Behavioral Specialist

Altasciences; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Altasciences in Sacramento seeks an experienced Behavioral Specialist to support veterinarians and study directors by conducting enrichment, socialization, and behavioral assessments for non-human primates. This role emphasizes teamwork, data management, and compliance with USDA requirements.

The candidate will train staff, oversee socialization groups, and help develop enrichment SOPs while maintaining a safe and humane environment for animals under study.

Qualifications

• 3 years’ experience with NHP in a research setting
• 1 year NHP training/socializing
• AALAS LATg certification preferred
• CRO and breeding management experience preferred
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Responsibilities

• Maintain databases and program descriptions to meet USDA requirements
• Cooperate with study staff to enhance procedures through socialization, enrichment, and training
• Document compliance with environmental enrichment SOPs
• Assist with training of staff on enrichment, behavioral, and socialization SOPs
• Prepare and maintain enrichment items for animals
• Oversee socialization program and document social partnerings
• Assist with colony data per USDA requirements and company policies
• Attend meetings with company, association, and client representatives
• Procure, replace, and inventory enrichment devices and treats
• Perform behavioral observations/assessments and provide treatments per plans
• Provide operant conditioning training when necessary
• Support development and revision of SOPs and forms related to enrichment and socialization

Skills

NHP experience

Training/socializing

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

**About the Role**This is an advanced level position and works under minimal supervision. This position will provide staff training. The Behavioral Specialist performs various duties to facilitate and support the work and research of the Veterinarians, Study Directors, and clients by completing a variety of animal behavior activities in the areas of enrichment, socialization, and behavioral assessments. As a team, the behavioral staff is responsible for the treatment of all on-site behavioral abnormalities present in animals and for the fulfillment of the preventive program. **What You'll Do Here*** Maintains databases and program descriptions to meet USDA requirements.* Cooperate with study staff to enhance study procedures through socialization, enrichment, and training.* Documents compliance with environmental enhancement standard operating procedures (SOP).* Assists with training of staff on enrichment, behavioral, and socialization SOPs.* Prepares, distributes, and maintains enrichment items for animals.* Oversees socialization program, including determination of suitable social partners and performs animal socializations (i.e. pairs or groups) and completes related documentation.* Assists with colony data (paper and electronic) as per USDA requirements and company policies.* May attend and participate in company, association, and client meetings.* Procurement, replacement, and inventory of enrichment devices and treats.* Performs behavioral observations/assessments.* Provides behavioral treatments per individual treatment plans.* Provides operant conditioning training to animals when necessary.* Ensure safe implementation, documentation, and management of the environmental enhancement program, depending on site.* Assists with developing, reviewing, and revising environmental enrichment, behavioral assessment, and socialization SOPs and forms.* Assists with developing and evaluating new enrichment items or methods. **What You Need to Succeed*** High School Diploma or GED is required.* Minimum of 3 years’ experience with NHP in a research setting and 1 year NHP training/socializing.* CRO and breeding management experience preferred.* AALAS Certification at the LATg level preferred.* Ability to effectively comprehend and communicate (verbal and written) in a professional manner.* Strong verbal and written communication skills.* Ability to work independently as well as in collaboration with a wide variety of personnel. **What We Offer**The hourly range estimated for this position is $26.00 - $43.00. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, prior relevant experience, skills, education, certification, location as well as internal equity and market data. Altasciences offers a wide variety of benefits to help our employees live healthy and fulfilling lives both at and outside of work. **Altasciences’ Benefits Package Includes:*** Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans* 401(k)/RRSP with Employer Match* Paid Vacation and Holidays* Paid Sick and Bereavement Leave* Employee Assistance & Telehealth Programs **Altasciences’ Incentive Programs Include:*** Training & Development Programs* Employee Referral Bonus Program