Animal Behavioral Management Supervisor - Field Station, Lawrenceville, GA

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Description:

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.

The candidate should have experience with data manipulation, and supervision of staff. The Animal Behavioral Management Supervisor will work to ensure the highest quality of animal welfare and behavioral management implementation and support, and will have good communication skills with co-workers, the management team, animal care, colony management, veterinary medicine, research staff, students, and other support services.

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 behavioral management and supervisory experience who is familiar with direct application and assessment of behavioral management techniques (enrichment, social introductions, and animal training), and possesses data management and record keeping skills this is an amazing opportunity to enhance animal welfare and make a positive impact in the science and research community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• This position works directly with non-human primates.
• Participates in an integrated program of animal care and environmental enrichment with behavioral management, animal care, and veterinary staff members.
• 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 members.
• 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 to 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 need 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.
• Positions within the Emory National Primate Research Center will be working with nonhuman primates, while employees in the School of Medicine Division of Animal Resources will be working with other laboratory animals, such as pigs and ferrets.

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 of which one year is in a supervisory role OR equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.
• 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 required.

PREFERRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in behavioral management and understanding of macaque behavior.
• Knowledgeable in management of social pairs and groups of macaques.
• Knowledgeable about environmental enrichment options, safety, cleaning and storage.
• Knowledgeable and proficient in Excel.
• Excellent behavioral observation skills.
• Excellent data management skills.
• Excellent logistical and problem solving skills.
• Skilled in positive reinforcement training.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and meet multiple demands.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work environment both seated at desk/computer and working in animal areas.
• Work around biohazardous blood and tissues, although this is not typical.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• Indoor and outdoor work environment, exposure to potentially dangerous animals.
• Requires the ability to bend, kneel, and/or squat.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING STATEMENT:

In addition, the process may include a drug screening with health assessment, and review and mandate for various vaccinations. Updated COVID-19 vaccinations may be necessary for specific research projects.

NOTE: Position tasks are generally required to be performed in-person at an Emory University location. Remote work from home day options may be granted at department discretion. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Inclusion, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Please note that one week advance notice is preferred.