Veterinary Technician Assistant - Ophthalmology
Full-Time - Start date Summer 2026
About Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital
Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital is a ground-breaking specialty hospital located in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia. We are host to multiple specialists and departments including Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Anesthesia, Neurology, Cardiology, Radiology, Emergency/ECC with a dedicated ICU, Surgery and Exotics. We have been expanding since opening and are constantly growing.
At Coastal Care, we strive to provide a collaborative and cohesive work environment. We encourage growth, innovation, and continued training. We practice in a rich and rewarding environment where patient care is optimized, and learning is continuous.
Overview
We are seeking a Veterinary Technician Assistant with a passion for Ophthalmology. This service is fast-paced and high-volume, handling a wide range of referral cases from general practices, including complex surgical procedures and specialized diagnostics. We’re looking for a motivated and adaptable team player with strong analytical and medical skills who thrives under pressure. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and multitasking are key, along with clear communication and collaboration. Work alongside a dedicated specialty team to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their people.
Skills and Opportunities:
- Capability setting up and cleaning surgical suites
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and collaborate with multiple specialty departments
- Competence operating cloud based medical records and troubleshooting IT issues
- Proficiency with restraint of canine and feline patients with and without sedatives, positioning for exams and procedures
- Safely lift and handle large dogs
- Great consistency with clients and staying on top of follow up calls, refills etc
- Familiarity with surgical instruments, and learning many specific tools and protocols
- Happy to learn set up, handling and cleaning very delicate instruments and diagnostic tools including slit lamp, Volk lens, Heine ophthalmoscope, Finoff transilluminators and tonometer
- Open to learning set-up and use of highly specialized equipment during surgical and non-surgical procedures including: operating microscope, ultrasound, diode laser, phacoemulsification system, cryotherapy unit, etc
- Ability to learn use of our camera to help take detailed ophthalmic photos and uploading them to patient files
- Professional comportment and proficient medical charting, scribing
Ideal Candidate:
- Graduate from a Veterinary Assistant program, or currently pursuing veterinary studies
- Experience in a busy clinical setting is an asset
- Motivated to provide the highest level of care at a specialty level
- Able to thrive in a fast-paced, high demand environment while performing moderately physically demanding work that requires lifting (up to 50 pounds), cleaning, and staying active throughout the day
- Resilient, adaptable and ready to support a busy team through highly technical procedures and tight appointment bookings
Email: Jennifer Sutton, VTA Manager [email protected]
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Expected hours: 40 per week, Mon-Thurs 8a-6p
Benefits:
- 100% employer paid Manulife for medical, dental and more
- Free Employee Family Assistance Program (Telus)
- Professional Services coverage for chiropractor, physiotherapy, massage etc
- RRSP matching
- Uniform allowance
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- PTO and Vacation
- Paid holidays beyond the standard NS requirements
- CE allowance and paid time to attend
- Wellness program, staff discount and Veterinary discount pricing through Hills, RC, PPVD portals
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Store discount
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
