Behavior Management Services Associate (Cooperative Animal Training Program) | University of California Davis
University of California Davis
Location
Davis, CA | United States
Job description
Behavior Management Services Associate (Cooperative Animal Training Program) Job Summary
Department Purpose The California National Primate Research Center (CNPRC) is an Organized Research Unit which conducts interdisciplinary research programs on significant human health related problems where nonhuman primates are the animal models of choice. In addition to its major efforts in the area of research, the CNPRC is also committed to its missions of teaching and service.
This position is responsible for developing and overseeing the CNPRC's animal cooperative training program plan, which includes coordinating and performing animal training related activities to faculty and staff with the aim to foster both cooperative and positive reinforcement techniques to be used by faculty and staff working with animals.
Job Summary Under the direction of Manager, Population Behavioral Health Services and in accordance with the CNPRC Environmental Enhancement Plan, CNPRC SOPs, ATDs Federal laws and AAALAC animal welfare standards, develop and maintain a cooperative animal training program to enhance animal welfare and support research needs.
Provide direct and indirect support in the use of classical and operant conditioning for enrichment, veterinary, management and research purposes. Duties include developing animal training plans for research projects tasks (e.g., joystick manipulation and chair training), direct training of colony and research animals, consulting PIs on training aspects of their studies, training faculty and staff on how to work with and train nonhuman primates, create and develop educational training materials pertaining to the training of nonhuman primates in research and presentations to PIs and staff to raise awareness of the benefits of cooperative training applied in both research and standard colony operations. As directed by Manager, prepare periodic program and project progress reports, including maintaining program and regulatory management records of animal training and developmental activities and recharge activities for training support services provided to researchers.
In collaboration with Core and Affiliate Scientists, Primate Medicine, Research Services, and Colony Management, Population and Behavioral Health Services is responsible for the psychological well-being of nonhuman primates at the CNPRC, which is a critical component of Colony Operations to ensure adequate levels of animal welfare and increase the quality, rigor, and reproducibility of scientific data gained from the animals.
The incumbent must have the ability to exercise good judgment in program compliance and operations management regarding animal behavioral health and behavioral evaluation and monitoring are the greatest responsibility required of this position.
RECRUITMENT PERIOD ONE MONTH: Applicants will be screened on a weekly basis. The position can be filled prior to the removal date.
POSITION INFORMATION
Salary Range $ 28.04/hr. - $ 45.11/hr. No. of Positions 1 Appointment Type Career Percentage of Time 100% Shift Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Location Davis, CA Union Representation Yes - RX Benefits Eligible Yes Apply by Date 2/14/24
PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Substantial contact with animals.
- Routinely move and lift loaded animal transfer cages weighing 35 pounds to cage elevations 7 feet high.
- Lift devices and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Some overhead lifting and reaching to put away devices.
- Wear protective clothing for extended periods of time including gown, coveralls, gloves, masks, face shields, goggles, sleeves, and head covers.
- Daily work requires standing upright on the feet, particularly for sustained periods of time.
WORK ENVIRONMENT - Measles vaccination or proof of illness required. This position is subject to Medical Surveillance procedures and review in accordance with Federal and State Laws and Regulations and University Policy. Employee shall participate in required preventative medical and medical monitoring programs which may include blood tests, immunizations, TB screening, Blood borne and Airborne Pathogen training, etc., and are provided to meet Federal, State and University requirements.
- Perform assigned duties in Animal BioSafety Level (ABSL) 2 and 3 facility where nonhuman primates may be either naturally or experimentally infected with potentially hazardous diseases such as HIV, SIV, or Herpes B virus.
- Wear protective clothing and respirator in circumstances that require personal protection from infectious diseases and animals.
- Work area is located within a defined animal area and may include biohazards.
- Restricted vacation during peak workload periods. Work irregular shifts, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Work overtime, occasional weekends on short notice.
- Serve on-call on designated weekends, providing emergency technical support during non-standard work hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.
- California National Primate Research Center employees are directly or indirectly engaged in the performance of work on Federal or State contracts and grants as well as periodically come into contact with controlled substances; and are expected to abide by the UC Policy on Substance Abuse, the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the State Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1990.
- The Smoke and Tobacco Free Environment policy is intended to provide a healthier, safer, and more productive work and learning environment for the entire UC community. The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all University owned or leased properties, or facilities operated by UC staff or faculty. Smoking and tobacco use are strictly prohibited in indoor and outdoor spaces, parking lots, residential space, and University vehicles.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Education/Experience: - Bachelor's degree in animal sciences, Animal Behavior, or a related field with a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience both nonhuman primate behavior and assessment practices (utilizing formal behavioral observation methods and techniques) and in training nonhuman primates using both principles of classical and operant conditioning.
- Experience assessing the condition of animals and recognizing changes as well as making the appropriate judgment to determine when an animal requires veterinary attention and/or behavioral intervention.
- Experience in training others in nonhuman primate behavior and assessment practices utilizing formal behavioral observation methods and techniques to collect, record, monitor, and analyze normal and abnormal behavior.
- Experience utilizing formal behavioral observation methods and techniques to collect, record, monitor, and analyze normal and abnormal behavior.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) : - Extensive knowledge of learning principles and techniques such as operant and classical conditioning.
- Applied knowledge of regulations pertaining to animal welfare and management of research and colony animals including USDA, ILAR, and AAALAC.
- Skill to organize data and prepare written summaries, developing animal protocols and demographics reporting and data analyses as well as operating behavioral data collection devices.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preferred Education/Experience: - Technical experience in animal care of nonhuman primate animal models with a focus on animal behavioral management, assessment and socialization/enrichment principles, strategies, and practices.
- Experience in applied experimental design, statistical analysis, and provide scientific research support.
- Experience in instructional design concepts that include adult education learning theory and program design in training development and applied on-the-job-training techniques and methods.
- Experience working with macaques and titi monkeys, ranging from infants weighing < 1 pound to adults weighing >30 pounds, safely and in a manner that promotes animal welfare.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) : - Familiarity and previous use of analytic tools in the study of animal behavior and captive nonhuman primate management, including observation and monitoring, data reporting, and practices of a large biomedical research facility.
- Applied knowledge of animal behavior science, both normal and abnormal, as well as understanding temperament of non-human primates of all ages from infants to adulthood.
- Knowledge and understanding of adherence to biohazard containment procedures to perform duties in ABSL 2 and 3 facilities.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Background Check This position is a critical position and subject to a background check. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history and identity checks.
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Salary Range $ 28.04/hr. - $ 45.11/hr.
No. of Positions 1
Appointment Type Career
Percentage of Time 100%
Shift Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location Davis, CA
Union Representation Yes - RX
Benefits Eligible Yes
Apply by Date 2/14/24
To apply, visit The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC nondiscrimination policy. Copyright 2022 Jobelephant.com Inc. All rights reserved.
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