JOB DESCRIPTION: Participates in an integrated program of animal care and environmental enrichment with enrichment, animal care, and veterinary staff members. 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. Organizes and performs technical duties, such as the preparation, maintenance and distribution of enrichment materials, devices and equipment. Oversees and performs assembly, repair, and distribution of foraging devices, puzzles, and other objects for animals to eat, manipulate and explore. Maintains inventory of supplies. 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. Completes social introductions for social species, monitors progress and assists in decisions about outcomes of introductions. Monitors social interactions of group living animals. Designs, develops and implements specific training procedures that employ positive behavior modification techniques, with the goals of facilitating husbandry, veterinary, research, and environmental enrichment procedures, and reducing the stress of these procedures on the animals. Identifies animals that are in need of specialized intervention for observed behavioral or clinical problems. Maintains daily documentation of enrichment procedures and progress. Also maintains documentation of enrichment program implementation and inventories and generates progress reports. Develops individual protocols and conducts training sessions using positive reinforcement techniques. Assists in conducting behavioral research that evaluates environmental enrichment. Collects observational data for enrichment studies. Assists in planning and scheduling research procedures. Records results of studies, compiles and analyzes data, and prepares charts and graphs. Performs other 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: Two years of college course work in relevant field such as Biology, Psychology, Zoology, Anthropology, Wildlife Management, or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training. At least one year of experience in enrichment and/or behavioral research. 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. Must gain or attempt to gain ALAT Certification through AALAS within one year of beginning this position. The ability to lift up to 45 pounds. |
Emory is an EEO Employer-Disability/Veteran. Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. |
Human Resources