Registered/Licensed Veterinary Technologist (RVT/LVT)- Specialty Surgery Anesthesia (Lead)
Employer: Rockyview Orthopedic Veterinary Referral Specialists Inc.
Position: Registered/Licensed Veterinary Technologist (RVT/LVT)- Specialty Surgery Anesthesia (Lead)
Terms of Employment: Full-time / Permanent
Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Employment Address: 201 Brownlow Ave #32 Dartmouth, NS B3B 1W2
Hours of Work: 40 hours/week
Language: English
Existing Vacancy: This posting reflects an ongoing opportunity for future openings
Benefits: Eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or salary increases in accordance with company policy. Eligible for Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance and Disability Insurance.
Salary: $40 CAD / hour
Contact: Please send resumes to admin@rovrs.ca and include “Registered/Licensed Veterinary Technologist” in the email subject line, or apply below.
Role Summary:The Registered Veterinary Technologist (RVT) – Specialty Surgery & Anesthesia supports advanced anesthesia for specialty surgical cases with a primary focus on anesthesia, perioperative patient care, analgesia planning support, and surgical nursing. This role requires a strong foundation in advanced level anesthesia for critical and orthopedic cases, strong technical judgment, calm leadership in high-acuity situations, and a commitment to patient safety, continuous improvement, and team development. Reports to: Surgeon/Practice Leadership (and works closely with other anesthesia/surgery team members)
Duties:
● Key Responsibilities:
o Preparing anesthesia plans in collaboration with the board certified veterinary surgeon; calculating, preparing, and administering medications as delegated and permitted by regulation
o Inducing, maintaining, and recovering anesthesia for specialty surgical patients
o Placing and managing intravenous and arterial catheters, invasive blood pressure monitoring systems, iv fluid therapy, infusion pumps/CRI setups, and maintaining accurate anesthesia records
o Operating anesthesia equipment (anesthesia machine, ventilator, oxygen systems, warming devices)
● Advanced Monitoring & Peri-Operative Patient Care:
o Performing and interpreting peri-anesthetic monitoring and communicate changes promptly
o Performing orthopedic radiography
o Providing peri-operative nursing care
o Supporting emergency response during anesthetic complications (CPR readiness, crash cart familiarity, rapid communication and role clarity)
● Clinical Workflow, Documentation, and Client/Referring DVM Communication:
o Ensuring complete, accurate medical records and anesthesia/surgery documentation
o Communicating clearly and professionally with the team regarding patient status, treatment plans, and discharge needs
o Supporting discharge education and post-op care instructions as delegated (medications, activity restriction, bandage care, follow-up expectations)
● Leadership, Training, and Culture:
o Providing mentorship and coaching to technicians/assistants; helping onboard and train staff in anesthesia, surgery support, and safety protocols
o Promoting a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe workplace; demonstrating emotional intelligence and strong communication
o Maintaining composure under pressure; leading with clarity, empathy, and optimism during high-acuity cases
o Participating in continuous learning, protocol refinement, and quality improvement initiatives (patient safety, anesthesia checklists, controlled drug processes, etc.)
Requirements:
● Registered/licensed/certified Veterinary Technologist/Technician in good standing (eligible for NSVMA registration/licensure in Nova Scotia)
● Completion of a two-or three-year animal health/veterinary technology college program OR bachelor’s degree biology, animal health, zoology or related field is required.
● Successful completion of the Veterinary Technician National Examination with a passing score.
● Minimum 3 years clinical veterinary technician experience in a specialty hospital surgical unit
● 5+ years veterinary technician experience, including:
o 3+ years in surgery and anesthesia (referral, emergency, or high-volume specialty surgical setting)
o 2+ years in a leadership/mentorship role (lead RVT, shift lead, training lead, etc.)
● Solid working knowledge of veterinary pharmaceuticals, anatomy, physiology, asepsis, and patient monitoring standards
● Advanced technical skills and sound clinical decision-making within RVT scope
● Strong organization, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced surgical environment
● Team-first mindset with excellent communication and collaboration
● Commitment to patient safety, technician development, and continuous improvement
AI Disclosure: We may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with scheduling interviews andmanaging screening times. We do not use AI to evaluate applicants or make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.
