Senior Level Veterinary Surgical Assistant Jobs
Senior level veterinary surgical assistant jobs place experienced professionals in charge of complex procedures, instrument management, sterile field integrity, and the technical mentorship of newer surgical team members. Openings are predominantly on-site across Animal Care & Pet Services, Education, and Healthcare & Medical Services, with employers like BluePearl Pet Hospital, Ethos Veterinary Health, and Lyon College hiring at this level now.
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The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) invites applications for a one-year Clinical Instructorship in Small Animal Emergency and Trauma Surgery. This position offers an exceptional opportunity for advanced surgical training, clinical teaching, and mentorship within one of the nation's premier veterinary specialty hospitals.
Position Overview
The Clinical Instructor will lead the Urgent Surgical Service, providing care for critically ill and injured patients requiring emergency and trauma-related surgical intervention. The role combines hands-on clinical service, resident and intern training, and professional development under the guidance of an experienced surgical faculty.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Urgent Surgical Service and manage emergency surgical caseloads.
- Examine, diagnose, and treat critically ill surgical patients.
- Perform emergency and trauma-related soft tissue and orthopedic procedures.
- Provide primary patient care and client communication.
- Supervise and teach surgical residents and interns assigned to the service.
- Participate in departmental activities, including:
- Case rounds
- Resident seminars
- Journal club
- Service and departmental meetings
- Contribute to AMC's mission of excellence in patient care, education, and clinical training.
Mentorship & Professional Development
Clinical Instructors receive active mentorship from AMC's team of ACVS board-certified surgeons. The position is designed to support professional growth while providing significant clinical responsibility. In addition, eight weeks of leave for Phase II board examination preparation will be provided.
Qualifications
- DVM or equivalent veterinary degree.
- Completion of a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery.
- Completion of a residency in small animal surgery.
- Eligibility for veterinary licensure in New York State.
- Commitment to outstanding patient care, client service, and clinical teaching.
About AMC
The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is one of the largest non-profit animal hospitals in the world, treating more than 50,000 patients annually. The successful candidate will join a collaborative surgical team that includes:
- 9 ACVS board-certified surgeons
- 7 surgical residents
- 2 specialty interns in surgery
- 1 specialty intern in surgical oncology
- 3 anesthesiologists
- 4 neurologists
- An Integrative & Rehabilitation Center
- A broad network of specialty services
Advanced Facilities & Equipment
- 64-slice CT
- 1.5T MRI
- Two C-arms
- Arthroscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Thoracoscopy, including NIR technology
- Additional advanced surgical and diagnostic resources
Why Join AMC?
This instructorship provides a unique combination of:
- High-level clinical experience
- Dedicated mentorship
- Teaching opportunities
- Exposure to a diverse and complex caseload
- Access to advanced technology and multidisciplinary collaboration
Pay Range
$250,000 - $275,000 USD
Excellence in veterinary medicine since 1910. AMC Offers:
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Founded in 1910, the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center is the world’s largest veterinary teaching hospital, offering compassionate, collaborative, and cutting-edge veterinary care. Our commitment to innovation has led to the creation of one of the most advanced veterinary facilities in the world.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: AMC just completed a major expansion and renovation. This project transformed the hospital’s entire 83,000-square-foot space into a state-of-the-art facility unlike any other.
Highlights include: A brand-new full floor surgical center, 1.5 Tesla Philips MRI (the exclusive high field MRI for small animals in NYC), 64-slice spiral CT scanner, Electroencephalography (EEG), Elekta Versa HD Linear Accelerator, In-house Laboratory, Ultrasound, Echocardiogram, and Mobile Cone Beam CT.
A multidisciplinary team of 140+ veterinarians across 20+ specialties: With over 20 specialties and services under one roof, our departments frequently work together to deliver the highest quality of patient care in the veterinary field. Our dynamic array of specialists means that we are the go-to place for complex cases.
A Hospital in the heart of NYC: AMC is located in Manhattan, surrounded by leading research and teaching institutions such as Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical School, and NYU. Collaborative research opportunities abound, and our strong focus on education ensures a rewarding career for those passionate about mentoring and advancing veterinary medicine.
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Top Industries Hiring
- Animal Care & Pet Services
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Consumer Goods
Senior Level Veterinary Surgical Assistant Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level veterinary surgical assistant job?
Employers hiring at this level look for candidates who can lead surgical setups independently, troubleshoot equipment under pressure, and train less experienced staff without close supervision. Certifications such as the Veterinary Technician Specialist credential or advanced anesthesia training signal readiness. Demonstrating ownership of a surgery suite, protocol development, or quality improvement initiatives gives candidates a clear edge over generalist applicants.
Which companies hire senior level veterinary surgical assistants?
Companies hiring senior level veterinary surgical assistants right now include BluePearl Pet Hospital, Ethos Veterinary Health, and Lyon College, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level tends to come from specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, academic veterinary medical centers, and large multi-site veterinary group practices that require experienced staff to anchor their surgical programs.
Are there remote senior level veterinary surgical assistant jobs?
Yes, though most surgical assistant work is hands-on and on-site by nature. About 0% of senior level veterinary surgical assistant openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions typically involve surgical training coordination, protocol writing, compliance review, or continuing education program management rather than direct patient care.
What makes a veterinary surgical assistant role senior level?
Senior level roles are defined by independent ownership of the surgical environment, not just task completion. That includes managing instrument inventory and sterilization compliance, overseeing anesthesia monitoring protocols, mentoring junior assistants and technicians, and contributing to procedure-specific standard operating procedures. Senior assistants are expected to flag surgical risks proactively and make real-time decisions without waiting for direction.
Which industries hire the most senior level veterinary surgical assistants?
Senior Level veterinary surgical assistant roles concentrate in Animal Care & Pet Services, Education, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive demand because they operate high-volume or high-complexity surgical caseloads that require experienced assistants who can maintain standards, reduce case turnover time, and support surgical specialists consistently.