Veterinary Surgical Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Surgical Pack & Prep Assistant plays an essential role in maintaining the efficiency, organization, and sterility of our specialty veterinary surgery practice. This position is responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, assembling, and preparing surgical instruments and packs, as well as ensuring operating rooms are properly prepared for each procedure.

Working closely with the veterinary surgical team, the Surgical Pack & Prep Assistant helps maintain a safe and sterile surgical environment while supporting efficient operating room turnover. The role combines hands-on instrument and surgical pack preparation with general operating room assistance, patient care support, radiology assistance, and maintaining supplies and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Surgical Pack & Instrument Preparation

• Clean, disinfect, inspect, assemble, package, and sterilize surgical instruments and packs according to established protocols.
• Ensure surgical packs and individual instruments are properly prepared and available for scheduled procedures.
• Inspect instruments for cleanliness, functionality, and damage prior to sterilization and use.
• Properly operate and monitor sterilization equipment, including autoclaves.
• Maintain accurate sterilization logs and documentation.
• Organize and maintain sterile storage areas to ensure instruments and packs are readily accessible.
• Identify and communicate shortages, damaged instruments, or equipment concerns to the appropriate team member.

Operating Room Preparation & Turnover

• Prepare operating rooms for scheduled surgical procedures, ensuring all necessary instruments, equipment, supplies, and medications are available.
• Assist with operating room turnover between procedures, including cleaning and disinfecting surgical surfaces and equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sterile surgical environment throughout the day.
• Restock operating rooms and surgical areas as needed.
• Assist the surgical team with equipment and supply setup before and during procedures as directed.

Radiology Assistance

• Assist with the setup and operation of radiology equipment, including proper patient positioning and preparation for radiographic examinations.
• Follow established radiation safety protocols and ensure the safety of patients and personnel during radiographic procedures.
• Assist with patient restraint and positioning as directed by the veterinary team.
• Ensure radiology equipment and supplies are properly prepared and available for scheduled procedures.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the radiology suite between patients.
• Report equipment concerns or malfunctions to the appropriate team member.

Patient Care & General Surgical Support

• Assist with patient movement, positioning, and transport throughout the hospital as directed.
• Provide appropriate patient care and monitoring support within the scope of the position and under the direction of the veterinary team.
• Assist with surgical preparation and recovery as assigned.
• Maintain appropriate patient identification and ensure patients are in the correct surgical area.
• Communicate patient or equipment concerns promptly to the veterinary team.
• Follow all hospital protocols related to patient safety, infection control, and surgical procedures.

Inventory & Equipment

• Monitor surgical and radiology supplies and notify management when supplies need to be reordered.
• Maintain organized supply areas and ensure products are stored appropriately.
• Assist with routine cleaning and maintenance of surgical, sterilization, and radiology equipment.
• Help maintain accurate inventory of surgical instruments, packs, and supplies.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous veterinary hospital, surgical, sterilization, or animal-care experience preferred.
• Experience with surgical instruments, instrument processing, or autoclave operation is preferred.
• Radiology experience is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to cleanliness and sterility.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced specialty surgery environment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Dependable, team-oriented, and willing to assist wherever needed.
• Ability to follow established protocols and safety procedures.
• Ability to safely handle and work around veterinary patients.
• Ability to communicate effectively with doctors, technicians, assistants, and other hospital team members.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, dependable, and able to work efficiently in a fast-paced specialty surgery environment. This position is an important part of the surgical team and directly contributes to the smooth flow of daily operations, operating room efficiency, and the delivery of high-quality patient care.