Veterinary Assistant Surgery

VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists is adding an experienced Veterinary Assistant to our specialty surgery team!

Location : 16756 SE 82nd Dr, Clackamas, OR 97015

Compensation : $ 21 - $ 24 / hr

Schedule : FT Days W-Sat

Why join the VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists team :

Benefits: VCA offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and professional development of its associates.

• Mental Health: Access to the Lyra mental health platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources. 

• Full Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options, as well as fertility benefits. 

• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave. 

• Financial Support: 100% employer-paid short-term and long- 

• Protection: Access to the Better Together Fund for crisis support in qualifying situations. 

• Perks: Rabies prophylaxis vaccine and titer testing. 

• Education: Continuing Education (CE) allowance for veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, along with access to WOOF University®, which includes RACE-approved courses. 

• Latest Tech & Innovation: Opportunities to work with the latest technology and programs that encourage innovation and creativity, such as VCA Next. 

• Sponsorships: Penn Foster and VTNE test prep sponsorships, as well as VTNE prep courses. 

• Discounts: Discounted Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly certifications, along with VETGirl and VIN subscriptions. 

• Freebies: Free NAVTA membership and a free subscription to Plumb’s. 

• Programs: Leadership development and mentorship programs. 

• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with increasing employer contribution. 

• Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal to one year’s salary. 

• Pet Care Perks: Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs. 

• Advisory Services: Student loan advisory services, tools, and resources. 

• Legal Resources: Access to legal resources for common legal services. 

• Transfer Opportunities: Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities. 

Job Summary:

The Surgery Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and technical staff by providing high-quality patient care, assisting with surgical and anesthetic procedures, maintaining surgical areas and equipment, and ensuring a clean, safe hospital environment. This position requires teamwork, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to patient safety and client service.

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Key Responsibilities

• Patient & Surgical Support
• · Prepare patients for anesthesia and aseptic surgical procedures
• · Assist veterinarians during surgery as directed
• · Monitor anesthetized patients under direct supervision
• · Clean, pack, and sterilize surgical instruments and equipment
• · Maintain surgery and treatment areas to strict cleanliness standards
• Patient Care & Nursing Support
• · Provide compassionate care to hospitalized and post-operative patients
• · Monitor patient comfort, cleanliness, and identification
• · Assist with treatments, sample collection, and basic laboratory support

Hospital & Team Support

• · Maintain hospital cleanliness, including treatment, surgery, and kennel areas
• · Accurately document treatments and assist with record keeping
• · Support front office staff as needed (phones, appointments, client flow)
• · Communicate effectively with doctors, technicians, and team members

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Qualifications

• · High School Diploma or equivalent
• · Previous veterinary or animal care experience preferred
• · Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and remain on feet for extended periods
• · Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
• · Willingness to work flexible or extended hours as needed

If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.