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CURATOR, BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT
Job Title: CURATOR, BEHAVIORAL MANAGEMENT
Job Code: 2032
FLSA: E
Job Level: 13
Revised Date: 01/01/2025
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Curator of Behavioral Management and Welfare works closely with the husbandry, research and veterinary departments to proactively condition husbandry and research behaviors, create qualitative and quantitative behavioral assessments for welfare analysis, document abnormal behavior, develop and implement plans to address behaviors of concern. Oversees the DLC's animal training and enrichment 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.
Work Performed
Promote and model a commitment to teamwork, collaboration, professionalism and enthusiasm for all DLC staff.
With assistance from the Colony Curator & Welfare and Assistant Curator, direct departmental operations including, but not limited to: hiring, firing, evaluating, goal setting and identifying professional development opportunities for the animal care staff. Confirm all DLC and
Duke protocols are being followed, address performance issues in a timely manner and in adherence to Duke HR protocols.
Collaborate with the Colony Curator and Supervising Veterinarian to proactively condition voluntary animal participation of routine husbandry behaviors and/or priority behaviors as needed to accommodate medical treatments or procedures.
Collaborate with the Director of Research to proactively condition voluntary animal participation in approved research and/or utilize daily training sessions to accommodate data collection.
Collaborate with the Director of Research, Colony Curator and Research Technicians to implement a species-specific behavioral monitoring program for indicators of stress regarding animals in research programs.
Work with the Director of Research and researcher(s) to develop methods that reduce the observed stress in animals being used in research.
Collaborate with Colony Curator, Director of Research, Supervising Veterinarian 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.
Ensure the DLCs behavioral management program continues to maintain compliance with USDA behavioral regulations, as well as, Duke Universitys Office of Animal Welfare Assurance, AZA and AAALAC requirements. This requires the ability to interpret changes in regulations regarding captive primates and implement needed changes to DLC operations.
Serves in a leadership role with the AZAs Prosimian Taxon Advisory Group to ensure proper welfare standards within all US zoological facilities housing prosimian primates.
Using the DLCs surveillance system, develop and implement an efficient system for behavioral monitoring of animals housed in core rooms. Actively assess and evaluate collected data and provide analysis for department managers in a timely manner
Develop and implement behavioral assessments for the colony that ensure each animal is evaluated on an appropriate schedule.
Develop, implement, maintain and analyze a proactive animal training program utilizing operant conditioning (positive reinforcement). Work with technicians to monitor progress and trouble shoot as needed.
Develop, implement, maintain and analyze a proactive behavior-based animal enrichment program
Actively qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate training and enrichment programs for efficacy and re-adjust as needed.
Collaborate with the Data Manager to develop, maintain and organize a user-friendly record keeping system for all animal training sessions, enrichment and behavioral assessments.
In collaboration with the Director of Research, acquire IACUC protocol approval and implement in-house research projects directly related to animal training, enrichment and animal welfare.
Develop curriculum and schedule classes and workshops to teach the theory and proper application of operant conditioning as well as behavioral assessments to DLC staff.
Represent the DLCs Behavioral Management program at professional conferences and workshops.
Chair the DLCs Welfare Committee.
Oversee DLCs Behavior work-students including hiring, training and supervision of data entry
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Degree in psychology, zoology, behavior, animal welfare or related field. Masters degree preferred.
Experience
Minimum 8 years experience with exotic animal care or equivalent experience. Primates preferred, but not required.
Minimum 5 years experience managing an animal welfare, training and/or behavioral program
Proven track record in developing bold visions and seeing them through to completion with collaboration and partnerships domestic and international.
Experience collaborating with AZA programs (Taxon Advisory Groups, SSPs)
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 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, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military 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.
