Animal Behaviorist at University of Illinois Chicago in Chicago, IL

Job description

Position Summary Design and implement behavioral and enrichment programs for a variety of species including dogs, nonhuman primates, farm animals, and rodents. Determine causes of behavioral issues and create plans to manipulate the animal toward more desirable behavior. Identify animals for social housing and monitor for incompatibility. Provide training to husbandry and research staff on animal behavior to facilitate husbandry and research activities. Provide study specific training to facilitate research activities. Maintain accurate records to support the success of research and appropriate patient care. Duties & Responsibilities Design and implement environmental enrichment and behavioral management programs for a variety of species designed to improve behavior, train animals, and enrich daily life. Observe animal behavior, identify abnormalities, determine cause, and develop treatment plans in coordination with the veterinary staff. Train animals and/or manipulate their environment to maintain normal behaviors while extinguishing abnormal or maladaptive patterns. Provide support to technical and research staff by training animals for routine handling and husbandry. Train animals to exhibit conditioned responses as needed for various studies. Provide presentations and hands-on sessions to train staff to handle animals. Provide and document training of husbandry staff on large animal and primate techniques. Communicate with husbandry supervisors and research staff to schedule training sessions. Maintain records as required by research and patient care guidelines and policies. Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.