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MANAGER, ANIMAL BEHAVIOR & STUDENT PROJ
Job Title: MANAGER, ANIMAL BEHAVIOR & STUDENT PROJ
Job Code: 2032
FLSA: E
Job Level: 13
Revised Date: 08/01/2022
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Behavioral Management Curator works closely with the husbandry, research and veterinary departments to observe and assess behavior, document abnormal behavior, develop and implement a plan to address the behavior. Oversees the DLC's animal training program and maintains compliance by modifying existing policy or creating new policies with Duke University Animal of Welfare Assurance & IACUC, USDA, AZA and AAALAC behavioral monitoring/management regulations.
The Student Project Manager proactively engages students with an interest in research, animal care, education, communications and conservation in the DLC's student programs. Maintains compliance with Duke University's Office of Animal Welfare Assurance & IACUC and Office of Risk Management.
Work Performed
Collaborate with Colony Curator, Research Manager, Supervising Veterinarian and Primate Technician Supervisor to develop behavioral modification plans to address research, veterinary and husbandry needs as they develop.
This includes developing a record keeping system that documents the plans progress/setbacks and any follow up assessments.
Develop, implement and proactively maintain a system to track all abnormal behaviors, behaviors of concern along with supporting assessments and behavioral intervention plans for the DLC colony.
Insure the DLCs behavioral management program continues to evolve to maintain compliance with USDA behavioral regulations, as well as, Duke Universitys Office of Animal Welfare Assurance, AZA and AAALAC requirements.
Serves as a permanent member of the DLCs Animal Welfare Committee Develop and implement, using the DLCs digital cameras, an efficient system for technicians to monitor and document animal behavioral.
Collaborate with the Research Manager, Colony Curator and Husbandry Technician Supervisor to implement a species-specific behavioral monitoring program for indicators of stress for research programs.
Work with Research Manager and researcher(s) to develop methods that reduce the observed stress in animals being used in research.
Develop and maintain a detailed computer-based record keeping system for all animal training sessions and enrichment.
Develop, implement and maintain a proactive animal training program utilizing operant conditioning (positive reinforcement).
Work with technicians to monitor progress and trouble shoot as needed.
Develop curriculum and schedule classes and workshops to teach the theory and proper application of operant conditioning to DLC staff.
Represent the DLCs Behavior Program at professional conferences and workshops.
Collaborate with Research Project Coordinator, Supervising Veterinarian and Husbandry Technician Supervisor to assure that all student research/volunteer activities are commensurate with university and DLC policies.
Develop a progressive internship program that engages college-aged students (local, national and international) with the various missions of the DLC.
Develop and maintain a record keeping system that insures 100% compliance with all of Dukes regulations and monitoring for student volunteers and interns.
Collaborate with Research Project Coordinator to identify appropriate methods of data collection for approved research projects; provide assistance to students to learn the methods needed for their project as well as provide oversight to insure the integrity of the data being collected.
Develop and implement a volunteer orientation, training program and documentation system that insures a safe work environment and compliance with all university and DLC protocols.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Master degree required; preferred in psychology, zoology, or animal welfare.
Experience
10 years' experience with primate animal care and management or equivalent experience; 5 of these years' experience in managing an animal welfare, training and/or behavioral program; 5 of these years' supervisory experience.
Skills
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions
Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
