Behavior and Welfare Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Behavior Manager supports the implementation and oversight of the behavioral management program for the outdoor NHP colony. This role supervises Behavior Specialists and Technicians, coordinates daily operations, and ensures alignment with institutional welfare standards, SOPs, and strategic priorities. All program activities are carried out in consultation with the Director of Behavior & Welfare, who retains final authority over behavioral strategy, breeding oversight, and cross-functional planning.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee daily and weekly operations of the Behavior & Welfare program, including task planning, priority setting, documentation, and audit readiness across SOPs, enrichment, behavioral observations, and social management.
• Implement systematic welfare and behavior assessments, track incidents, and coordinate corrective actions; ensure timely rounds and effective cross-functional communication.
• Maintain behavioral databases and reporting tools (e.g., compatibility, social stability, breeding outcomes, infant observations); ensure data integrity and actionable dashboards for leadership.
• Coordinate and monitor social introductions (pairs/groups); assess outcomes and escalate complex or high-risk cases as needed.
• Develop and evaluate tailored enrichment and behavior-modification plans for abnormal or stereotypic behaviors; iterate based on observed outcomes.
• Lead positive-reinforcement training programs (habituation, shaping, target/cooperative training) to support husbandry and clinical procedures; standardize protocols and maintain training records.
• Manage acclimation and familiarization processes for sales and quarantine populations; ensure consistent documentation and smooth handoffs across teams.
• Support breeding group optimization and infant monitoring; ensure same-day birth documentation and high-quality infant/dam observations.
• Supervise Behavior Specialists and Technicians; set goals, coach performance, conduct reviews, and manage schedules (including weekend and holiday coverage) in alignment with the Director.
• Train staff in natural history, behavioral observation, social introductions, enrichment planning, and PRT; maintain up-to-date competency matrices and signoffs.
• Foster professional communication and collaboration across departments; model a strong safety culture and commitment to animal welfare.

SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee Behavior staff, scheduling, ordering supplies

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in behavioral or Biological Science or related field required; Master’s preferred.
• Experience: 5 years working with nonhuman primates (old-world macaques strongly preferred) including behavioral observation and intervention; 5 years leading or supervising behavior teams or projects in a regulated research/vivarium setting.
• Regulatory knowledge: Working understanding of the Animal Welfare Act/USDA standards and the psychological well-being of NHPs; experience running enrichment/social programs to SOP.
• Tools: Proficiency with Microsoft Office and behavioral/colony databases; strong documentation habits.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills; ability to collaborate across veterinary, husbandry, and client-facing teams; Spanish a plus.
• Certifications: AALAS LAT/LATG preferred (or obtained within 12 months); valid driver’s license.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Must be able to read, write, and interpret documents including task descriptions, standard operating procedures, and other instructions.
• Leadership & team development; decision-making under field conditions.
• Behavior plan design & evaluation; social compatibility assessments; PRT program ownership.
• Data stewardship and reporting; continuous improvement mindset.
• Bilingual for Spanish is preferred, but not required.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Proof of measles vaccination or updated titers prior to animal contact.
• Current tuberculosis screening prior to animal contact; annual TB screening required.
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and to stand/walk for extended periods; ability to kneel, crouch, or climb as needed.
• Visual acuity to safely handle chemicals, cleaners, biologics, and sharps; successful N95 respirator fit test per SOPs.
• Required to shower into barrier facilities and wear appropriate PPE as described by SOPs.
• Ability to work in ambient temperatures that may exceed 90°F and outdoors as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Exposure to disinfectants, chemicals, biologics, infectious agents (BSL-1/BSL-2), animal dander, and dust.
• Work in normal scientific laboratory and vivarium conditions; may encounter unpleasant odors; strict adherence to EHS practices required.