Animal Behavioral Management Specialist, Supervisor (Lawrenceville, Ga)

Emory University is a leading research university that fosters excellence and attracts world-class talent to innovate today and prepare leaders for the future. We welcome candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.

Dedicated to discovering causes, preventions, treatments, and cures of disease, Emory National Primate Research Center (EPC) is improving human and animal health and lives worldwide. One of seven NPRCs funded by the NIH, EPC conducts studies that make breakthrough discoveries possible. Learn more at http://enprc.emory.edu

 

The Division of Animal Resources, Behavioral Management Unit within the Emory National Primate Research Center at Emory University is currently seeking a full time Animal Behavior Management Specialist, Supervisor to join our team. Our work consists of the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavioral management techniques to our population of nonhuman primates.  These techniques include behavioral assessment, environmental enrichment, social housing, animal training and input/coordination of changes in operational activities to address behavioral and welfare needs.  Our work is science based and our goal is to improve captive primate welfare and support essential biomedical science. We share our research findings with the scientific community via publications, presentations, webinars and workshops.

 

Collaborate. Innovate. Serve. These three simple words capture what we do at EPC to help advance science and improve the health and well-being of humans and non-human primates. If you are someone with non-human primate experience who is familiar with direct application and assessment of behavioral management techniques such as behavior assessment, enrichment, social housing, and animal training this is an amazing opportunity to promote the welfare of non-human primates and make a positive impact in the science and research community. 

 

The ideal candidate should be motivated, dependable, have a positive attitude and passion for research and for animals. The Behavioral Management Supervisor will be a team player who is willing to learn on the job and collaborate with colleagues within and outside of the Behavioral Management Unit. The Behavioral Management Supervisor will work to ensure the highest quality of employee supervision and animal welfare, and will demonstrate excellent communication skills with co-workers, the management team, animal care, colony management, veterinary medicine, PI’s, research staff, and students.

 

JOB DESCRIPTION:  

• Administers behavioral management programs/applications by: hiring and supervising behavioral management personnel; participating in project planning; and developing, implementing and evaluating behavioral management applications, techniques and procedures.
• Supervises staff by orienting, training and providing performance feedback.
• Coordinates behavioral management activities (enrichment, socialization, training, operations) and decisions of Animal Behavioral Management staff, with Animal Care staff, Veterinary staff, and research staff.
• Coordinates with Shop staff for the construction, repair, and redesign of enrichment devices equipment.
• Trains Animal Care and Animal Behavioral Management staff.
• Responsible for ordering supplies needed for behavioral management program.
• Designs, develops and tests enrichment techniques, new ideas for enhancing captive environments, and interventions in terms of practicality, use by animals, and efficacy for improving behavior.
• Coordinates socialization program with the goal of increasing compatible social pairs and streamlining socialization process.
• Coordinates positive reinforcement animal training program with the goals of facilitating husbandry, veterinary, research and environmental enrichment procedures, and reducing the stress of these procedures o the animals.
• Designs, develops and implements specific training procedures that employ these techniques, and oversees the implementation by others.
• Identifies program of intervention for those animals that are in need of specialized therapy for observed behavioral problems.
• Coordinates documentation of behavioral management procedures and generates written and numeric progress reports on the behavioral management program.
• Provides expertise and training in methodology, and basic behavioral management applications. Prepares and monitors behavioral management related budgets under supervision of the Head of Behavioral Management.
• Assists in developing and submitting grant proposals and in monitoring grant expenditures. Advises Head of Behavioral Management of changes in reporting or accounting requirements and assists behavioral management staff in meeting requirements.
• Performs a wide range of behavioral management evaluations for routine and specialized studies. Selects or develops effective research methodologies. Collects and analyzes results of studies and provides interpretation of results.
• Co-authors or authors publications based on behavioral management findings.
• Recommends new equipment and supply purchases; investigates equipment/devices malfunctions and schedules maintenance / repair.
• Performs related responsibilities as required.

  

Indoor and outdoor work environment, exposure to biohazards and potentially dangerous animals. Employees in this classification may be required to work with, take specific precautions against and/or be immunized against potentially hazardous agents.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as Biology, Psychology, Zoology, Anthropology, or Wildlife Management. Four years of relevant experience in enrichment and/or behavioral research. One year of supervisory experience. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with a wide variety of personnel. Excellent time management and organizational skills. LATG Certification through AALAS.

OR

equivalent combination of experience, education, and training

 

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent and daring leadership skills.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: 

• Work environment involves working with biohazardous blood and tissues
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions
• Work is normally performed in a typical laboratory environment
• Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat, lift up to 40lbs.

 

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT: 

Emory NPRC in conjunction with Emory University conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which may include an INA and criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications, drug screening, requirement of various vaccinations, and health assessment. Employment is contingent upon a clear background screening.

To ensure the safety of our campus community, the COVID-19 vaccine is required. For more information on the University and Hospital policies and potential exemptions, please see our website.
Emory University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, genetic information, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment on the basis of any factor stated above or prohibited under applicable law. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in University programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Executive Order 11246, as amended, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action. Emory University is committed to achieving a diverse workforce through application of its affirmative action, equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policy in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.
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