Job Title: Behavioral Specialist
Department: Veterinary Services
Reports to: Behavioral Program Coordinator
Position Summary
Join Alpha Genesis as we advance the highest standards of behavioral management, animal welfare, and breeding success within our nonhuman primate colonies. The Behavioral Specialist leads behavioral assessment, social management, and enrichment initiatives for Old and New World nonhuman primates, supporting breeding programs, colony management, veterinary care, and research operations. This role develops and implements behavioral interventions, strengthens staff competency through training, analyzes behavioral trends to improve colony outcomes, and promotes evidence-based practices that enhance animal welfare and operational excellence.
What You Will Do
Conduct behavioral observations and assessments to evaluate temperament, social compatibility, breeding group dynamics, maternal behavior, abnormal behaviors, and overall psychological well-being.
Plan, implement, and monitor social introductions, reintroductions, pairings, and group formations; evaluate compatibility, minimize social conflict, and recommend long-term housing strategies.
Develop, implement, and monitor behavioral intervention plans for abnormal behaviors, including alopecia, stereotypic behaviors, self-directed behaviors, aggression, and social instability through environmental and behavioral management strategies.
Design, evaluate, and enhance behavioral enrichment programs that promote species-appropriate behaviors, improve psychological well-being, and support regulatory and accreditation standards.
Provide technical leadership and training on nonhuman primate behavior, positive reinforcement training, pole-and-collar handling, acclimation techniques, behavioral observation methods, and animal welfare best practices.
Support colony management by evaluating breeding groups, recommending breeder rotations, assisting with population planning, and collaborating with veterinary and colony management teams to optimize reproductive success.
Collect, analyze, interpret, and present behavioral data to identify trends, evaluate program effectiveness, support scientific studies, and recommend continuous improvements.
Prepare reports, maintain behavioral records and databases, ensure compliance with SOPs, and contribute to revisions of the Behavioral and Environmental Enhancement Plan (BEEP) and other behavioral program documentation.
Support client visits, sponsor meetings, internal audits, regulatory inspections, and accreditation activities by providing behavioral expertise and demonstrating program compliance.
Collaborate closely with veterinary, animal care, breeding, and research personnel to promote animal welfare, scientific integrity, operational efficiency, and cross-functional communication.
Perform weekend, holiday, and after-hours behavioral support as operational needs require.
What We Are Looking For
Bachelor's degree in behavioral science, biology, psychology, zoology, animal science, or a related field.
Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and electronic databases.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across veterinary, colony management, animal care, and research teams.
Valid South Carolina driver's license or the ability to obtain one.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting breeding colony management for Old World and New World nonhuman primates.
Experience working with nonhuman primate behavior, breeding colonies, behavioral observations, social management, or animal welfare programs.
Working knowledge of nonhuman primate behavior, positive reinforcement training, environmental enrichment, social housing, and behavioral assessment techniques.
Experience collecting, maintaining, and analyzing behavioral data and preparing technical reports and documentation.
Experience developing behavioral intervention plans and managing complex social introductions and reintroductions.
Prior experience training or mentoring staff in behavioral techniques, positive reinforcement, and animal handling.
AALAS LAT certification or higher, or the ability to obtain certification within one year of employment.
Experience working in AAALAC-accredited, research, breeding, zoological, sanctuary, or laboratory animal environments.
Experience participating in regulatory inspections, client audits, behavioral research, or scientific publications.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Yemassee, SC 29945: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
