Seasonal Veterinary Assistant, PacWest

Veterinary Assistant (Seasonal) - ER & Specialty
Compensation: $20.00 to $24.00 per hour
 

Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center is a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital located in Vancouver, WA, just outside Portland, OR.

We offer advanced veterinary technology, including MRI, CT, and more, in a supportive work environment focused on wellness and mental health.

We are currently seeking a Veterinary Assistant to join our team. This temporary position is designed to support our Emergency and Specialty departments during periods of increased patient care demand, team member leave coverage, and staffing needs. This role is ideal for an assistant who enjoys a fast-paced environment, diverse caseload, and the opportunity to make an immediate impact on patient care.

Benefits include competitive compensation, staff pet discounts, continuing education, health insurance, 401k, and a $2/hr pay differential for Veterinary Assistants working between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. We also offer a weekend differential of an additional $2/hr for any work between 12:00 a.m. Saturday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday.

Enjoy working in a modern space, complete with an employee garden!


COMPENSATION: 

This position has an initial hiring range of $20.00 to $24.00 per hour based on skillset and experience.

We offer a competitive shift differential for team members working the hours of 6pm to 6am at $2.00 per hour on top of base pay along with competitive benefits, including continuing education, staff pet discounts, incentives for professional development, health insurance, and 401k.

We also offer a weekend differential that is an additional $2/hr for any work between 12 a.m. Saturday to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.
 

Seasonal Position Expectations 

This position functions as a Seasonal Veterinary Assistant, providing support across Emergency and Specialty departments based on patient care and operational needs throughout the duration of the assignment.

This role requires a high level of adaptability and the ability to quickly integrate into different teams, workflows, and case types. Department assignments may vary from shift to shift.

Shifts are determined by hospital needs and may vary or change to support patient care and operational demands.
 

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Manage and provide for the patient’s needs in the emergency department. Patient order set up (orders should be checked by an LVT or DVM until the team is comfortable with set up Estimated time of 3-6 months).  

• Assist technicians with radiographic procedures.    

• Run lab work as directed by technician and prepare samples for outside lab testing.     

• Obtain an accurate patient history, proper client communication and record keeping. 

• Patient discharges.  

• Restraint of patients for IV catheters, physical examinations, minor procedures (ex. Central line placement and ultrasounds).    

• Complete treatments of patients as assigned in a timely manner.   

• Provide exceptional nursing care and treatment of all patients with respect.    

• Fill pre-printed prescriptions.    

• Basic drug calculations (calculations should be checked by an LVT or DVM until the team is comfortable with calculations. Estimated time of 3-6 months)  

• Initiation of fluid therapy.   

• Patient care of stable patients in isolation.  

• All employees will be scheduled and expected to work rotating holiday shifts in the emergency and critical care department. 

• All employees are required to participate in the on-call rotation as needed. Shifts are subject to revisions and changes at the discretion of the hospital. 

• Perform other job duties as assigned.    

• Clear understanding and enforcement of OSHA regulations and hospital safety standards.   

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Must have minimum of two years’ experience in veterinary medicine. ER Preferred. 

• Must be able to obtain a Veterinary Medication Clerks License upon hire and keep active throughout the entirety of employment.  

• Must have valid high school diploma or GED.    

• Knowledge of general veterinary procedures and protocols.  

• Knowledge of advanced patient handling and restraint.  

• Excellent communication skills.  Strong work ethic and a positive attitude.  

• Must be flexible and able to adapt to new situations.