcesEmployee pet care discountsProfessional membership and licensure supportWhy Hickory?Build your career with a growing Emergency and Specialty veterinary hospital in Hickory, NC, with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the Blue Ridge Mountains.Ready to Advance Your Surgery & Anesthesia Career?If you’re an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Veterinary Assistant looking for an opportunity to practice advanced medicine, we want to meet you.Join CASE in November, train alongside our team, and help us build the next chapter of Surgery and Anesthesia in January 2027.