Surgical Veterinary Technician/Assistant (High Volume)
Posted
Description
Maryland SPCA
Job Description
Job Title: Veterinary Technician or Assistant- Surgery (High Volume)
Department: Spay/Neuter Clinic
Reports to: Spay/Neuter Clinic Manager
Salary Range: non-credentialed starting at $19.50, credentialed starting at $24.50
Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts per week, 7:00am -5:00pm Monday through Friday
FLSA Status: Hourly, Full-time
Date: November 2, 2026
Position Summary:
We are seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Veterinary Technician or Assistant to join our high-volume Spay/Neuter Clinic team. Our clinic performs 25–35 surgeries daily, requiring team members to work efficiently while maintaining exceptional patient care and safety. Successful candidates must be adaptable, organized, and capable of multitasking in a fast-paced environment. Team members are expected to become proficient in both patient induction and surgical preparation roles to support efficient surgical flow and clinic operations.
This is a weekday-only position with no weekends required. If you are looking for a rewarding veterinary role where you can make a direct impact on animal welfare and community access to care, we encourage you to apply.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Surgical & Patient Care
- Become proficient in both anesthesia induction and surgical preparation responsibilities.
- Calculate, prepare, and administer anesthetic protocols and prescribed medications as directed.
- Safely induce, intubate, and monitor patients before, during, and after surgery.
- Perform surgical preparation, including clipping, aseptic scrubbing, and completion of all required treatments and services.
- Assess patients throughout the surgical process and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinarian.
- Maintain efficient patient flow through intake, induction, preparation, surgery, and recovery.
- Maintain accurate medical records and controlled substance logs.
- Support completion of 25-35 surgeries daily while prioritizing patient safety and quality care.
Animal Handling
- Safely handle and restrain cats and dogs using appropriate techniques.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to fearful, aggressive, fractious, or feral animals.
- Utilize PPE and safe handling equipment as needed.
- Seek assistance when patient or staff safety may be compromised.
Facility & Equipment Maintenance
- Clean and disinfect surgical, treatment and recovery areas.
- Sterilize instruments and maintain all surgical equipment.
- Monitor inventory levels and restock supplies as needed
Team Support & Clinic Operations
- Collaborate with veterinarians, technicians, support staff, and management to ensure efficient clinic operations.
- Communicate patient concerns, treatment updates, and workflow needs effectively
- Contribute to process improvements and positive team environment
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support clinic operations and patient care.
Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in a veterinary clinic, animal shelter, or hospital, setting.
- Experience in a high-volume veterinary, shelter medicine, or surgical environment preferred.
- Proficient in venipuncture and administering IV, IM, and SQ injections.
- Experience with anesthesia induction, intubation, patient monitoring, and surgical preparation preferred.
- Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
- Ability to maintain efficiency and accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to patient safety, teamwork, and compassionate animal care.
- Commitment to the Maryland SPCA’s mission and values.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Veterinary Technician Certification
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach for extended periods.
- Good visual and auditory acuity to monitor patient condition and behavior.
- Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to perform technical veterinary procedures.
Working Conditions:
- Work performed in a shelter clinic setting.
- Regular exposure to animals, animal waste, disinfectants, and zoonotic diseases.
- Potential exposure to bites, scratches, cleaning chemicals, and anesthetic gases.
- Moderate to high noise levels.
Why Join Us?
Working at our clinic offers the opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization committed to reducing pet overpopulation and providing essential veterinary care to underserved communities.
The Maryland SPCA offers competitive benefits package supporting employee heath, financial wellness, and professional development.
Benefit Highlights:
- Generous PTO with increased accrual based on tenure
- 8 paid holidays, 2 personal holidays, and a paid birthday
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including a employer-funded HRA ($4,000 individual / $8,000 family)
- Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program and Life/AD&D Insurance
- 401(k) and Roth retirement plans
- AFLAC supplemental insurance options
- Pet food, vaccine, and preventative care discounts
- Paid bereavement leave, including for the loss of a personal pet
- Education reimbursement and ongoing professional development opportunities
- Employee recognition and referral programs
- Gym membership discount
- Branded uniforms or scrubs provided