Ethos Veterinary Health
Veterinary Operating Room Assistant, GCVS
Surgery - Houston, TX - Full Time
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:
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 $16-18/hr., based on experience
Schedule:
- Full Time
- 5 Days per week
- Monday – Friday
- 10am-7pm
- Rotating Saturdays every 4 weeks
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.
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 provide essential logistical and technical support to the surgical team, ensuring a sterile, high-functioning environment. Key responsibilities include executing strict room-turnover and decontamination protocols, confi guring and pressure-testing anesthesia machines, and calibrating advanced surgical equipment towers. This role optimizes daily workfl ow by managing the surgery whiteboard, pulling specialized instrumentation, operating autoclaves, and maintaining ancillary areas like the prep room and recovery kennels. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, a strong grasp of aseptic protocols, and a proactive approach to minimizing downtime between procedures. Note: this is a non-patient contact role.
1. Standard Decontamination & Environmental Safety
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.
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 provide essential logistical and technical support to the surgical team, ensuring a sterile, high-functioning environment. Key responsibilities include executing strict room-turnover and decontamination protocols, confi guring and pressure-testing anesthesia machines, and calibrating advanced surgical equipment towers. This role optimizes daily workfl ow by managing the surgery whiteboard, pulling specialized instrumentation, operating autoclaves, and maintaining ancillary areas like the prep room and recovery kennels. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, a strong grasp of aseptic protocols, and a proactive approach to minimizing downtime between procedures. Note: this is a non-patient contact role.
1. Standard Decontamination & Environmental Safety
- OR Suite Turnover: Execute strict decontamination and disinfection protocols immediately following procedure completion to ensure the suite is ready for the next case. ○ Includes: Transporting used instrumentation to the sterilization team, moving soiled laundry to the laundry station, emptying trash cans, and replacing liners.
- Includes: Emptying and cleaning suction bottles, and restocking/putting away unopened surgical supplies and instruments.
- Deep Cleaning: Clean, wipe, and disinfect all vertical and horizontal surfaces within the OR suite, including surgery and Mayo tables, equipment bases, anesthesia machines, chairs, walls, and suspended surgical lights.
- Ancillary Area Maintenance: Maintain the surgery preparation room, sterile hallways, and scrub sink areas to the same high aseptic standards.
- Floor Care: Sweep and damp-mop sterile hallways, prep room flooring, and surgical suites using designated veterinary-grade disinfectant solutions.
- Waste Management: Frequently remove all regular trash, biohazard waste, and recycling from the surgical suites to the external dumpster throughout the day to maintain a clean, safe environment.
- Laundry Operations: Assist with the continuous cycling, washing, drying, folding, and stocking of surgical towels, patient warming blankets, and microfiber towels.
2. Anesthesia Machine & Monitor Maintenance
- Anesthesia Machine Setup: Properly connect gas supply lines and waste-gas scavenging systems. Vaporizer Oversight: Monitor and refill anesthetic gas vaporizers to ensure sufficient volumes for daily caseloads.
- Circuit Configuration: Select and apply the appropriate-sized breathing circuits and rebreathing bags based on specific patient parameters provided by the surgical team.
- Pressure Testing & Troubleshooting: Perform successful pressure checks on anesthesia machines prior to use, and independently troubleshoot for system leaks.
- Sodasorb Maintenance: Monitor and replace CO2 absorbent (Sodasorb) canister contents on a regular, scheduled basis.
- Surgical Monitor Prep: Deploy, inspect, and organize anesthesia monitoring accessories for upcoming cases, including pulse oximeter probes, ECG leads, temperature probes, capnography lines, and non-invasive blood pressure cuffs/arterial line poles.
3. Specialized Equipment & Tower Calibration
- Room Orientation: Position, organize, and ergonomics-adjust surgical tables, Mayo stands, instrument tables, and equipment towers according to the specific procedure type.
- Equipment Calibration: Power on and configure large surgical equipment to proper baseline parameters, including arthroscopy and laparoscopy towers, electrosurgical (cautery/LigaSure) units, orthopedic drill consoles, and fluoroscopy (Mini C-arm) imaging units.
4. Instrumentation & Workflow Logistics
- Surgical Instrument Pulling: Accurately pull specific surgical instrumentation, packs, and specialized implants for advanced surgical procedures utilizing the department’s pullbook guidelines.
- Whiteboard & Workflow Management: Actively monitor and utilize the electronic surgery whiteboard to track case locations, transitions, and timing. Proactively assist in coordinating OR room assignments to minimize downtime between procedures.
- Instrument Processing Support: Wash, clean, and wrap surgical instruments and equipment, ensuring strict adherence to aseptic protocols.
- Autoclave Operation: Safely and correctly operate sterilization equipment to run complete steam sterilization cycles (including flash cycles) when immediate instrument turnover is required.
- Instrumentation Knowledge Base: Actively build and maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of specialized surgical instrumentation, including orthopedic, soft tissue, laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, and arthroscopic equipment.
5. Ancillary Support (Non-Patient Contact)
- Recovery Area Preparation: Prepare and set up empty patient kennels, ensuring recovery spaces are clean, dry, and stocked with clean bedding. Pre-stage environmental supports such as passive heat sources or fluid pump poles as directed by clinical staff.
- Radiology Suite Preparation: Prepare the radiology suite for pre- or post-operative imaging. This includes checking and setting up the designated radiology anesthesia machine and pulling
* This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by an employee in this position. GCVS employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties represented by the members of the management staff.
Qualifications:
Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Experience: Previous experience in a surgical or specialty veterinary setting is preferred.
- Must possess excellent listening and interpersonal skills and problem-solving methods.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to follow highly specific, multi-step standard operating procedures (SOPs) and pullbook guidelines.
- Ability to work efficiently and calmly in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Physical ability to lift and restrain animals of varying sizes (up to 50 lbs. unassisted).
- Compassion for animals and empathy for patients undergoing surgical procedures
- Commitment to continued learning and professional development.
- 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.
