Ambulatory Equine Veterinary Assistant

Pay: $19.00 - $26.00 per hour

Location: In-person; in and around Santa Cruz County, California (primary clinic in Salinas, California)

Reports To: Ambulatory Veterinarian(s) and Operations Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics is seeking an Ambulatory Veterinary Assistant to support our veterinarians, serving clients throughout the Santa Cruz County and surrounding areas. This position is primarily field-based and plays an essential role in providing efficient, high-quality veterinary care at client farms and facilities.

The Ambulatory Veterinary Assistant works alongside veterinarians during scheduled appointments by preparing equipment, safely handling horses, assisting with medical procedures, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the ambulatory vehicle remains organized and fully stocked. This position requires flexibility, excellent organizational skills, strong horse handling experience, and the ability to work independently while adapting to changing schedules and emergency cases.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist veterinarians during ambulatory appointments by safely restraining horses for examinations, diagnostics, treatments, and minor procedures.

• Prepare equipment, medications, and supplies prior to daily appointments.

• Maintain and organize the ambulatory vehicle, ensuring supplies, medications, and equipment are stocked, clean, and ready for daily use.

• Assist with diagnostic procedures including radiographs, ultrasound, endoscopy, laboratory sample collection, and other veterinary procedures as directed.

• Perform routine laboratory testing and accurately document results.

• Collect, label, package, and prepare laboratory samples for submission.

• Maintain accurate treatment records and document medications and procedures performed to support invoicing and medical records.

• Complete charges and billing accurately within the hospital management software (HVMS).

• Assist with inventory management by monitoring supply levels and communicating restocking needs.

• Ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of equipment and instruments between appointments.

• Assist with loading and unloading equipment at client facilities.

• Drive company vehicles to and from appointments as needed while maintaining safe driving practices.

• Communicate professionally with clients, providing exceptional customer service while supporting the veterinarian during appointments.

• Maintain a clean, professional appearance of the ambulatory vehicle and work environment.

• Follow all OSHA, workplace safety, biosecurity, and infection control protocols.

• Support hospital operations and assist with additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous horse handling experience is required.

• Strong equine restraint and handling skills.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

• Previous experience in an equine veterinary practice preferred.

• Valid California Driver's License with a clean driving record.

• Comfortable driving large trucks and trailers, or willingness to be trained.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

• Detail-oriented with excellent time management skills.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and general computer applications.

• Comfortable learning and utilizing veterinary practice management software.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

• Flexible schedule with the ability to adapt to changing appointment schedules and occasional emergency cases.

• Must successfully pass a background check and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.

• Ability to walk, stand, bend, kneel, squat, and work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.

• Ability to safely handle and restrain horses of various ages, sizes, and temperaments.

• Ability to work around large animals, medical equipment, biological materials, and veterinary pharmaceuticals.

• Ability to enter and exit large trucks multiple times throughout the workday.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is primarily field-based, traveling daily to client farms, ranches, training facilities, and equine events throughout Santa Cruz County and surrounding communities. Work is performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and around large animals. The position also requires occasional work at Steinbeck-Peninsula Equine Clinics' hospitals to assist with inventory, training, meetings, or operational support as needed.

BENEFITS

• 401(k)

• 401(k) matching

• Dental insurance

• Employee assistance program

• Employee discount

• Flexible spending account

• Health insurance

• Health savings account

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Referral program

• Vision insurance

About Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics

Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics provides world-class equine healthcare throughout California's Central Coast. Our state-of-the-art hospitals, outpatient clinics, and ambulatory services offer preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical care for horses of all disciplines. We continue to expand our services by investing in leading-edge technology while maintaining our commitment to exceptional patient care and client service.

At Steinbeck Peninsula Equine Clinics, our core values center around compassion, collaboration, professionalism, and respect. We are committed to providing exceptional care for our equine patients while fostering meaningful relationships with our clients, colleagues, and referring veterinarians. We believe in open communication, teamwork, continuous learning, and supporting a healthy work-life balance.