Surgical Veterinary Assistant, SAVES
South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty in beautiful Asheville, NC is hiring a full-time Veterinary Surgical Assistant to join our outstanding Surgery team!!
Compensation: $22.00 – $28.00 per hour, based on experience
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8-hour shifts. On-call rotation required
Benefits:
Continuing education & professional development assistance
Tuition reimbursement
Relocation assistance available
Generous Paid Time Off policy
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
Health Savings Account (HSA) & Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
401(k) planning with employer matching
Paid parental leave
Employee discount
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Life insurance
Referral program
Retirement plan
And more!
At South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES), our goal since opening in 2009 has been to practice the gold standard of medicine, perform advanced techniques, and be leaders in veterinary specialty and emergency care. Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the peaks represent the height of our love for animals, and the valleys symbolize the depth of our compassion. Together with our referring veterinary community, we combine medical knowledge, advanced technology, and kindness to deliver exceptional care—it’s simply in our nature.
We are seeking a full-time Veterinary Surgical Assistant to support our Surgery team. This role is ideal for experienced veterinary assistants who enjoy advanced medicine, working alongside skilled surgeons, and being deeply involved in patient care from admission through discharge.
Key Points for Our Veterinary Surgical Assistant
Support surgeons by anticipating needs and assisting with advanced surgical and diagnostic procedures
Prepare and support sophisticated diagnostics, including CT imaging and contrast studies
Perform laboratory testing, sample collection, and processing
Serve as a key liaison between doctors and clients by preparing estimates, providing patient updates, facilitating discharges, and supporting continuity of care
Maintain accurate medical records, manage lab results, and assist with short-term case management
Be part of a collaborative specialty team committed to medical excellence and compassionate care
Skills:
Surgical and sterile clip & prep of patients
Maintaining sterile technique and surgical fields
Identifying surgical instruments
Draping patients and setting up instrument tables
Assisting with CT imaging and contrast studies
About You:
Experienced Veterinary Assistant, with at least 2 years in emergency or specialty medicine
Current RVT students encouraged to apply
Strong communication and client service skills
Skilled in animal restraint and handling
Proficient in venipuncture and peripheral catheter placement
Knowledgeable in medication administration via multiple routes
Accurate monitoring and recording of patient vitals (TPR, SpO₂, CO₂, BP)
Familiar with in-house diagnostics (CBC/Chem, electrolytes, UA, iStat)
Strong medical record-keeping skills
Able to lift at least 35 pounds and stand for extended periods
Willing to participate in mandatory holiday rotations
Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) required; multilingual skills a plus
Life at SAVES & Asheville, NC
Breathe in the fresh mountain air while working in our state-of-the-art specialty hospital just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Asheville offers an unmatched blend of outdoor adventure, vibrant arts, live music, and a nationally recognized food scene—including multiple James Beard–nominated restaurants. Whether you enjoy hiking, exploring rivers, or relaxing at dog-friendly breweries, Asheville offers an exceptional quality of life to complement your career growth.
We look forward to meeting you and showing you all that SAVES and the Asheville community have to offer. Apply now to join our Surgery team!
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 Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.
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