Experienced Surgical Veterinary Assistant/Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) at Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital – San Luis Obispo, California

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital is a privately owned, doctor-led specialty and emergency hospital on California’s Central Coast. Built by specialists who believe great medicine starts with great people, we’re committed to collaboration, mentorship, and delivering exceptional, patient-centered care across surgery, emergency, internal medicine, oncology, cardiology, and advanced imaging.

We are growing rapidly and intentionally, focused not just on expanding services, but on building a team of professionals who want to master their craft, support one another, and take pride in practicing high-level medicine every day.

This is a true case management and clinical care role, not just a “treatment floor” position.

As part of our Surgery Service Inpatient Team, you’ll help guide complex cases from admission through recovery and discharge. You’ll work directly with board-certified surgeons, anesthesia professionals, and specialty teams to coordinate diagnostics, monitor post-operative patients, manage complications, and serve as a clinical anchor for both patients and clients during some of the most critical moments in their care.

This role is ideal for an experienced Veterinary Assistant or RVT who wants deeper clinical involvement, meaningful responsibility, and a long-term growth path in specialty and referral medicine.

You’ll be trusted with both patient care and case coordination, playing a central role in outcomes and client experience.

Core Responsibilities:

• Manage surgical and complex medical inpatients from admission to discharge
• Coordinate and perform preoperative diagnostics, laboratory testing, and imaging
• Monitor post-operative recovery, pain management, and potential complications
• Develop and maintain detailed treatment plans and medical records
• Assist surgeons and specialists with case planning and clinical decision-making support
• Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, care plans, and discharge instructions
• Collaborate daily with surgery, anesthesia, ER, and specialty services
• Mentor and support junior assistants and technicians
• Help drive quality improvement, workflow optimization, and clinical standards

We’re looking for professionals who take pride in ownership of cases, not just tasks.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Must be able to work 10-hour shifts, Monday and Tuesday
• Are an experienced Veterinary Assistant or Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
• Have background in specialty, emergency, or high-acuity hospital settings (strongly preferred)
• Are confident in-patient monitoring, anesthesia recovery, and complex nursing care
• Communicate clearly and compassionately with both teammates and clients
• Thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments
• Are motivated by learning, teaching, and continuous improvement
• Take a calm, organized, and proactive approach to patient care