Colorado State University
Position Summary
The Surgical Coordinator supports student learning, patient care, and surgical service operations within the Primary Care service at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). The role oversees aseptic and sterile techniques, surgical preparation, patient handling, and provides instruction to veterinary students and staff. Under DVM supervision the coordinator coordinates daily surgical procedures, manages EMR records, charge capture, and ensures procedural efficiency and patient safety.
Responsibilities
Student Surgical Support & Education
Support and guide veterinary students in scrubbing, gowning, gloving, aseptic technique, and patient prep.
Educate students on proper surgical setup, patient handling, sterile field management, limited surgical techniques/anatomy, and post‑op procedures.
Instruct students on the safe and effective use of advanced surgical equipment, including electrocautery units, vessel sealing devices, and laparoscopic equipment.
Perform patient positioning and securement based on procedure type and species‑specific needs.
Conduct surgical skin prep using appropriate aseptic techniques.
Open sterile surgical packs and supplies aseptically.
Surgical Suite Preparation & Maintenance
Maintain cleanliness and organization of surgical and induction suites on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual schedule.
Prepare surgical tables and anesthesia stands with appropriate equipment and supplies.
Ensure surgical suite is stocked with all required supplies prior to scheduled procedures.
Maintain and troubleshoot surgical equipment to ensure safe operation.
Assist with basic maintenance and cleaning of anesthesia machines.
Use cleaning solutions and disinfectants to maintain aseptic conditions.
Surgical Coordination & Scheduling
Coordinate the surgical schedule and daily flow of patients in collaboration with DVMs and staff.
Serve as a liaison between surgery and other areas to ensure efficient case management.
Verify that each patient is checked in with an open EMR record and that charges are captured accurately.
Communicate patient readiness, status changes, or delays to anesthesia, students, and clinicians.
Shelter/Rescue Partnership Management
Serve as the primary liaison between the hospital and participating shelters/rescues.
Manage the weekly intake process and coordinate the arrival and selection of animals for surgical training.
Verify that incoming patients meet medical and programmatic guidelines.
Communicate post‑operative care needs and recovery timelines to shelter/rescue staff.
Foster clear, timely communication to support long‑term collaboration.
Required Qualifications
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Certification or equivalent credential recognized by the state.
Minimum of 3 years of veterinary surgical experience in a small animal setting, with direct involvement in sterile technique, patient handling, and surgical preparation.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience mentoring or instructing surgical technique and equipment use.
Knowledge of surgical equipment including electrocautery and laparoscopic devices.
Credentialed Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) or actively working toward VTS certification.
Experience working directly with shelter/rescue organizations.
Benefits
Paid time off: 192 hours per year (accrued at 16 hours per month), 120 hours sick leave, and 11 paid holidays annually pro‑rated by full‑time equivalent.
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and parental leave programs.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Free college credit courses up to 9 semester credits per year.
Tuition scholarships up to 50% for eligible family members.
Employee growth opportunities through CSU training and development.
Community discounts, pet VTH discount, and free MAX transit use with CSU identification.
How to Apply To apply, upload a cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications, a résumé, CACVT/Other State Vet Tech Certification, and contact information for three professional references. For accommodations or assistance with the application process, contact
vth_hr@colostate.edu .
Conditions of Employment Pre‑employment criminal background check (required for new hires) and essential services designation are required.
EEO Statement Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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Responsibilities
Student Surgical Support & Education
Support and guide veterinary students in scrubbing, gowning, gloving, aseptic technique, and patient prep.
Educate students on proper surgical setup, patient handling, sterile field management, limited surgical techniques/anatomy, and post‑op procedures.
Instruct students on the safe and effective use of advanced surgical equipment, including electrocautery units, vessel sealing devices, and laparoscopic equipment.
Perform patient positioning and securement based on procedure type and species‑specific needs.
Conduct surgical skin prep using appropriate aseptic techniques.
Open sterile surgical packs and supplies aseptically.
Surgical Suite Preparation & Maintenance
Maintain cleanliness and organization of surgical and induction suites on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual schedule.
Prepare surgical tables and anesthesia stands with appropriate equipment and supplies.
Ensure surgical suite is stocked with all required supplies prior to scheduled procedures.
Maintain and troubleshoot surgical equipment to ensure safe operation.
Assist with basic maintenance and cleaning of anesthesia machines.
Use cleaning solutions and disinfectants to maintain aseptic conditions.
Surgical Coordination & Scheduling
Coordinate the surgical schedule and daily flow of patients in collaboration with DVMs and staff.
Serve as a liaison between surgery and other areas to ensure efficient case management.
Verify that each patient is checked in with an open EMR record and that charges are captured accurately.
Communicate patient readiness, status changes, or delays to anesthesia, students, and clinicians.
Shelter/Rescue Partnership Management
Serve as the primary liaison between the hospital and participating shelters/rescues.
Manage the weekly intake process and coordinate the arrival and selection of animals for surgical training.
Verify that incoming patients meet medical and programmatic guidelines.
Communicate post‑operative care needs and recovery timelines to shelter/rescue staff.
Foster clear, timely communication to support long‑term collaboration.
Required Qualifications
Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) Certification or equivalent credential recognized by the state.
Minimum of 3 years of veterinary surgical experience in a small animal setting, with direct involvement in sterile technique, patient handling, and surgical preparation.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience mentoring or instructing surgical technique and equipment use.
Knowledge of surgical equipment including electrocautery and laparoscopic devices.
Credentialed Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) or actively working toward VTS certification.
Experience working directly with shelter/rescue organizations.
Benefits
Paid time off: 192 hours per year (accrued at 16 hours per month), 120 hours sick leave, and 11 paid holidays annually pro‑rated by full‑time equivalent.
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and parental leave programs.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Free college credit courses up to 9 semester credits per year.
Tuition scholarships up to 50% for eligible family members.
Employee growth opportunities through CSU training and development.
Community discounts, pet VTH discount, and free MAX transit use with CSU identification.
How to Apply To apply, upload a cover letter addressing the required and preferred qualifications, a résumé, CACVT/Other State Vet Tech Certification, and contact information for three professional references. For accommodations or assistance with the application process, contact
vth_hr@colostate.edu .
Conditions of Employment Pre‑employment criminal background check (required for new hires) and essential services designation are required.
EEO Statement Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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