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Shaded band: the middle 50% of 200 posted operations roles in Washington salarys. This role sits in the 26th percentile.
About the role
Pay for this role is about 36% below the Washington median for operations roles.
The Licensed Veterinary Technician coordinates patient flow and provides surgical support, including anesthesia monitoring and pre-operative preparation. They also ensure accurate medical record-keeping, maintain surgical equipment, and provide post-operative care and discharge instructions.
The Licensed Veterinary Technician supports high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter services by coordinating patient flow, preparing patients for surgery, administering and monitoring anesthesia, assisting veterinarians during procedures, and ensuring safe recovery and discharge. This role requires strong surgical nursing skills, sound clinical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment while maintaining compassionate, low-stress handling standards. The LVT plays a key role in supporting patient safety, team collaboration, operational efficiency, and access to affordable veterinary care for the community. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
Patient Flow and Surgical Coordination
Create, coordinate, and adjust the daily surgical flow from patient check-in through discharge to support efficiency, safety, and clear team communication. Review patient medical history, assigned services, and any special handling or medical considerations before procedures begin. Communicate patient condition, schedule changes, safety concerns, and urgent needs promptly to the veterinarian and clinic team. Support veterinary assistants and other team members in maintaining organized movement of patients through intake, pre-operative preparation, surgery, recovery, and discharge. Exercises independent judgment within established protocols and the licensed veterinary technician scope of practice while consulting veterinarians on patient care decisions as required.
Pre-Operative
Care and
Anesthesia: Collaborate with the veterinarian to develop and implement individualized anesthetic and patient care plans as needed within clinic protocols and the LVT scope of practice. Collaborate with the veterinarian regarding pre-anesthetic assessments, including review of patient history, physical findings, assigned procedures, and identified risks. Calculate, prepare, and administer anesthetics and other medications/treatments as directed by the veterinarian and in accordance with applicable laws and credentialing requirements. Provide oversight and guidance for delegated treatments performed by veterinary support staff in accordance with clinic protocols and applicable regulations. Prepare patients for surgery, including pre-medication, catheter placement when indicated, induction, intubation, surgical site preparation, positioning, and transfer to the surgical area. Maintain accurate controlled substance, medication, and treatment records according to clinic policy and regulatory requirements.
Surgical
Support and
Anesthesia
Monitoring: Monitor patients before, during, and after anesthesia using established monitoring standards, equipment, and clinic protocols. Track and document vital signs, anesthetic depth, oxygenation, ventilation, temperature, pain response, and other patient parameters as appropriate. Recognize changes in patient condition and communicate concerns promptly to the veterinarian to support patient safety throughout the procedure. Respond appropriately to anesthetic complications or emergencies under veterinarian direction, including preparation of emergency medications, equipment, and CPR support when needed. Assist the veterinarian during spay/neuter procedures as needed while maintaining aseptic technique and supporting smooth surgical flow. Ensure surgical instruments, packs, and equipment are prepared, functional, sterile, and available for the scheduled procedures.
Recovery,
Treatments, and
Discharge: Provide attentive post-operative monitoring and supportive care until patients meet clinic recovery criteria and are safe for discharge or transfer. Ensure each patient receives assigned treatments, pain management, vaccines, parasite control, and other services as directed by the veterinarian. Identify abnormal recovery signs, pain concerns, hypothermia, bleeding, delayed recovery, or other complications and notify the veterinarian promptly. Prepare discharge medications, e-collars, paperwork, and post-operative instructions accurately and efficiently. Communicate discharge information to clients or partner organizations clearly, compassionately, and in alignment with clinic protocols. Support surgical rechecks, post-operative calls, and follow-up care as directed.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in high-volume spay/neuter medicine. Shelter medicine experience. Experience training or mentoring support staff. Employee Benefits: Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (100% employer paid premium for employee coverage) 401(k) + Company match up to 2% - Fully vested on day 1 Discretionary Time Off Paid Holidays (9 per year) Supplemental Insurance Benefits available At cost veterinary care, medications and pet food, when available Pawternity leave and animal family member bereavement Opportunities for Advancement Employment Details Full-time, Exempt (36 hours per week) Salary range $ 49,920 - $83,200, starting range $62,400 - $72,800 Located at our Thurston County, WA clinic location Typical Schedule: M-Th 8-5 Pasado’s Safe Haven provides equal employment opportunity. At Pasado’s Safe Haven, we believe compassionate action is fundamental to dismantling systems of oppression for all living beings. We courageously live this belief every day through our work to end animal cruelty and our commitment to respect and kindness. We can only be successful by embracing the diversity and power of each individual's lived experience as we all work together toward an expanded circle of compassion.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a current Washington State Veterinary Technician license and possess at least two years of clinical experience. Proficiency in anesthesia monitoring, surgical nursing, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment are required.
