Surgery & Anesthesia Department Manager

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