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Veterinary Surgery Assistant, AERA
Ethos Veterinary HealthWest Caldwell, NJ, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 20 Jun 2025
💰 $48,000/yr($40,000/yr – $48,000/yr)
About the role
Veterinary Surgery Assistant
The Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in West Caldwell, NJ is hiring an enthusiastic and skilled Veterinary Surgery Assistant to join our Surgery team!
Founded in 1977 by a visionary team of veterinarians, the Animal Emergency Group was created to meet the growing demand for specialized around-the-clock emergency care for pets. As one of the first hospitals in the nation dedicated exclusively to small animal emergency medicine, it set a new standard in veterinary care. Recognizing the need for expanded services, the hospital evolved into Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in the mid-nineties, introducing a range of veterinary specialties to better serve the local pet community. In 2016, AERA further strengthened its commitment to exceptional pet care by expanding its emergency services to operate 24/7, 365 days a year. From its humble beginnings as an after-hours clinic to its status as a premier multi-specialty veterinary hospital, AERA remains dedicated to innovation, expertise, and compassionate care for every pet it serves.
About the Role:
The Surgery Assistant supports the Surgeons and Technicians by preparing the surgery service for animals receiving surgery, proper restraint of animals for treatments, assisting in safe transportation of anesthetized patients, supporting the Surgeon with surgical procedures, and preparing surgical packs for surgery. The Surgery Assistant will also communicate with DVM’s and Technicians to coordinate equipment and procedure timelines for their patients.
Compensation:
The Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in West Caldwell, NJ is hiring an enthusiastic and skilled Veterinary Surgery Assistant to join our Surgery team!
Founded in 1977 by a visionary team of veterinarians, the Animal Emergency Group was created to meet the growing demand for specialized around-the-clock emergency care for pets. As one of the first hospitals in the nation dedicated exclusively to small animal emergency medicine, it set a new standard in veterinary care. Recognizing the need for expanded services, the hospital evolved into Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in the mid-nineties, introducing a range of veterinary specialties to better serve the local pet community. In 2016, AERA further strengthened its commitment to exceptional pet care by expanding its emergency services to operate 24/7, 365 days a year. From its humble beginnings as an after-hours clinic to its status as a premier multi-specialty veterinary hospital, AERA remains dedicated to innovation, expertise, and compassionate care for every pet it serves.
About the Role:
The Surgery Assistant supports the Surgeons and Technicians by preparing the surgery service for animals receiving surgery, proper restraint of animals for treatments, assisting in safe transportation of anesthetized patients, supporting the Surgeon with surgical procedures, and preparing surgical packs for surgery. The Surgery Assistant will also communicate with DVM’s and Technicians to coordinate equipment and procedure timelines for their patients.
Compensation:
- $20 - $24 depending on experience
- Full Time
- Swing shifts
- Assist the Technician with induction to include assisting in intubation and placing monitoring on patients.
- Clean, organize and maintain the pack-n-prep area. Including putting together and wrapping surgical packs, cleaning and organizing instruments.
- Set up and take down OR's
- Help prepare patients for their surgical procedures
- Prep and maintain surgical equipment to include sterilizers.
- Maintain cleanliness of all operating rooms, flipping and cleaning between surgeries.
- Circulate in procedures opening instruments and packs with sterile technique.
- Performs animal restraint for blood draws, catheter placement, and pre-medicating patients.
- Assists as surgical scrub nurse in a variety of soft tissue and orthopedic procedures.
- Facilitates the appropriate stocking of pack and prep, treatment and operating rooms.
- Run an appointment column that includes taking a proper medical history, interpreting medical records and obtaining vitals.
- Perform diagnostic radiographs alongside a technician.
- Maintains cleanliness of the hospital and the department.
- High School Diploma or GED
- Comprehension of commonly used medical terminology and equipment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills<
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