Surgery & Anesthesia Department Manager - Veterinary Referral Associates

Job Description

Job Description

Veterinary Referral Associates is currently seeking a Surgery & Anesthesia Department Manager to join our team!

Position Overview

The Surgery and Anesthesia Department Manager is a hands-on leadership role responsible for both clinical excellence and operational management. This position combines direct patient care as a technician with comprehensive oversight of department scheduling, staff supervision, and workflow optimization.

Success in this role requires strong organizational abilities, adherence to hospital policies and protocols, and a professional, collaborative approach that inspires the department team to deliver exceptional surgical and anesthetic care.

Essential Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Management

• Supervise, mentor, and develop technicians and medical support staff through regular performance evaluations, ongoing training, and constructive feedback
• Participate in hiring decisions and performance management, including disciplinary actions when necessary
• Communicate and enforce hospital policies while introducing new practices and protocols to the team
• Foster a culture of professional growth, accountability, and clinical excellence

Operations & Scheduling

• Create and manage staff schedules to ensure optimal department coverage and patient care capacity
• Administer on-call rotations and monitor overtime to maintain work-life balance and budget compliance
• Oversee department inventory, equipment maintenance, and facility cleanliness standards
• Coordinate with other departments and leadership to ensure seamless patient care and hospital operations

Clinical Care

• Perform technician duties as scheduled, maintaining hands-on involvement in patient care
• Establish and uphold departmental standards for anesthesia and surgical patient management
• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for complex cases and advanced procedures
• Conduct patient assessments and ensure proper monitoring protocols are followed

Communication & Problem Resolution

• Act as liaison between the surgery/anesthesia team and hospital leadership
• Address staff concerns and operational challenges proactively and confidentially
• Keep management informed of issues affecting operations, safety, or team morale
• Collaborate with the leadership team to implement solutions and process improvements

Required Qualifications

Licensure & Experience

• Active veterinary technician license (RVT, LVT, CVT, or equivalent) with eligibility for Maryland licensure
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a credentialed veterinary technician in a progressive practice
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience in a veterinary setting
• Proven track record of team development and mentorship

Core Technical Skills

• Proficiency in advanced anesthesia monitoring and management
• Expertise in venipuncture, arterial and central line catheter placement
• Competency in radiographic positioning, imaging techniques, and fluoroscopy
• Strong foundation in medication calculations, CRI administration, and TIVA protocols
• Excellent animal restraint and patient assessment abilities

Professional Competencies

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational abilities with excellent time management and prioritization
• Effective problem-solving with a proactive, solutions-oriented approach
• Ability to maintain composure and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations
• Commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical practice

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Specialty experience in emergency, critical care, or specialty surgery settings
• Advanced anesthesia expertise including arterial blood pressure monitoring, TIVA, and complex CRI protocols
• Operational leadership with demonstrated success in schedule management and workflow optimization
• Process improvement experience developing and implementing SOPs and quality initiatives
• Collaborative mindset with a passion for creating positive, high-performing team environments
• Client-centered approach with exceptional communication and service skills
• Technical excellence including fluoroscopy experience and advanced monitoring techniques

Schedule:

This position is full-time hourly with an anticipated schedule to include 40 hours and 4-5 shifts per week. There will be an initial 90-day training period of various shift rotations which may include mornings, evenings, and weekends.

On-Call Requirement: Full-time employees are required to sign up for 24 hours per month of hospital on-call coverage following 90 days of employment. Anesthesia technicians and assistants will transition to the Anesthesia on-call calendar after the Medical Director and Anesthesiologist's approval.

Candidate must be willing to work varying shifts in order to regularly touch base with all staff working in the Surgery & Anesthesia Department.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Pay Range

$28—$38 USD

At PetVet Care Centers, we're committed to a Culture of Care — for pets, for the people who love them, and for the team members who make it all possible. With more than 420 hospitals across the U.S. and a team of over 11,000 dedicated professionals , including 1700+ veterinarians , we offer a unique blend of local leadership and national support that helps our hospitals thrive.

Our model is built on partnership, collaboration, and local medical autonomy , empowering each hospital to deliver high-quality care while benefiting from shared resources and a strong professional community. Whether you're providing care in a hospital or supporting operations behind the scenes, PetVet is a place where you can grow your career, stay connected to your purpose, and make a meaningful impact.

You care for pets. We care for you.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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