Surgery Department Lead Technician

Upstate Veterinary Specialties; Latham (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate Veterinary Specialties in Latham, NY is seeking a Surgery Lead Technician to guide the surgical team and coordinate daily workflows. You will work with surgeons and the anesthesia service to provide advanced perioperative care, manage cases, admissions, discharges, and diagnostic procedures, ensuring high-quality patient outcomes.

The ideal candidate holds an LVT license with 5+ years in the field and at least 2 years in a leadership role, preferably with VTS credentials.

Qualifications

• Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a veterinary technician, preferably in a specialty or surgical setting.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a leadership position.
• VTS credential preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead department workflow and staffing to support surgical caseloads.
• Coordinate daily staffing assignments and monitor workload.
• Delegate tasks to ensure efficient patient care and department operations.
• Mentor and develop technicians and assistants within the department.
• Maintain SOPs and participate in recruitment and performance management.
• Collaborate with surgeons and the anesthesia service to ensure optimal patient care.

Skills

Leadership

Workflow coordination

Clinical expertise

Communication

Time management

Mentoring staff

Education

Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT)

Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential preferred

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Upstate Veterinary Specialties - Latham, NY, Salary Range: $26.00 - $38.00Hourly, Job Shift: Day

The Surgery Lead Technician provides leadership, workflow coordination, and advanced technical support within the Surgery Department to ensure exceptional patient care and operational efficiency. This role works alongside surgeons and the anesthesia team to provide advanced patient care, including anesthesia support, surgical case management, patient admissions and discharges, appointment coordination, and diagnostic procedures. The Surgery Lead Technician serves as a clinical resource for the team, helping to maintain high standards of care, foster effective communication and teamwork, and ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care for all surgical patients. Success in this role requires strong leadership, organization, clinical expertise, and a commitment to excellence in patient care.

Schedule: Monday-Thursday 7:30am-6:00pm

Experience Requirements

• Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience as a veterinary technician, preferably in a specialty or surgical setting.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a leadership position.
• Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential preferred but not required.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education.

Personal Requirements

• Demonstrates strong leadership skills and fosters a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.
• Serves as a mentor and resource for staff, supporting professional growth and development.
• Demonstrates accountability and ownership in leading departmental operations, problem-solving, and team performance.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills and communicates effectively with clients and team members.
• Utilizes strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Exhibits exceptional organizational, time management, and workflow prioritization skills.
• Effectively multitasks while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Maintains composure and professionalism in high-pressure and fast-paced situations.
• Adapts to changing caseloads, schedules, and departmental needs with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Models professionalism, accountability, and teamwork while fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.
• Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development, continuing education, and leadership growth.

Clinical Skill Requirements

• Demonstrates advanced veterinary technician skills and a commitment to high-quality patient care.
• Coordinates daily surgical workflow to support efficient operations and exceptional patient outcomes.
• Possesses advanced knowledge of surgical procedures, anesthesia, canine and feline anatomy, physiology, and perioperative patient care.
• Maintains proficiency in surgical instrumentation, sterile technique, aseptic practices, infection control, and wound management.
• Assists with advanced and complex surgical procedures while anticipating surgeon and patient needs.
• Collaborates with veterinarians and the anesthesia service to develop and implement anesthesia plans.
• Accurately calculates, administers, and documents medications and treatments.
• Recognizes changes in patient condition and responds appropriately to support patient safety.
• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots surgical and anesthesia-related equipment.
• Ensures accurate and thorough medical record-keeping, surgical documentation, and patient communications.
• Provides clear and professional client education regarding procedures, treatments, post-operative care, and discharge instructions.

