Enrichment Specialist

Position Summary

This position is being created as a result of growing research needs and the required enrichment activities involved in sustaining a large colony. This colony requires special care and attention, and a dedicated individual to perform colony maintenance and related duties. In addition, the animal enrichment program has grown to the point where an enrichment technician position is warranted.

Under the direction of the Manager/Supervisor, this position performs research support, animal husbandry duties, and provides environmental enrichment to a wide variety of research animals. Husbandry duties include room checks, cage changing, animal equipment maintenance, and documentation of all tasks performed. Research Support duties may include administering routine animal treatments as directed by Vets/vet care staff, administering special feed and water, dosing, SQ, IV, etc. This position is also responsible for triaging animal care issues.

This position will also function as a team member of professionals and utilize available resources to provide environmental enrichment to a wide variety of research animals. This position will have to work independently, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and have a proven ability to foster positive relationships with co-workers and researchers. This position will need to communicate with all levels of staff effectively. The position will need to understand species-specific behavior as it relates to overall health of the animals and work with research and veterinary staff to address behavioral issues. The position will implement enrichment activities and conduct positive reinforcement training, social housing, and behavioral assessment of animals. This position will require a research skill set or background. This position will maintain records and provide written and verbal reports as required. The person in this position will also maintain inventory and construction of enrichment devices. They will be responsible for assisting in performing literature searches and keeping up with changes or trends in the animal enrichment field.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Management Preferences

• AALAS certification at higher levels
• Experience handling, restraining, dosing, and performing health assessments of rabbits/swine and other USDA species