What are the responsibilities and job description for the Primate Behavior Tech position at BC US LLC?
Company Overview
The Animal Behavior and Welfare Department at BC US is seeking a full-time Primate Behavior Technician. This role is crucial to our behavioral management program, ensuring high animal welfare standards through innovative behavioral observation techniques, social introductions and assessments, monitoring social dynamics, positive reinforcement training, acclimation, and habituation. The technician will also train other staff in these methods and document all program activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform animal socializations for pairs or groups and complete related documentation.
- Conduct behavioral compatibility assessments during social introductions for pairs or groups as needed.
- Assist in behavioral assessments for abnormal or stereotypic behaviors and create tailored enrichment plans. Implement, track, and document these plans.
- Evaluate new enrichment devices and provide input on strategies for individually and socially housed animals.
- Develop and implement shaping plans to prepare animals for research procedures (e.g., reduce fear, cooperative feeding, target training). Maintain and improve documentation as needed.
- Perform positive reinforcement training, habituation, and operant conditioning techniques as required.
- Collaborate with veterinary and animal care staff to maintain proper animal care standards.
- Propose new socialization strategies and tailored enrichment plans.
- Train new hires on natural history, animal behavior, and positive reinforcement techniques for nonhuman primates.
- Optimize breeding groups by identifying successful breeders and retiring non-breeders.
- Maintain and update the infant database by observing new infants and performing DAM/infant observations.
- Manage acclimation and familiarization for sales and quarantine animals.
- Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.
- Work professionally and courteously across institutional divisions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities Required:
- Understanding of animal breeding and behavior principles.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Self-starter with a good independent work ethic.
- Experience with relational databases, Microsoft Office, and email. Documentation is essential.
- Ability to work in a team environment and unsupervised.
Preferred Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree in a behavioral or biological science.
- AALAS Certification at the ALAT level preferred or to be obtained within the first year of employment.
- Florida Driver’s License or equivalent.
- Spanish language skills are a plus.
Working Environment:
- Combination of desk and field observations in animal areas.
If you are passionate about animal care and want to make a difference in biomedical research, we invite you to apply today and join our dedicated team at BC US LLC!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.09 - $30.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Language:
- English (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Immokalee, FL 34142 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Immokalee, FL 34142: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $22 - $30