Enrichment Technician

JOB SUMMARY

The Enrichment Technician supports the behavioral management, animal welfare, and breeding programs for the BC US colony of Mauritius Cynomolgus Macaques. This position is responsible for implementing environmental enrichment, acclimation, familiarization, habituation, and positive reinforcement programs that promote psychological well-being, reduce stress, encourage species-typical behaviors, and support positive human-animal interactions.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, implement, and evaluate environmental enrichment programs and devices for indoor, outdoor, and field housing environments.
• Organize enrichment schedules and prepare, distribute, maintain, and inventory enrichment materials and equipment.
• Collect behavioral and enrichment-use data, evaluate program effectiveness, and recommend improvements or individualized interventions when needed.
• Utilize positive reinforcement, habituation, familiarization, and desensitization techniques to promote animal welfare and reduce stress associated with human interaction and husbandry procedures.
• Observe animals for signs of illness, injury, distress, abnormal behavior, or social incompatibility and report concerns promptly.
• Assist with socializations, group formations, group mergers, compatibility assessments, animal movements, and monitoring of social interactions.
• Perform operant conditioning and other behavioral management techniques as assigned.
• Maintain accurate records of enrichment activities, behavioral observations, acclimation efforts, and other program-related data.
• Collaborate with animal care and management staff to support colony welfare goals and operational needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Zero to two (0–2) years of experience working with nonhuman primates, animal care, animal training, enrichment, behavioral management, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered
• Florida Driver License or equivalent required.
• AALAS ALAT certification preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of animal behavior and animal welfare principles.
• Strong observational and documentation skills.
• Ability to follow SOPs and work instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Ability to safely work around nonhuman primates and maintain high attention to detail.

Physical Demands:

Ability to stand, walk, kneel, crouch, climb, and perform physically demanding tasks throughout the workday; lift up to 50 pounds; wear required PPE including N95 respirator; and meet vision requirements necessary to safely perform job duties.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor animal care environments with regular exposure to heat, humidity, precipitation, and other environmental conditions. Noise levels are typically moderate.