The Technician Assistant (TA) program at the Duke Lemur Center was initiated in October, 2008. The program is designed to give students and the public an opportunity to volunteer their time and become involved in the husbandry and care of lemurs. TAs assist full time Primate Technicians with a variety of tasks that include cleaning of animals areas, filling water bottles and washing dishes. In addition, TAs help the staff prepare diets, create and give enrichment and assist the technicians where needed.

Our volunteers include high school, undergraduate and graduate students as well as professional members of the community. Learning what it takes to be a primate technician, a researcher, veterinarian or simply learning more about the animals are just a few of the reasons why our volunteers donate their time to the DLC.

TAs also serve as an invaluable resource for the Center.  We often look to our pool of dedicated volunteers when opportunities or needs arise. Our TAs have been chosen to participate as research assistants, assist the staff with behavioral observations and many other unique opportunities.  We currently have three full time Technicians that began their careers at the DLC by being a volunteer TA!

Requirements to become a TA are as follows:

• Commitment to work one 4-hour shift each week for a minimum of 4 months
• Results of TB test that has been given within the last 12 months
• Proof of current health insurance

If you are interested in becoming a TA, please click here to complete and submit the application.

If you have any questions regarding the TA program, please contact Meg Dye at meg.dye@duke.edu