Behavior Management Services Associate (Cooperative Animal Training Program) (SRA 2 NEX)

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.

Apply By Date: September 19, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• 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.
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in animal sciences, Animal Behavior or related area.
• 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.
• 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 50% - Cooperative Animal Training Program
• 40% - Training to Train Program
• 10% - Colony Tours & Behavioral Management Back up Support

Department Overview

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.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $28.88 - $46.46/hour
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• Salary Grade: 108
• UC Job Title: SRA 2 NEX
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Manager will advise
• Location: Davis, CA
• Union Representation: Yes - RX
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Microwave/Radiation - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

-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

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks