Facility
Chimp Haven
Closing Date
[jobclosingdate]
Description
Primary Function
As a member of the Behavioral Wellness team within the Chimp Haven Behavior Department, Behavior Technicians will monitor chimpanzees through formal behavioral observations and improve chimpanzee wellbeing by providing enrichment and positive reinforcement training. Behavior Technicians are expected to ensure excellent standards of behavioral care for the chimpanzees, as well as embrace the values of the organization and uphold professional standards while working cohesively within the Behavior Department and with multiple departmental teams.
Duties and Responsibilities
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
· Conduct behavioral observations according to an approved schedule.
· Carry out chimpanzee training objectives using positive reinforcement according to plans approved by the PRT Supervisor.
· Prepare, distribute, clean, and evaluate enrichment items for chimpanzees according to an approved schedule.
· Participate in enrichment demonstrations for visitors, donors, and media.
· Assists team and other animal care departments in maintaining the inspection readiness of food preparation and staff support areas.
· Assist with behavioral metric projects and data entry, summarization, and presentation to staff. Assist with the maintenance of enrichment and behavioral metric records. May assist with publications and external collaborations.
· Assist with chimpanzee socialization procedures including introductions. May lead introductions. Assist with pre and post introduction monitoring of social groups.
· Assists training new behavioral team members as well as husbandry and veterinary team members to participate in behavioral data collection and surveys.
· Mentor others as needed in the positive reinforcement training program.
· Works with volunteers, interns, and visiting scientists.
· Prepare, distribute, clean, and evaluate enrichment items for chimpanzees according to an approved schedule.
· Assist with planning enrichment schedules and developing new enrichment devices as needed.
· Sanitize equipment and enrichment devices (including washing of animal laundry) and maintain team preparation/storage areas. Repair, maintain, and build enrichment devices including but not limited to forage devices, puzzle feeders, hammocks, and structures.
· May assist ordering supplies according to approved budget.
· Assists husbandry, veterinary or other departmental staff as directed.
Education and Pre-requisites
Education and Experience Preferred
Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred (psychology, anthropology, biology, animal behavior and management etc.). A combination of education and paid/intern experience may be considered. Chimpanzee experience is preferred but not required. At least two years’ experience providing enrichment and/or training to primates or exotics in one of the following: an educational setting (as part of a degree curriculum), zoo, laboratory, or a sanctuary setting is preferred.
Two years of experience with formal behavioral observations is required—3 years is preferred. Experience with primate social introductions and mitigating abnormal behavior in primates required.
A history of presentation at scientific conferences or publications is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others, including valuing others input, and demonstrating strong social skills.
Experience with Microsoft products (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, PowerBi, Teams) required. Experience with statistical analysis and ZooMonitor preferred.
Other requirements and working conditions:
· Must be able to work both independently and within a team. Be open and receptive to embodying the Chimp Haven values of positivity and kindness, unity, adaptability, collaboration, and resiliency.
· This work will require bending, carrying, kneeling, lifting, listening, pulling, pushing, reading, speaking, squatting, standing, stooping, stretching, walking, watching, typing and writing.
· Must be able to routinely lift and carry 50 lbs. for short distances.
· Work may involve considerable outdoor work in various weather conditions.
· The potential exists for animal bites and scratches.
· Potential exposure to unpleasant odors, animal wastes, animal tissues and body fluids, toxic chemicals, zoonotic diseases (tuberculosis, shigella etc.), infectious agents (Hepatitis B, C, HIV, etc.).
· Participation in a medical monitoring and surveillance program that includes hepatitis B and other inoculations is required.
· Safety training, equipment, clothing and supplies will be provided.
· Duties may require driving Chimp Haven’s vehicles which requires a valid driver’s license. Must also meet Chimp Haven’s motor vehicle operating standards.
Compensation and benefits
Please refer to our website for our benefit package. This position starts at $17.20 but can be more based on experience and education.
https://chimphaven.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Employee-Benefits-and-Incentives.pdf
Application instructions
Please submit your application using the information provided on the original job posting at https://chimphaven.org/about-us/careers/