Registered Veterinary Technician, Surgery

Surgery Registered Veterinary Technician | $24–$34/hour, based on experience and credentials

South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty | Asheville, NC

Full-Time | Tuesday–Friday | 8:30 AM–6:30 PM

South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES) is seeking a full-time Registered Veterinary Technician to join our Surgery team in Asheville, NC. This opportunity is ideal for a skilled Veterinary Technician with advanced anesthesia experience who enjoys working alongside surgeons, supporting complex procedures, and providing exceptional patient care in a specialty veterinary hospital.

You’ll play an important role in surgical preparation, anesthesia monitoring, perioperative nursing, and patient recovery while collaborating with experienced clinicians. If you value technical excellence, teamwork, and continued learning, SAVES offers an opportunity to grow your skills while making a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families.

Compensation

- $24–$34 per hour, based on experience and credentials

Benefits

- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Generous paid time off (PTO)
- Continuing education (CE) opportunities
- License reimbursement
- Tuition reimbursement
- Uniform allowance
- Employee discount
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Life insurance, Short-term and Long-term disability insurance 
- Employee referral program
- Additional benefits and professional development opportunities

Schedule

- Full-time position
- Tuesday–Friday
- 8:30 AM–6:30 PM
- Participation in mandatory on-call and holiday rotations is required

Responsibilities

- Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including surgical clipping, aseptic preparation, positioning, and draping.
- Induce, intubate, and monitor anesthesia, including higher-risk cases classified as ASA III–V.
- Monitor vital signs and anesthetic depth throughout procedures and support safe patient recovery.
- Prepare surgical suites, instrument tables, and equipment while maintaining sterile fields and aseptic technique.
- Identify, organize, and prepare surgical instruments and anticipate the needs of the surgeon throughout procedures.
- Assist with anesthetic blocks, ECG/EKG monitoring, and other advanced anesthesia techniques.
- Support CT imaging, contrast studies, and other diagnostic procedures as needed.
- Provide perioperative nursing care and monitor patients before, during, and after surgery.
- Perform venipuncture, place peripheral IV catheters, administer medications, and assist with diagnostic testing.
- Maintain accurate medical records, monitor laboratory results, and support short-term case management.
- Prepare treatment estimates, provide patient updates, coordinate discharges, and communicate with clients about their pets’ care.
- Collaborate with surgeons, other Veterinary Technicians, and the broader specialty team to ensure coordinated, compassionate patient care.

Qualifications

- Registered or credentialed Veterinary Technician (RVT, LVT, or CVT) preferred.
- Minimum of three years of emergency or specialty veterinary experience preferred
- Strong knowledge of anesthesia induction, intubation, monitoring, and recovery.
- Experience with surgical preparation, sterile technique, instrument setup, patient positioning, and perioperative nursing.
- Proficiency in animal restraint, venipuncture, peripheral IV catheter placement, and medication administration.
- Familiarity with ECG/EKG monitoring, CT imaging, and contrast studies is beneficial.
- Strong communication, organization, and client service skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced specialty hospital.
- Ability to lift at least 35 pounds and stand for extended periods.
- Willingness to participate in mandatory on-call and holiday rotations.
- Fluent English speaking and reading skills required.

About the Hospital

South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (SAVES) has served the Asheville community since 2009, with a commitment to advanced veterinary medicine, progressive techniques, and compassionate patient care. Our team combines medical knowledge, advanced technology, and collaboration with referring veterinarians to provide emergency and specialty services for pets.

At SAVES, our Surgery team works together to support complex cases, advanced anesthesia, and high-quality perioperative care. We value teamwork, professional development, and the contributions of Veterinary Technicians in delivering excellent patient outcomes.

Surrounding Areas

SAVES is located in Asheville, NC, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area serves surrounding communities including Arden, Fletcher, Hendersonville, Weaverville, Black Mountain, Candler, and Brevard. Asheville offers access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, hiking trails, rivers, outdoor recreation, live music, local arts, and a vibrant food scene. It’s an appealing destination for Veterinary Technicians who want to build their specialty medicine careers while enjoying an active mountain lifestyle.

If you’re considering relocating to western North Carolina, Asheville offers a mix of mountain scenery, outdoor adventure, and a thriving local community. SAVES provides an opportunity to develop your surgical and anesthesia skills while working alongside a specialty veterinary team.

Join Us

If you're an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician looking to take the next steps of your career in advanced specialty medicine while working with a team that supports your success, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and discover the opportunities available at South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty!

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.