Veterinary Technician - Surgery

Surgery Veterinary Technician | $25–$32 per hour, based on licensure and experience

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center | Charleston, SC
Full-Time | Monday–Friday, variable day shifts between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM, with rotating anesthesia on-call coverage for nights, weekends, and holidays

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) is seeking an experienced Veterinary Technician to join our Surgery team. This is an opportunity to use your technical skills in an advanced specialty setting, supporting complex surgical procedures and anesthesia care alongside board-certified surgeons and a collaborative clinical team.

If you have a strong foundation in anesthesia, surgical patient care, and critical thinking, this role offers opportunities to expand your skills, contribute to exceptional patient outcomes, and continue growing in specialty veterinary medicine.

Compensation

• $25–$32 per hour, based on licensure and experience.
• Relocation assistance may be available when applicable.
• CVRC covers eligible out-of-state veterinary technician license transfer costs.

Full-Time Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employer-Paid Pet Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Time
• 401(k) with Employer Match
• CE Allowance and professional development assistance 
• Tuition reimbursement for team members pursuing LVT licensure
• Financial support for Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) certification
• Out-of-state license transfer costs covered
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Work-life balance focused flexible scheduling
• And more!

Schedule

• Full-time, Monday through Friday.
• Variable day shifts between 7:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
• Participation in a rotating anesthesia on-call schedule for nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for advanced surgical procedures performed by board-certified surgeons.
• Prepare surgical patients, including clipping, positioning, and appropriate preoperative care.
• Support anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery for a variety of surgical procedures.
• Monitor anesthetic depth and patient status during abdominal, thoracic, orthopedic, and minimally invasive procedures.
• Calculate and administer medications, including continuous rate infusions (CRIs), as directed by the medical team.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment.
• Support sterile technique, surgical protocols, and efficient operating room workflows.
• Monitor patients throughout the perioperative period and communicate changes in patient status promptly.
• Collaborate with veterinarians and fellow Veterinary Technicians to deliver safe, high-quality patient care.
• Communicate professionally with clients and team members as appropriate.
• Participate in the rotating anesthesia on-call schedule for nights, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• At least three years of veterinary technician experience; specialty or emergency veterinary medicine experience preferred.
• Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) preferred but not required.
• Strong understanding of veterinary medicine, surgical nursing, and anesthesia protocols.
• Knowledge of common surgical instruments and their uses.
• Experience preparing and positioning patients for a variety of surgical procedures.
• Experience monitoring anesthesia for abdominal, thoracic, orthopedic, and minimally invasive procedures.
• Experience calculating and administering continuous rate infusion (CRI) medications.
• Ability to remain calm, think critically, and respond appropriately in high-acuity situations.
• Strong attention to detail, communication, organization, and teamwork skills.
• Availability to participate in a rotating anesthesia on-call schedule for nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required.

About the Hospital

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC) is a 24/7/365 emergency and specialty veterinary hospital in Charleston, South Carolina. CVRC is a VECCS Level I-certified facility providing advanced emergency care and a wide range of specialty services.

Our specialty services include cardiology, internal medicine, neurology and neurosurgery, medical oncology, rehabilitation, soft tissue surgery, and orthopedic surgery. The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, including MRI, CT, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and digital radiography.

Our Surgery team works with complex cases and advanced procedures in a collaborative environment that values technical excellence, continued learning, and compassionate patient care.

Surrounding Areas

Located along South Carolina's beautiful coast, Charleston offers historic charm, award-winning restaurants, beautiful beaches, year-round outdoor recreation, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Nearby communities including Mount Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston, Goose Creek, James Island, Johns Island, and West Ashley provide a variety of commuting and lifestyle options throughout the Charleston area.

Relocating for the right opportunity? Qualified candidates may be eligible for relocation assistance! Whether you're looking for coastal living, a vibrant downtown, or a family-friendly community, Charleston offers an exceptional place to build both your veterinary career and your lifestyle.

Join US

If you're an experienced Veterinary Technician looking to advance your career in Surgery while working alongside an exceptional team in one of the nation's premier specialty hospitals, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help make a difference for pets and the families who love them.

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.