Medical Ophthalmology jobs

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 jsutton@coastalcarevet.ca

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