Job Description

Veterinary Assistant – Oncology

Up to $26.00/hour (DOE)
Full-time opportunity in Santa Barbara, California
Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts | Weekend & holiday flexibility required

Build your career in veterinary oncology with Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS). As an Oncology Veterinary Assistant, you'll work alongside veterinary specialists, Registered Veterinary Technicians, and an experienced clinical team providing compassionate care for pets undergoing cancer diagnostics and treatment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Veterinary Assistant who wants to expand their clinical skills, gain experience in specialty veterinary medicine, and support patients and families throughout their oncology care journey.

Why Join Advanced Veterinary Specialists

Advanced Veterinary Specialists is a specialty and emergency veterinary hospital in Santa Barbara providing advanced care across Oncology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Cardiology, and Emergency & Critical Care.

Our Oncology team combines advanced veterinary medicine with compassionate patient and client care. You'll gain hands-on experience while working in a collaborative environment focused on mentorship, continuing education, and professional development.

In Your Day-to-Day, You Will

• Assist veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians with oncology examinations, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and patient care.
• Safely handle, restrain, and position dogs and cats for examinations and procedures.
• Assist with laboratory testing, sample collection, medications, and treatments under appropriate supervision.
• Monitor and provide compassionate nursing support for patients throughout their visits.
• Prepare, clean, stock, and organize examination rooms, treatment areas, equipment, and supplies.
• Communicate compassionately with clients and support education regarding treatment plans and home care.
• Collaborate with Oncology and other specialty teams to maintain efficient workflow and exceptional patient care.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• General knowledge and experience with small animal handling and restraint, particularly dogs and cats.
• Basic understanding of veterinary medical terminology and patient care.
• Strong communication, organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to multitask and follow hospital protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Calm, compassionate, and professional demeanor.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative veterinary team.
• Veterinary hospital experience or enrollment in a Veterinary Technology program preferred.

Perks & Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA); 401(k); Employee Assistance Program (EAP); three weeks of accrued paid time off; monthly RACE-approved continuing education; VetBloom learning and development resources; eligible CE and coursework support; career milestone bonuses for earning your RVT or VTS; and professional growth and advancement opportunities.

Location Highlight

Build your veterinary oncology career in beautiful Santa Barbara, with access to beaches, mountains, hiking, dining, and year-round outdoor recreation. AVS is accessible to veterinary professionals throughout Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Montecito, Summerland, Ventura, Oxnard, and surrounding Central Coast communities.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class veterinary medicine and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of specialty and emergency veterinary hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You'll work alongside veterinary professionals committed to learning, collaboration, compassionate care, and clinical excellence.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You'll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and help advance veterinary medicine—together.

Join Us

If you're a Veterinary Assistant, Oncology Veterinary Assistant, Specialty Veterinary Assistant, Veterinary Technician Assistant, or veterinary professional interested in animal oncology, cancer care, specialty medicine, and advanced patient care, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and join the Oncology team at Advanced Veterinary Specialists in Santa Barbara.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos Veterinary Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.