Emergency Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) + RVT Lead

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is a privately owned specialty and emergency practice committed to both healing and education. Our team of board-certified specialists, experienced emergency doctors, registered veterinary technicians, assistants, and client service professionals works collaboratively to provide exceptional medical care while fostering a supportive, respectful, and positive workplace.

As a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility, we are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including a 128-slice CT scanner, fluoroscopy, digital radiology, ultrasound, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and endoscopy. Our hospital includes full-time boarded surgery and radiology services, along with a 24/7 emergency department supported by experienced emergency veterinarians.

We are deeply committed to mentorship, continuing education, and professional growth. At Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, we strive to balance clinical excellence with sustainability, teamwork, and long-term career fulfillment.

Position Overview

We are seeking compassionate and skilled Emergency Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT) and RVT Leads to join our growing emergency and critical care team. In this role, you will provide advanced nursing care while serving as a clinical and operational leader during assigned shifts.

We look forward to speaking with you if you are an experienced RVT who wants to be a Lead or would rather not assume a formal leadership role throughout the shift and can meet a current business need for coverage on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

• Provide high-quality nursing care to emergency and critical patients, ensuring comfort, stability, and optimal medical outcomes
• Triage incoming emergency cases and initiate timely treatments in collaboration with emergency veterinarians
• Perform advanced patient monitoring, including ECG, blood pressure, capnography, and other critical care parameters
• Administer medications via IV, IM, SQ, and PO routes, including controlled substances, CRIs, and transfusions
• Operate and maintain advanced diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including CT, ultrasound, ventilators, and infusion pumps
• Assist with emergency surgical procedures, anesthesia induction, intubation, and perioperative patient management
• Perform phlebotomy, IV catheter placement, urinary catheterization, wound care, and other essential nursing tasks
• Collect and analyze diagnostic samples and perform in-house laboratory testing to support rapid clinical decision-making
• Facilitate patient rounds and accurate medical recordkeeping to ensure continuity of care between shifts
• Educate and support pet owners during critical situations with empathy and professionalism
• Maintain compliance with hospital safety protocols, infection control standards, OSHA requirements, and proper handling of hazardous materials

RVT Lead Requirements

• Lead and coordinate shift operations, including delegation of tasks, workflow oversight, and team support
• Conduct team huddles to promote communication, efficiency, and patient-centered care
• Address and de-escalate interpersonal concerns in real time to maintain a respectful and collaborative work environment
• Participate in continuing education, mentorship, and leadership development initiatives

Qualifications

• Current Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license in California or eligibility for licensure
• Minimum of 1–2 years of emergency or specialty veterinary experience preferred
• Strong technical proficiency in emergency and critical care nursing skills
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development

Scheduling & Availability Requirements

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital operates 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Lead team members are expected to demonstrate flexibility and reliability in scheduling and must be able to rotate between day, swing, overnight, weekend, and holiday shifts in accordance with hospital needs.

This position is being hired to meet a current operational need for overnight coverage on Sunday - Wednesday. Due to patient care, staffing, and leadership requirements during overnight operations, the ability to reliably work overnight shifts on these days is considered an essential function of the role.

Requests for schedule modifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be considered where reasonable and consistent with business operations and applicable law.

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly compensation based on experience and skill level
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid sick time and vacation time for eligible employees
• A collaborative, respectful workplace culture
• Exposure to emergency and specialty veterinary medicine in a modern facility
• The opportunity to live and work in San Luis Obispo, with access to outdoor recreation, wineries, and a vibrant community

Shift Differentials

We recognize the value of overnight and weekend coverage and offer additional compensation for eligible hours worked:

• Overnight Differential: +$3.00/hour for hours worked between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Weekend Differential: +$3.00/hour for hours worked between Friday at 8:00 PM and Monday at 6:00 AM

These differentials are separate and cumulative. Team members working eligible overnight hours during the weekend differential period may earn both differentials, providing the opportunity to earn up to an additional $6.00/hour above their base rate.