Veterinary Department Manager - Internal Medicine / Critical Care

Positions are available across all hospitals in the Pieper Veterinary network. For over 80 years, we’ve cared for Connecticut’s pets and their families with compassion and expertise.

Joining our team means practicing the highest level of veterinary medicine in a supportive environment, with great benefits, collaborative colleagues, and a culture built on treating every pet as if they were our own.

Explore open roles and start your career with Pieper today.

Core Values

The core values below are the beliefs that guide us in our practice every day -- It’s how we come to work.

We Love What We Do

We love what we do and who we do it for. We pay attention to the patient’s journey and we treat the individual. We’re passionate and proud of our work, our patients and our team. We put our hearts into it.

Team Sport

We know the best way to care for our patients and clients is by working together. We respect, trust, support and encourage our co-workers. We have each other’s back. We ask “How can I help?”

Laughter

The work we do is challenging, and we stay strong by lifting each other up. We feel a positive attitude and a little humor has the ability to make all the difference in someone’s day.

We Can Handle It

In fact, we can handle anything. We take action while keeping our cool. We adapt to whatever comes through the door. We’re decisive, confident and we are fearless. We like a good challenge and we do what is necessary.

Good People Work Here

We are united by the desire to be ethical, honest and responsible. We show integrity, compassion and respect and genuinely care about our work and our patients.

Veterinary Technician - Department Manager - Internal Medicine / Critical Care

Description:
Are you an experienced Veterinary Technician Department Manager with a passion for leadership and a talent for managing dynamic teams? Are your superpower your amazing veterinary technician skills?

Pieper Veterinary invites you to bring your skills, energy, and dedication to Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center located in Middletown, CT, a VECCS Level I Facility committed to delivering the highest standard of patient care. We are looking for professionals who take pride in their work and are excited to foster a positive, efficient, and collaborative environment.

Our vision is simple: to make the community-and the animals and people in it-happier and healthier. If these values resonate with you, we encourage you to explore a leadership role with us.

What to Expect:

• Commitment to Continuing Education: We want to retain and develop our talent to the best of our ability. You can expect numerous in-house CE opportunities, and any mentoring available to support and achieve your goals.
• Career Advancement: We pride ourselves on recognizing top talent and strong work ethic and if you demonstrate those things, you can expect to be promoted from within.
• Environment of Belonging: With so many specialties at your fingertips, it's easy to find where you fit. We also promote an environment of inclusivity so that everyone feels welcome.
• Environment of Collaboration: Our VECCS Level 1 Certified Hospital includes specialists in Emergency & Critical Care, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Surgery, and Exotics and a full staff of experienced Emergency and Primary Care Veterinarians. With the support of their technicians, assistants, and liaisons the hospital teams work closely together to deliver the highest quality of care.

About You:

Pieper Memorial Veterinary Center is seeking a dedicated and skilled Department Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our Internal Medicine and Critical Care teams. In this role, you will manage staff, ensure the delivery of exceptional patient care, and provide the resources and support needed for our clients, patients, and the entire Pieper team.

The ideal candidate is an experienced Veterinary Technician (CVT or VTS preferred) with 3-5+ years of supervisory or leadership experience, ideally in a 24/7 emergency, specialty, or high-volume practice.

This role requires a strong combination of technical expertise and leadership skills, including the ability to work alongside your team in a clinical capacity for approximately 50% of your time. We believe that the best patient care comes from collaboration, mentorship, and mutual support.

We strongly believe that veterinary medicine is a team sport, and we value collaboration from every staff member. Your voice, insight, and leadership will not only be welcomed—they will make a real difference.

Anticipated Schedule:
5 days a week - week 1
4 days a week - week 2

Schedule will rotate days throughout the quarter to ensure touch point with all staff on services.
This will be planned out in advance with the department manager.

Weekends and Holidays are required.

Compensation:
Pay range starts at $75,000-$95,000 based on experience / certifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and support a team of 15-25 veterinary technicians and assistants, including hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and performance management.
• Develop personalized growth plans and provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to staff.
• Collaborate with the head of services to improve workflows and increase departmental efficiency while maintaining high-quality care.
• Provide advanced nursing care to hospitalized patients.
• Proficient in anesthesia, including critical patients.
• Teach basic and advanced veterinary skills to new and experienced assistants and veterinary technicians.
• Address client concerns and ensure smooth department operations.
• Work closely with the clinical director to set and achieve operational and financial goals for the department.
• Participate in a rotating Manager on Duty schedule.
• Clinical time on the floor ~ 50%

What's in it for you?

• Supportive culture with social events & team building
• Competitive paid time off & holidays
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Mental Health Focused Services
• 401(k) plan with strong employer match
• Team Building

We know it's not always easy to make a move. We treat all interviews as confidential and if a casual chat is more your style, we can do that too! We genuinely love what we do and the people we work with!

Requirements

• Experienced Veterinary Technician with a CVT or VTS certification preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in supervisory role, ideally in a 24/7 specialty / emergency practice.
• Strong clinical skills and experience with a variety of procedures.
• Proven leadership ability and a passion for mentoring and team development.
• Must be flexible to meet the needs of the department(s) assigned.
• Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to multi-task.
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Proven experience developing and growing teams.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Must be 18 years or older to apply.

EEO Statement:

Pieper Veterinary/Cove Animal Health is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Pieper Veterinary is proud to be part of the COVE Animal Health family. Follow Pieper on social media, and connect with COVE on LinkedIn for more updates.