Primate Collection Coordinator- Bucknell University
Reggie Paxton Gazes
Primate Collection Coordinator
The primate collection coordinator is responsible for effectively managing the primate husbandry operations. They are an active participant in the routine care and will direct the collection planning and management of our diverse collection of three socially housed primate species. The job entails animal training, animal health and welfare, staff guidance and feedback, training and supervising undergraduate students, and supporting the use of animals for teaching and behavioral and cognitive research in the psychology and biology departments and animal behavior program. The primate collection coordinator is expected to carry out their duties in strict adherence to USDA, IACUC, and other relevant state and federal regulations, and based on best practices.
This position will report to the animal caretaker manager and the primate lab director. They will work with the lead animal caretaker in Animal Behavior to coordinate the operations of the primate facility. This position brings in expertise and experience to coordinate the caretaking, husbandry and management operations in the primate facility.
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Job Duties:
● Engage in all the duties and responsibilities of the animal caretaker position as needed
● Monitor, oversee and coordinate the animal management and husbandry activities in the primate colonies
● Lead and manage the primate training program, including conducting animal training, developing and implementing training plans, training students and staff members in basic and specific training techniques, supervising staff and students in their training efforts, and tracking training progress in the animals
● Help develop, maintain and implement operating standards and policies for animal care and husbandry, including compliance with all the laws, regulations and guidelines relevant to the maintenance and use of laboratory animals and related to the management of the animal facility
● Provide advice, instruction and assistance to principal investigators, staff and students on husbandry related matters and provide practical support of research and teaching as needed
● Maintain and review records and logs relating to daily operations, husbandry and veterinary care as required
● Evaluate and track basic health of the animals; consult and coordinate with the lead animal caretaker, veterinarian and/or primate lab director when medical procedures are called for
● Inspect facilities to ensure proper care, maintenance and safety of animals, their quarters and facilities; attempt to resolve problems which arise in regard to food, maintenance and safety.
● As needed, prepare written proposals regarding changes and improvements to the facility or husbandry practices.
● Lead, as required, tours of the lab for students, prospective students or others
● Have a working knowledge of active research protocols
● Serve, as needed, on the University’s IACUC, participating in technical protocol review and approval and keeping the IACUC committee informed on the condition of the primate facility and research involving primates
● Attend training and professional development to keep abreast of changing regulations and standards of humane animal care
● Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
● Bachelor's degree in biology, zoology, animal behavior or related field; AND
● At least five years of experience in animal husbandry, animal training and captive animal management, preferably with socially housed animals; AND
● Experience with primates; OR
● Any combination of experience and education that provides the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to perform assigned tasks
● Experience and expertise with exotic animal training, preferably with primates
● Must be well organized, able to plan and have good time-management skills
● Good communication skills and demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team environment
● Technical proficiency for information management; must be comfortable using email, Google docs and spreadsheet programs (google sheets, Excel)
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusiveness
● Ability to work weekends and some holidays and respond to emergencies as needed
● Some immunizations required
Preferred Qualifications:
● Previous experience working with students, faculty, or researchers
● Previous experience managing an animal facility, including making husbandry decisions and supervising staff
● Demonstrated ability to train, lead, supervise and direct the work of others
Physical Demands:
● Ability to lift minimum of 50 pounds without accommodation
● Exposure to primates and their waste products
● Requires indoor and outdoor work including exposure to inclement weather
Work Type:
This position is a full-time, 12-month, benefits-eligible, non-exempt staff position.
This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.
Salary Range:
This is a Staff Non-exempt position with a hiring range of 20.50-24.26/hr. The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.
Benefits:
Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):
- flexible scheduling options determined by role;
- medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
- an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
- generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
- full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
- a comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
- a myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card
To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.
About Bucknell
Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 60 majors and 70 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell’s 3,700 undergraduate and 30 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors on scholarly and artistic projects.
Bucknell’s beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its undergraduate students. Student life is vibrant with about 200 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletics teams, a robust arts culture, and a commitment among many of the students to community and global service work.
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
The Community
Lewisburg (pop. 5,700) is located in central Pennsylvania and features beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques, and the Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. It is the seat of Union County, which has about 44,000 residents.
The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is within a three-hour drive of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
The cost of living is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and outstanding opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School consistently ranks among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.