Behavior Management Specialist at Safer Human Medicine in Denaud, FL

Safer Human Medicine is a trusted provider of high-quality, ethically sourced non-human primates for biomedical research. Committed to advancing medical breakthroughs, we work closely with research institutions and pharmaceutical companies to support the development of life-saving treatments and therapies. Guided by rigorous animal care and welfare standards, Safer Human Medicine ensures the highest ethical practices while enabling critical research that improves human health worldwide.

Position Summary

Safer Human Medicine is seeking a Behavior Management Specialist to support the behavioral health, social management, and overall well-being of our non-human primate colonies. This role works closely with animal care, veterinary, and operations teams to help ensure animals are behaviorally supported, appropriately socialized, and managed in a way that promotes welfare and day-to-day operational success.

This is a hands-on role with meaningful ownership. The Behavior Management Specialist will conduct behavioral observations and assessments, support pairing and social group management, apply positive reinforcement training techniques, contribute to enrichment planning, and help strengthen SHM's overall behavior management approach. We encourage ongoing professional development and industry engagement — including pursuit of relevant certifications and CEUs, attendance at conferences, and participation in professional networks and working groups. For the right person, this role has the potential to grow into broader program leadership over time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Observe and assess non-human primate behavior to identify concerns, maladaptive behaviors and patterns, compatibility issues, and general opportunities to improve animal well-being.
• Work with a team of animal care, veterinary, and operations staff to address behavioral issues and support practical day-to-day solutions.
• Help establish and monitor pairs and social groups, including introductions, compatibility tracking, and recommendations for separation or intervention when needed.
• Use positive reinforcement training to support husbandry, veterinary procedures, handling, and other routine animal care activities.
• Provide training to other team members on the proper use of positive reinforcement, enrichment, and behavioral observation.
• Support and help improve SHM’s approach to behavior management, including social housing, enrichment, behavioral observations, and training practices.
• Contribute to enrichment planning and implementation to encourage species-appropriate behavior and improve psychological well-being.
• Assist with incoming animal transitions, including behavioral considerations related to acclimation, housing, and socialization.
• Maintain clear and accurate behavioral records, observations, and tracking logs.
• Organize and interpret behavioral data using spreadsheets and other simple tracking tools.
• Help identify better ways to collect behavioral information and improve consistency in behavior-related practices.
• Provide input on SOPs, workflows, and staff practices related to animal behavior, welfare, and social management.
• Follow all applicable SOPs, safety procedures, animal welfare standards, and biosecurity requirements.
• Occasionally provide behavioral support for other species, as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in animal behavior, psychology, biology, zoology, animal science, or related field required.
• Master’s degree is a plus but not required.

Experience

• At least 5 years of experience in an animal care, laboratory animal, zoological, sanctuary, agricultural, or similar setting.
• At least 3 years of experience working directly with non-human primates strongly preferred.
• Experience observing animal behavior and making practical recommendations based on those observations required.
• Experience with social housing, compatibility assessments, and behavioral monitoring preferred.
• Experience using positive reinforcement training in an animal care setting is strongly preferred.
• Experience helping build or improve enrichment or behavior-related programs is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good understanding of non-human primate behavior, social dynamics, and signs of behavioral stress or well-being.
• Ability to apply behavioral knowledge in a practical, day-to-day operational setting.
• Ability to make sound recommendations related to social housing, compatibility, enrichment, and behavior support.
• Comfortable working closely with animal care and veterinary teams in a collaborative environment.
• Strong observation, recordkeeping, and follow-through skills.
• Able to use spreadsheets and basic computer programs to document and track information.
• Clear communicator with good judgment and a steady, professional approach.
• Able to work in a fast-moving environment where priorities may shift.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work is performed in an active animal care environment.
• Must be able to work safely around animals in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Must be able to follow PPE, safety, and biosecurity requirements at all times.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and move throughout the day.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials or equipment up to [insert pounds].
• Must be comfortable working in an environment where conditions and priorities can change quickly based on animal needs.

Growth Opportunity

This role is designed as a hands-on specialist position, but for the right candidate, it may grow over time into broader ownership of behavior management practices, enrichment strategy, training approaches, and program development as SHM continues to scale.

Why This Role Matters

At SHM, animal welfare is central to how we operate. The Behavior Management Specialist helps bring that commitment to life by supporting behavioral health, social stability, and humane care across the colony. This role is important not only to the animals themselves but also to the strength, consistency, and quality of SHM’s operations.