Veterinary Operating Room Assistant, GCVS
Houston, TX
Full Time
Surgery
Mid Level
Veterinary Operating Room Assistant
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 Operating Room 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.
Position Overview:
Surgery Assistants are under the direct guidance and supervision of the Surgery Technical Staff Supervisors, surgeons and managers. Occupants of this position are required to assist the practitioners to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients of Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists and to aid the surgeons in achieving greater effi ciency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail.
Operating Room assistants (ORAs) are individuals with a minimum of 2-year experience in general or specialty veterinary service. An ORA plays a critical and multifaceted role in the surgery department by supporting the veterinary surgeons and the entire medical team to ensure the highest quality of patient care. This role requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach to both animal patients - with a focus on general preliminary exams, surgical procedure preparation, performing assistant scrub duties, circulation and post-operative recovery.
Compensation:
- Starting at $19/hr, based on experience
Schedule:
- Full Time
- 5 Days per week
- Rotating Saturdays
- 10am-7pm
- Training Schedule differs from final schedule
Key Responsibilities:
As an Operating Room 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.
As an Operating Room 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.
- 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 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.
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
If you’re ready to take on a rewarding role that combines communication, organization, and compassion, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become an essential part of a team where your efforts truly make a difference—one pet and one family at a time!
For more information about our hospital, please visit https://www.gcvs.comEthos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.
Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
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.
Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.
Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
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.
Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
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.
Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.
Ethos Veterinary Health offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
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.
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