Veterinary Technician - Surgery

Veterinary Technician, Surgery | $20–$24/hr, based on experience and licensure

Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham | Birmingham, AL

Full-Time | Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM or Tuesday - Friday, 8:00 AM—6:00 PM

Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham is looking for an experienced Veterinary Technician to join our Surgery team in Birmingham, AL. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with veterinary surgeons and the surgical team while utilizing advanced skills in anesthesia, surgical nursing, patient monitoring, and perioperative care.

We are looking for a Veterinary Technician who is detail-oriented, dependable, compassionate, and committed to providing excellent patient care and client service in a collaborative specialty hospital.

Compensation

• $20–$24/hr, based on experience

• Shift differential available

Benefits

• CE allowance and professional development assistance

• Uniform allowance

• Shift differential

• Paid license renewal fees

• Paid time off

• Employee discount

• Tuition reimbursement/assistance available

• 401(k) with employer matching

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Disability insurance

• Life insurance

• HSA/FSA

Schedule

• Full-time, four-day work week

• Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM or Tuesday - Friday, 8:00 AM—6:00 PM

• Occasional late nights depending on surgical case load / emergencies 

Responsibilities

As a Veterinary Technician on the Surgery team, you will provide hands-on patient care throughout the surgical and perioperative process. Responsibilities include:

• Obtain thorough patient histories and provide professional, compassionate client communication and education. Prepare and communicate estimates, invoices, prescriptions, and discharge instructions. Provide patient handling, nursing care, monitoring, and treatment with accuracy and compassion.

• Prepare surgical patients using appropriate surgical preparation and aseptic techniques. Scrub in and assist with surgical procedures as needed. Assist with surgical equipment including suction, cautery, and related equipment.

• Develop and implement anesthetic protocols under appropriate veterinary direction. Perform anesthesia induction, endotracheal intubation, maintenance, and monitoring. Monitor ECG, SpO2, ETCO2, NIBP, and other patient vital parameters and recognize and respond to abnormalities. Administer fluids and medications accurately and safely. 

• Provide postoperative recovery, monitoring, and pain management. Perform bandaging and splinting as needed. 

• Operate, maintain, clean, and care for anesthesia equipment and surgical instruments

• Obtain diagnostic images using appropriate positioning and technique for digital radiograph. Perform venipuncture and collect patient samples for laboratory testing. 

• Maintain accurate controlled drug records and follow applicable safety procedures

• Communicate effectively with clients, referring veterinarians, reference laboratories, doctors, and veterinary team members

• Work collaboratively with doctors and team members while supporting the hospital's patient care standards and practice philosophy

Qualifications

• Veterinary Technician experience in a general practice, emergency, specialty, or surgical setting

• Understanding of normal vital parameters and recognition of abnormal findings. Experience with venipuncture and sample collection. Ability to safely handle and restrain veterinary patients

• Knowledge of basic surgical principles and perioperative patient care, anesthesia experience including induction, intubation, maintenance, and monitoring. Experience with anesthesia machines, different breathing circuits, and multiparameter monitoring equipment preferred.

• Knowledge of bandaging and splinting techniques, surgical preparation, aseptic technique, postoperative recovery, and pain management. Familiarity with surgical instruments, suction, cautery, and appropriate cleaning and care techniques. 

• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask and prioritize in a specialty surgical environment

• Professional, compassionate communication skills with clients and veterinary team members

• Dependable, self-motivated, and able to work effectively as part of a team

• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds, to work on your feet throughout the shift and perform bending, standing, stooping, walking, sitting, reaching, and other physical activities required in a veterinary hospital

• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required.

About the Hospital

Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham (VSB) is a specialty and emergency veterinary hospital dedicated to providing advanced patient care through collaboration, innovation, and clinical excellence.

Our team works with state-of-the-art equipment, advanced diagnostics, and complex medical and surgical cases while fostering an inclusive environment where team members are supported, encouraged to grow, and empowered to utilize their technical skills to their fullest potential.

Surrounding Areas

Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham proudly serves Birmingham, AL and surrounding communities throughout central Alabama, providing advanced specialty and emergency veterinary care for pets across the region. Relocating for the right opportunity? Birmingham offers an affordable cost of living, vibrant dining and entertainment, beautiful parks, and easy access to outdoor recreation, making it an excellent place to build your veterinary career.

Birmingham and the surrounding central Alabama communities offer a variety of neighborhoods and communities for those considering a move for their next veterinary career opportunity. Our team welcomes candidates interested in building their career in a specialty and surgical veterinary environment.

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 140 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 practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.