Surgery Department Lead Technician

Upstate Veterinary Specialties•Town of Colonie, NY

13d•$26 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgery Lead Technician provides leadership, workflow coordination, and advanced technical support within the Surgery Department to support exceptional patient care and operational efficiency. Working alongside surgeons and the anesthesia team, the role supports patient care through anesthesia assistance, surgical case management, admissions and discharges, appointment coordination, and diagnostic procedures. The technician serves as a clinical resource for the team, promotes high standards of care and effective communication, and helps ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate care for surgical patients. The position combines departmental leadership duties (30% of responsibilities) with Licensed Veterinary Technician duties (70%). Leadership work includes coordinating staffing and workflow, supporting staff development, resolving day-to-day issues, maintaining departmental procedures, and collaborating with hospital leadership. Clinical work includes patient nursing and appointments, surgical preparation and assistance, anesthesia support, medication administration, client communication, documentation, and discharge care. The schedule is Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The position is located at Upstate Veterinary Specialties in Latham, New York. Work may involve exposure to unpleasant animal odors, noises, and bodily fluids.

Requirements

Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) credential required.
At least five years of experience as a veterinary technician; specialty or surgical setting experience is preferred.
At least two years of experience in a leadership position.
Strong leadership skills and ability to foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team environment.
Ability to mentor and support the professional growth and development of staff.
Accountability and ownership in leading departmental operations, problem-solving, and team performance.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with clients and team members.
Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Excellent organization, time management, and workflow prioritization skills.
Ability to multitask accurately with attention to detail and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.
Flexibility and a positive attitude when adapting to changing caseloads, schedules, and departmental needs.
Advanced veterinary technician skills and commitment to high-quality patient care.
Advanced knowledge of surgical procedures, anesthesia, canine and feline anatomy and physiology, and perioperative patient care.
Proficiency in surgical instrumentation, sterile technique, aseptic practices, infection control, and wound management.
Ability to assist with complex surgical procedures while anticipating surgeon and patient needs.
Ability to collaborate with veterinarians and the anesthesia service on anesthesia plans.
Ability to calculate, administer, and document medications and treatments accurately.
Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and respond appropriately.
Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot surgical and anesthesia-related equipment.
Ability to maintain accurate medical records, surgical documentation, and patient communications.
Ability to educate clients professionally about procedures, treatments, postoperative care, and discharge instructions.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education.

Nice To Haves

Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) credential preferred but not required.
Experience in a specialty or surgical setting preferred.
Pursuit of surgical specialization, including VTS certification in surgery.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Medical Staff Manager to support department workflow, efficiency, team engagement, and operational needs.
Coordinate daily staffing assignments according to surgical caseload, appointments, and patient-care demands, adjusting assignments as needed.
Delegate responsibilities, monitor staff workloads and breaks, and provide first-line support for staff questions and day-to-day problem-solving.
Address team conflicts professionally and escalate concerns to the Medical Staff Manager when appropriate.
Support onboarding, training, competency assessment, and skill development for technicians and assistants.
Partner with the Chief of Service and Medical Staff Manager to identify workflow improvements and improve departmental efficiency.
Monitor staffing needs and coordinate coverage for schedule gaps, increased caseloads, and after-hours surgical procedures.
Assist with client concerns and billing discrepancies.
Maintain and update department Standard Operating Procedures to reflect current best practices and consistent care.
Participate in recruitment through candidate interviews and working interviews.
Coordinate department meetings and support 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 knowledge of hospital policies, procedures, and departmental resources and collaborate with surgeons and hospital leadership on departmental concerns and service goals.
Promote a positive, accountable, and collaborative workplace culture supporting patient care, client service, and employee engagement.
Admit patients for scheduled surgical procedures and complete required documentation.
Review treatment plans and surgical estimates with clients and answer questions.
Conduct appointment intake, including medical history review and patient vital signs.
Provide nursing care to hospitalized patients according to 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 services.
Verify required preoperative examinations, diagnostics, and patient preparations before surgery.
Assist with routine, advanced, and specialty surgical procedures while maintaining high standards of patient care.
Prepare patients, surgical instruments, equipment, and operating suites using aseptic and sterile techniques.
Ensure surgical instruments, implants, supplies, and specialty equipment are available and functioning properly.
Clean, package, sterilize, maintain, and monitor surgical instruments and equipment according to manufacturer recommendations and hospital protocols.
Collaborate with the anesthesia team on anesthesia and sedation plans; administer, monitor, and recover patients undergoing sedation or anesthesia and respond to complications.
Accurately calculate, verify, prepare, administer, and dispense medications in accordance with hospital policies.
Maintain patient safety, infection control, and surgical sterility.
Communicate with clients about patient status, diagnostic results, treatment recommendations, financial information, and postoperative care.
Conduct postoperative follow-up calls and address client questions or concerns.
Enter and reconcile patient charges so invoices reflect services provided and approved treatment plans.
Conduct patient discharges and review medications, home care, follow-up recommendations, and client expectations.
Manage department communications, including phone calls, medical tasks, and client follow-up.
Coordinate with other hospital departments to support seamless patient care and workflow.
Serve as a clinical resource and role model, supporting staff training, mentoring, workflow coordination, and high standards of care.
Participate in ongoing clinical and leadership development; support staff development, pursue surgical specialization including VTS certification in surgery, strengthen leadership skills, and contribute to departmental protocols and care standards.