Working Conditions

• May be exposed to unpleasant animal odors, noises and bodily fluids

Essential Job Functions

Department Lead Duties - 30% of responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Medical Staff Manager to support department workflow, efficiency, team engagement, and operational needs.
• Coordinate daily staffing assignments based on surgical caseload, appointments, and patient care demands, making adjustments as needed throughout the day.
• Delegate responsibilities appropriately to ensure efficient patient care and department operations.
• Monitor staff workload and ensure team members are able to take required breaks.
• Serve as a first-line resource for staff questions, concerns, and day-to-day problem solving.
• Address and resolve team conflicts professionally, escalating concerns to the Medical Staff Manager when appropriate.
• Support onboarding, training, and skill development of technicians and assistants within the department.
• Assess team member competencies, complete skill assessments, and provide recommendations regarding professional development opportunities.
• Partner with the Chief of Service and Medical Staff Manager to identify workflow improvements and enhance departmental efficiency.
• Monitor staffing needs and coordinate coverage for schedule gaps, increased caseloads, and after-hours surgical procedures.
• Assist in the resolution of client concerns, and billing discrepancies.
• Maintain and update department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure current best practices and consistency of care.
• Participate in the recruitment process through candidate interviews and working interviews.
• Coordinate and facilitate department meetings, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and follow-through on action items.
• Provide feedback for employee performance evaluations and collaborate with leadership on performance management and development planning.
• Maintain a working knowledge of hospital policies, procedures, and departmental resources to effectively support staff and operations.
• Collaborate with surgeons, the Chief of Service, and Medical Staff Manager to address departmental concerns, improve communication, and support service goals.
• Promote a positive, accountable, and collaborative culture that supports exceptional patient care, client service, and employee engagement.

Licensed Veterinary Technician - 70% of responsibilities:

• Admit patients for scheduled surgical procedures and ensure all required documentation is complete.
• Review treatment plans and surgical estimates with clients, addressing questions and providing clarification as needed.
• Facilitate appointment intake, including medical history review and patient vitals.
• Provide compassionate nursing care to hospitalized patients in accordance with established treatment plans.
• Perform venipuncture and laboratory handling for appointments and diagnostic procedures.
• Conduct technician appointments, including rechecks, bandage changes, suture removals, and other delegated patient care services.
• Verify completion of all required pre-operative exams, diagnostics, and patient preparations before surgery.
• Assist with routine, advanced, and specialty surgical procedures while maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
• Prepare patients, surgical instruments, equipment, and operating suites while adhering to aseptic and sterile technique.
• Ensure appropriate surgical instruments, implants, supplies, and specialty equipment are available and functioning properly for procedures.
• Clean, package, sterilize, maintain, and monitor surgical instrumentation and equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and hospital protocols.
• Collaborate with the anesthesia team to support the development and implementation of anesthesia and sedation plans.
• Administer, monitor, and recover patients undergoing sedation or anesthesia while promptly recognizing and responding to complications.
• Accurately calculate, verify, prepare and dispense medications in accordance with hospital policies.
• Maintain the highest standards of patient safety, infection control, and surgical sterility.
• Communicate professionally with clients regarding patient status, diagnostic results, treatment recommendations, financial information, and post-operative care instructions.
• Conduct post-surgical follow-up calls to ensure recovery progress and address client questions or concerns.
• Accurately enter and reconcile patient charges to ensure invoices reflect services provided and approved treatment plans.
• Conduct patient discharge appointments, reviewing medications, home care instructions, follow-up recommendations, and client expectations.
• Manage department communications, including phone calls, medical tasks, and client follow-up, to support efficient service operations.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other hospital departments to ensure seamless patient care and workflow efficiency.
• Serve as a clinical resource and role model for technicians and assistants by supporting training, workflow coordination, and high standards of patient care.

Professional Development Expectations:

• Participate in ongoing clinical and leadership development to maintain proficiency in surgical nursing, anesthesia, and patient care best practices.
• Support the training, mentoring, and development of technicians and assistants within the department.
• Pursue surgical specialization, including VTS certification in surgery.
• Develop and strengthen skills in leadership, delegation, coaching, conflict resolution, and team development.
• Contribute to the advancement of departmental protocols, workflow efficiency, and patient care standards.

Qualifications: See JD