ER/ICU Relief Veterinary Assistant (VA) in San Luis Obispo, California at Cerro Alto Specialty and Emergency Hospital

About Us: Why Cerro Alto?

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is a privately owned specialty and emergency practice committed to both healing and education. Our team of board-certified specialists, experienced emergency doctors, registered veterinary technicians, assistants, and client service professionals work collaboratively to provide exceptional medical care while fostering a supportive, respectful, and positive workplace.

As a new, state-of-the-art facility, we are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including a 128-slice CT scanner, fluoroscopy, digital radiology, ultrasound, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and endoscopy. Our hospital includes full-time boarded surgery, radiology, and oncology services, part-time cardiology and internal medicine services, and a 24/7 emergency department supported by experienced emergency veterinarians.

At Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, we are deeply committed to mentorship, continuing education, and professional growth. We recognize the demands of veterinary medicine and strive to balance clinical excellence with sustainability, teamwork, and long-term career fulfillment.

Position Overview: ER/ICU Relief Veterinary Assistant

As a relief member of our ER/ICU team, you’ll work alongside our emergency doctors and clinical support staff to care for patients with a wide range of urgent and critical conditions. You’ll provide support in both the ER and ICU, working closely with our specialty services to help maintain consistent patient care throughout each stay. This position is a great fit for an experienced veterinary professional who enjoys variety, works well in a fast-paced environment, and can easily step into different teams and workflows as needed.

Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Essential Job Duties

• Triage and intake patients, collect histories, and present patients to the emergency doctor
• Coordinate and perform diagnostics, laboratory testing, and imaging
• Monitor patients following anesthesia or sedation and report changes in condition to the appropriate team member
• Provide hands-on care for emergency and critical patients, including critical care monitoring and CPR
• Assist with treatments, patient handling, restraint, and transport throughout the hospital
• Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, care plans, and discharge instructions
• Collaborate with specialty teams to provide consistent patient care

These duties represent the essential functions of the position but are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Qualifications & Skills

• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a veterinary assistant (required)
• Experience in a specialty and/or emergency veterinary hospital (required)
• Strong clinical skills including but not limited to: IVC placement, patient monitoring, restraint, and phlebotomy
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain calm in a fast-paced environment
• A commitment to growth and professional development
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

Scheduling & Availability Requirements

• This position is based in a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital.
• As a relief employee, you will be offered shifts monthly and/or asked to provide availability. No consistent scheduling availability is required.

Requests for schedule modifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be considered where reasonable and consistent with business operations and applicable law.

What We Offer

• Compensation of $21.50-$28.50 per hour based on experience and skill level
• A collaborative, respectful workplace culture
• Exposure to emergency and specialty veterinary medicine in a modern facility
• The opportunity to live and work in San Luis Obispo, with access to outdoor recreation, wineries, and a vibrant community

Shift Differentials

We recognize the value of overnight and weekend coverage and offer additional compensation for eligible hours worked:

• Overnight Differential: +$3.00/hour for hours worked between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Weekend Differential: +$3.00/hour for hours worked between Friday at 8:00 PM and Monday at 6:00 AM

These differentials are separate and cumulative. Team members working eligible overnight hours during the weekend differential period may earn both differentials, providing the opportunity to earn up to an additional $6.00/hour above their base rate.

Join Our Team!

If you are an experienced veterinary professional looking to grow your career in emergency and specialty medicine, we would love to hear from you! Join us in shaping the future of veterinary medicine while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families.

For more information about Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, visit our website at www.cerroaltovet.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital team!