Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Technician/Assistant

Department: Veterinary TechniciansLocation: Marietta, Georgia DescriptionAt Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, we are dedicated to providing exceptional, compassionate care to pets requiring emergency treatment and advanced specialty services. Located in Marietta, GA, we are a leader in emergency medicine, critical care, and specialized services including Oncology, Surgery & Anesthesia, Internal Medicine, and more.We are seeking a Full-Time Emergency & Critical Care (ECC) Veterinary Technician to join our dedicated and skilled team. This role is essential in supporting high-acuity patients and collaborating with our specialty departments to deliver outstanding veterinary care.As an Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Technician at Dogwood, you will play a vital role in stabilizing critically ill or injured patients, assisting with emergency procedures, and supporting diagnostic, surgical, and critical monitoring needs. You will be part of a fast-paced environment where teamwork, technical skill, and compassionate care are central to success.Key ResponsibilitiesEmergency & Critical CareProvide direct care for emergency and critically ill patients.Perform stabilization of patients experiencing acute distress, trauma, or rapid deterioration.Administer IV fluid therapy, analgesics, and prescribed medications.Continuously monitor vital signs such as heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.Assist in life-saving procedures including:CPRAirway management and intubationWound care and bandagingVenipuncture and catheter placementPatient MonitoringMonitor critically ill patients to ensure stability and detect changes in condition.Operate advanced monitoring equipment (ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography, blood pressure).Provide anesthesia monitoring for surgical and diagnostic procedures, ensuring patient safety.Diagnostic & Laboratory SupportPerform in-house diagnostic tests including CBCs, chemistry panels, blood gases, and urinalysis.Assist with imaging procedures (X-ray, ultrasound) and ensure proper patient positioning.Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and assist in interpreting diagnostic results.Anesthesia & Surgery AssistancePrepare for and assist with emergency surgeries using proper sterile techniques.Monitor anesthesia, perform induced and recovery support, and maintain patient stability.Provide post-operative monitoring, pain management, and complication observation.Client Communication & DocumentationCommunicate clearly and compassionately with clients regarding patient status and treatment.Document all treatments, procedures, and communications in the EMR system.Provide accurate follow-up care instructions to clients.Inventory & Equipment ManagementMaintain stock of medical supplies, medications, and equipment.Assist with controlled substance documentation and compliance.Ensure all medical equipment is functioning properly and report issues promptly.Team Collaboration & LeadershipWork closely with veterinarians, technicians, and support staff to provide efficient patient care.Mentor junior technicians, interns, and veterinary students.Contribute to a positive, collaborative team culture and assist in workflow improvement.Skills, Knowledge & Expertise to be SuccessfulEducation & Certification:High School Diploma Required, graduation from an accredited Veterinary Technician program is strongly preferredRegistered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)RVT or LVT certification is preferred. Non-licensed candidates with significant experience and skills will be considered.Additional Certifications (preferred but not required):Emergency & Critical Care (ECC) CertificationCanine and Feline CPR CertificationAnesthesia CertificationExperience:Minimum of 3-5 years of veterinary technician experience in a fast-paced, high-volume general practice or emergency veterinary hospitalPrevious experience in emergency, critical care, or specialty veterinary environments strongly preferred.Experience with emergency and critical care procedures is highly desirable, including:Patient stabilization techniquesTriage and rapid assessment in emergency situationsHandling high-acuity cases (e.g., trauma, poisoning, respiratory distress)Comfortable in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, with the ability to stay calm and focused during emergencies.Experience working overnight shifts in an emergency or specialty setting is a plus.Technical Skills:Proficient in essential veterinary technical skills, including:Venipuncture (IV catheter placement, blood draws)Placement of urinary catheters (e.g., cystocentesis)Endotracheal intubation and airway managementEmergency CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)Strong anesthesia monitoring abilities, including:Administering anesthetic agentsMonitoring and adjusting anesthesia during procedures and recoveryManaging IV fluid therapy to support critical patientsExperience with diagnostic imaging equipment, such as:Digital radiologyUltrasound for imaging and diagnosticsProficient in laboratory procedures and diagnostics, including:Performing and interpreting CBC (Complete Blood Count), chemistry panels, blood gas analysis, and urinalysisFamiliarity with lab equipment such as hematology analyzers and chemistry analyzersProficient in medical mathematics for accurate medication dosages, fluid calculations, and anesthesia protocols.Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving:Strong critical thinking skills to make swift, accurate decisions in high-stress, fast-paced situations.Ability to assess and prioritize patient needs during emergencies, including trauma cases, respiratory distress, and other critical conditions.Skilled in troubleshooting and adapting to dynamic, ever-changing patient needs, especially when faced with complicated or unusual medical cases.Communication & Interpersonal Skills:Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex medical information to pet owners.Empathy and emotional intelligence when communicating with stressed or anxious clients, particularly during nighttime hours when owners may be more worried about their pets' conditions.Ability to explain medical procedures, treatment options, and recovery plans in a clear, reassuring, and compassionate manner.Team-oriented communication to work effectively with veterinarians, technicians, and hospital staff during emergency situations and in support of overnight care.Physical & Emotional Resilience:Ability to lift and carry patients up to 40 pounds and assist with patient positioning, especially in critical care or emergency procedures.Comfortable performing physically demanding tasks (e.g., positioning patients, lifting, restraining) for extended periods.Emotional resilience to handle the stress and emotional challenges that come with working in emergency and critical care settings, especially during overnight hours.Ability to maintain focus and efficiency during long shifts in a busy and sometimes high-stress work environment.What We OfferCompetitive Salary, including Overnight Shift Differentials & Benefits:Comprehensive benefits package to support your well-being and financial future:Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options to choose fromPaid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions to help you plan for your futureLife insurance and short-term disability coverage for added peace of mindFlexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expensesOngoing Education & Professional Development:Opportunities for continued learning and growth, with financial support for:Certifications in specialized areas such as Emergency & Critical Care (ECC), Surgery, Oncology, and AnesthesiaAccess to continuing education (CE) courses, workshops, and conferences to stay up-to-date with the latest veterinary practices and technologiesSupport for obtaining advanced certifications in veterinary specialties, allowing you to expand your skill set and career potentialState-of-the-Art Facilities & Technology:Access to the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, including:Advanced imaging equipment such as digital radiology and ultrasound for accurate diagnosticsCutting-edge laboratory equipment for real-time bloodwork, diagnostics, and patient monitoringHigh-tech anesthesia machines and patient monitoring systems to ensure the best care for critical casesWell-equipped emergency and specialty treatment areas with everything you need to provide top-tier careCollaborative Team Environment:Work alongside a dedicated and supportive team of skilled veterinary professionals, including:Experienced veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support staff who are passionate about animal careCollaborative environment where all team members contribute their expertise to provide the highest level of care for patientsOpportunities for mentorship and knowledge sharing, with senior staff committed to fostering your growth and developmentImpactful & Rewarding Work:Make a real difference in the lives of pets and their families by:Providing life-saving treatment and stabilization to critically ill and injured animalsDelivering compassionate care and support to pet owners during some of their most challenging momentsTake pride in being part of a team that saves lives and improves the health and well-being of animals in needOpportunity to work in a field that brings meaningful rewards, knowing that your efforts directly impact the health and happiness of pets and their families