The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located under the Directorate of Animal Care Sciences in the Zoo unit, exhibition areas of the Smithsonian’s National Zoological and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) in Front Royal, VA.
Basic Qualifications: Degree: Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the basic qualification requirement above: Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as assisting with the management, daily care, breeding, and education of a diverse collection of wild animals in a zoological setting; supporting various administrative functions; facilitating research and data collection activities and directing daily activities/operations of animal keepers and facilities. Or Education: To qualify at the GS-09 grade level based on education, applicants must successfully complete 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week. Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications. For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
The Biologist (Animal Care) will provide daily care of animals for the National Zoo. This involves, breeding, education, conservation, exhibition, collection planning and support of research for a collection. In this position, you will: Deliver comprehensive care to a wide range of animal species, including exotic and endangered animals, while following established departmental protocols. Develop species management plans that address the needs of exhibitions, environmental enrichment, animal training, education, research, and conservation. Assign and schedule work, coordinate programs, provide technical work direction, establishing priorities and deadlines. Ensure accurate and complete information on animals is provided to the public in labeling, graphics, and other materials on the collection of animals. Coordinate keeper training, and maintain commissary, supply in support of program goals. Maintain accurate records on animals to ensure complete inventory of all animals