Per Diem Veterinary Technician

Per Diem Veterinary Technician (RVT) / Veterinary Assistant
$19-$34/hr DOE$5.00/hr differential for any hours worked between 6pm-6am
$1.00/hr weekend shift differential
Sacramento, California
Schedule: Per Diem | Day, Swing, Overnight, Weekend, and Holiday shifts available | Minimum availability of one shift every 30 days
Looking for a flexible opportunity to advance your career in emergency and specialty veterinary medicine? Vista Veterinary Specialists is seeking an experienced Per Diem Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Veterinary Assistant to join our collaborative team. Whether you're looking to supplement your current schedule or gain experience in a fast-paced specialty hospital, this role offers flexibility, professional growth, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient care.
Why Join Vista Veterinary Specialists
Vista Veterinary Specialists, part of Ethos Veterinary Health, is the Sacramento region's leading 24-hour emergency and specialty veterinary hospital. Our team provides advanced patient care across Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, and Cardiology.
You'll work alongside experienced emergency and specialty clinicians in a collaborative environment that values teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning. Every shift provides opportunities to strengthen your clinical skills while delivering exceptional care to patients and their families.
In your day-to-day, you will:
- Deliver high-quality nursing care for emergency, critical care, and hospitalized canine and feline patients.
- Perform venipuncture, phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, medication administration, and patient monitoring.
- Recognize changes in patient condition and communicate findings promptly with veterinarians.
- Prioritize hourly patient treatments while maintaining excellent attention to detail.
- Perform medical calculations and administer medications safely and accurately.
- Execute, monitor, and recover sedation and anesthesia events.
- Assist veterinarians during minor surgical procedures.
- Triage emergency patients and support efficient patient flow.
- Educate clients regarding patient care, hospitalization, and discharge instructions.
- Work closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support teams.
- Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture.
What You Bring
- California Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license or Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) required.
- Minimum of three years of experience as a Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant in progressive general practice, or two years in an emergency or specialty veterinary hospital.
- Strong technical skills including IV catheter placement, phlebotomy, anesthesia monitoring, pharmacology, and emergency patient care.
- Ability to prioritize multiple patients in a fast-paced emergency environment while maintaining accuracy and compassion.
- Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills.
- A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.
Perks & Benefits
Benefits for eligible part-time and per diem employees may include participation in health and wellness programs, retirement benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Competitive hourly compensation
- Flexible per diem scheduling
- VetBloom RACE-approved continuing education and training library
- Career growth and advancement opportunities
- 401(k) participation
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Uniform allowance
- Employee pet benefits
Location Highlight
Sacramento offers an exceptional quality of life with easy access to outdoor recreation, award-winning restaurants, vibrant neighborhoods, and Northern California destinations including Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and the Bay Area. It's an ideal place to grow your veterinary career while enjoying an outstanding work-life balance.
About Ethos Veterinary Health
Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.
Across our network of specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.
Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow clinically, professionally, and personally.
At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.
Join Us
At Ethos, this isn't just a job—it's an opportunity to build your career in emergency and specialty veterinary medicine while making a lasting impact on the lives of pets and their families.
Candidates can confidentially submit their application through our careers page or contact our Talent Acquisition team to learn more.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business needs.