professional certificate
Communication
Mentoring
Record keeping
Clinical judgment
Team collaboration
Emergency response
Anesthesia monitoring
Aseptic technique
Animal handling
Post-operative care
Surgical assistance
Veterinary nursing
Patient flow coordination
Medication dosage calculation
Surgical instrument sterilization
Controlled substance management
Benefits
401(k)
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Medical insurance
Paid holidays
Relocation assistance
Supplemental insurance
Discretionary time off
Pawternity leave
At cost veterinary care
Posting details
Employment type
Full Time
Work arrangement
On Site
Experience
2-5 yrs
Salary
$49,920 - $83,200/yr
Location
Olympia, Washington
Posted
Aug 13, 2026
Application
Employer website
Medical
Records,
Inventory, and
Clinic
Operations: Maintain complete, timely, and accurate medical records, anesthesia records, treatment notes, drug logs, and surgical documentation. Restock and organize medical supplies, controlled substances, medications, surgical packs, anesthesia equipment, and recovery supplies to support daily readiness. Clean, disinfect, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments, kennels, work areas, and equipment according to clinic sanitation and safety protocols. Monitor equipment function, identify maintenance needs, and report concerns promptly to the appropriate team member or supervisor. Follow clinic standard operating procedures, OSHA and workplace safety practices, controlled substance policies, and infectious disease prevention protocols. Provides technical guidance and day-to-day support for veterinary assistants, students, and volunteers while fostering a collaborative team environment.
Professional
Standards and
Team
Communication: Use compassionate, low-stress handling techniques and appropriate safety equipment for all animals, including fearful, fractious, feral, pediatric, geriatric, or medically compromised patients. Support a positive, respectful, and inclusive team culture that values collaboration, learning, accountability, and diverse perspectives. Communicate respectfully and clearly with veterinarians, leadership, coworkers, clients, rescue partners, and community members. Demonstrate sound judgment, attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to multitask while prioritizing patient welfare. Perform additional duties as assigned to support the mission, medical standards, and daily operations of the spay/neuter clinic. Demonstrate cultural humility and respect when interacting with coworkers, clients, volunteers, and community partners with different backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives.
Required
Skills/Qualifications: Current Washington State Veterinary Technician license. Minimum two years of veterinary clinical experience. Experience with anesthesia monitoring and surgical nursing. Strong communication and teamwork skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Commitment to animal welfare and humane care practices. Strong organizational and recordkeeping abilities. Proficiency in anesthetic monitoring equipment. Ability to calculate anesthetic and medication dosages accurately. Knowledge of aseptic surgical technique. Working knowledge of controlled substance regulations. Working in a fast-paced clinical environment with or without reasonable accommodation safely handling animals of varying sizes and temperaments, Constantly standing Frequently twist, bend/stoop, reach, wrist( flexion – extension) Occasional sitting, squat/kneeling Seldomly work from a ladder, climb ladder, climb stairs, crawl, work above shoulders, keyboard Frequently lift, carry, push/pull 10lb – 60lb (lifting or moving animals and equipment) standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods,
Market context
Washington vet tech roles stay competitive
Licensed Veterinary Technician roles in Washington are often competitive because clinics need candidates who already hold a Washington State Veterinary Technician License and have completed an accredited veterinary technology program. Employers typically look for strong communication skills and the ability to handle a fast-paced setting, while the listed medical, dental, vision, PTO, and retirement benefits can help a role stand out. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly confirm fit before applying.