Surgery & Anesthesia Department Manager

Veterinary Referral Associates is currently seeking a Surgery & Anesthesia Department Manager to join our team!Position OverviewThe 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 ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Staff ManagementSupervise, mentor, and develop technicians and medical support staff through regular performance evaluations, ongoing training, and constructive feedbackParticipate in hiring decisions and performance management, including disciplinary actions when necessaryCommunicate and enforce hospital policies while introducing new practices and protocols to the teamFoster a culture of professional growth, accountability, and clinical excellenceOperations & SchedulingCreate and manage staff schedules to ensure optimal department coverage and patient care capacityAdminister on-call rotations and monitor overtime to maintain work-life balance and budget complianceOversee department inventory, equipment maintenance, and facility cleanliness standardsCoordinate with other departments and leadership to ensure seamless patient care and hospital operationsClinical CarePerform technician duties as scheduled, maintaining hands-on involvement in patient careEstablish and uphold departmental standards for anesthesia and surgical patient managementServe as a clinical resource and mentor for complex cases and advanced proceduresConduct patient assessments and ensure proper monitoring protocols are followedCommunication & Problem ResolutionAct as liaison between the surgery/anesthesia team and hospital leadershipAddress staff concerns and operational challenges proactively and confidentiallyKeep management informed of issues affecting operations, safety, or team moraleCollaborate with the leadership team to implement solutions and process improvementsRequired QualificationsLicensure & ExperienceActive veterinary technician license (RVT, LVT, CVT, or equivalent) with eligibility for Maryland licensureMinimum 5 years of experience as a credentialed veterinary technician in a progressive practiceDemonstrated leadership or supervisory experience in a veterinary settingProven track record of team development and mentorshipCore Technical SkillsProficiency in advanced anesthesia monitoring and managementExpertise in venipuncture, arterial and central line catheter placementCompetency in radiographic positioning, imaging techniques, and fluoroscopyStrong foundation in medication calculations, CRI administration, and TIVA protocolsExcellent animal restraint and patient assessment abilitiesProfessional CompetenciesExceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skillsStrong organizational abilities with excellent time management and prioritizationEffective problem-solving with a proactive, solutions-oriented approachAbility to maintain composure and make sound decisions in high-pressure situationsCommitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical practiceIdeal Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate will bring:Specialty experience in emergency, critical care, or specialty surgery settingsAdvanced anesthesia expertise including arterial blood pressure monitoring, TIVA, and complex CRI protocolsOperational leadership with demonstrated success in schedule management and workflow optimizationProcess improvement experience developing and implementing SOPs and quality initiativesCollaborative mindset with a passion for creating positive, high-performing team environmentsClient-centered approach with exceptional communication and service skillsTechnical excellence including fluoroscopy experience and advanced monitoring techniquesSchedule: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 OfferWe care deeply about supporting our team members - professionally and personally. Benefits include:Medical, dental, and vision insurancePaid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)401(k) with discretionary contributionTeam Member Pet DiscountsEmotional wellbeing support - including Calm app access and 24/7 EAPCE stipends and career development resourcesGrant Circle - a relief fund for team members facing personal hardshipLocal hospital culture backed by national resourcesPay 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. 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