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Behavior Technician

Chimp Haven

Behavior Technician

Keithville, LA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Job Classification

    Position Title: Behavior TechnicianReports to: Behavior Team Supervisor or Director of Behavior

    Shift: Days/Emergencies as needed, shifts determined with supervisor and based on the needs of the organization but will include holidays and weekends

    FLSA: Non-Exempt

    Risk Level: 3

    ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW: At Chimp Haven we believe we’re not that different, humans and chimpanzees. Chimps have personalities, emotions and relationships, just like us, and we’re on a mission to connect them to the happy healthy lives they deserve. That’s why we’re providing and promoting personalized care for chimpanzees (most of whom were retired from biomedical research) by helping them, for their remaining years, live a good life – the chimp life. Chimp Haven serves as The National Chimpanzee Sanctuary and is located on 200 forested acres in northwest Louisiana just outside of Shreveport. Chimp Haven provides excellent care for more than 300 chimpanzees retired from research or no longer used in the entertainment industry or as pets. As more retired chimpanzees make their way from research institutions to sanctuary, our population continues to grow. Chimp Haven has a well-designed facility to support the physical and emotional well-being of all animals, experienced staff and high standards for operational excellence. Chimp Haven offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, extensive training and an opportunity for professional advancement. Equal Opportunity Employer.

    Primary Function

    Provide enrichment and positive reinforcement training to chimpanzees and improve chimpanzee well-being via formal behavioral observations and evaluation of enrichment provided. Provide excellent animal care, superior guest experiences, and inspire others to support the mission of Chimp Haven. Ensure and promote excellent standards of care for the chimpanzees.

    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.

    Prepare and distribute enrichment items for chimpanzees and/or to husbandry staff for distribution, according to approved schedule.

    Plan enrichment and training schedules according to goals and with senior staff approval.

    Carry out chimpanzee training objectives using positive reinforcement according to approved plans.

    Conduct behavioral observations according to approved schedule.

    Assist with behavioral studies and data entry, summarization, and presentation to staff. May assist in writing up studies and working toward publications in order to share information with others in the field.

    Assist with chimpanzee socialization procedures including introductions. May lead introductions.

    Maintain and oversee enrichment records.

    Participate in and may lead education programs.

    May concentrate on enrichment, training or behavioral research responsibilities.

    May assist husbandry, veterinary or other departmental staff as directed.

    Lead or assist in training animal care staff on enrichment and operant conditioning procedures.

    Work towards mentoring others in the positive reinforcement training program.

    Assist other animal care staff in maintaining food preparation areas.

    Order supplies according to approved budget.

    Work with volunteers and visiting scientists.

    Education and Experience Preferred

    Minimum Qualifications: Minimum requirement of an Associates' Degree in a relevant field is required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Intern experience is allowed. Two years' experience providing enrichment and/or training to primates or exotics is required. Primate experience is required. One year of experience with formal behavioral observations is required. A history of presentation at scientific conferences or publications is preferred.

    Other requirements and working conditions

    This work will require bending, carrying, kneeling, lifting, listening, pulling, pushing, reading, speaking, squatting, standing, stooping, stretching, walking, watching 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.

    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.

    Minimum salary $15/hr; salary dependent on qualifications

    To apply, visit https://chimphavenapscareerportal.com