Lead Veterinary Technician
About The Position
SPCA Westchester's Cody’s Clinic is a high-volume spay/neuter (HVSN) practice seeking an experienced, New York State Licensed Veterinary Technician to serve as lead technician on our surgical team. This is a hands-on, high autonomy role for a licensed technician confident in running anesthesia independently while veterinarians work back-to-back in the OR. The lead technician is responsible for keeping the anesthesia and surgical pipeline moving safely and efficiently with minimal direct veterinarian oversight. The role is supported by a team of veterinary assistants who handle patient preparation and assist with anesthesia, and a dedicated team of trained volunteers who help monitor and recover patients post-operatively. The lead technician anchors the surgical floor but does not work alone.
Requirements
- Active New York State Veterinary Technician license (LVT). Applications from non-licensed candidates, veterinary assistants, or candidates outside the veterinary field will not be reviewed.
- Minimum 3 years of clinical experience as a licensed veterinary technician, with substantial anesthesia caseload
- Demonstrated competence running anesthesia independently — premedication through recovery — on a high-volume surgical schedule
- Proficiency with endotracheal intubation (including feline), multiparameter anesthetic monitoring, and IV catheter placement when indicated
- Working knowledge of common HVSN anesthetic protocols (e.g., TTDex, BAM, ketamine/dexmedetomidine combinations) and reversal agents
- Strong understanding of pharmacology, CPR/CPCR, and emergency drug dosing
Nice To Haves
- Prior HVSN or shelter medicine experience
- VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia) or active progress toward it
- Fear Free or low-stress handling certification
Responsibilities
- Independently execute anesthetic protocols across a high-volume daily caseload of canine and feline spay/neuter patients
- Perform pre-anesthetic patient assessment, premedication, induction, intubation, and maintenance
- Place IV catheters when indicated
- Monitor anesthesia and adjust depth, fluid rates, and supportive care during surgery without requiring step-by-step direction
- Oversee recovery and extubation alongside the assistant and volunteer team; recognize and respond to anesthetic complications
- Calculate and draw up drugs (premeds, induction agents, analgesics, reversals, emergency drugs) accurately under HVSN time pressure
- Maintain accurate anesthesia records and controlled substance logs in compliance with NYS regulations
- Direct and mentor veterinary assistants and volunteers within the surgical workflow
- Maintain surgical instrument processing, autoclave function, and OR readiness between procedures
- Communicate clearly and concisely with the veterinarian during cases — flag concerns early, escalate appropriately
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- Health, Dental, Vision Benefits
- 401K with match
- Supplemental Benefits (accident, cancer, hospital)
- Potential PSLF eligibility
- Discounted Pet Care
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
