Biologist (Animal Care)

US Smithsonian Institution; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute seeks a qualified professional to support care, training, and research activities for a diverse living collection in the Directorate of Animal Care Sciences. Candidates must have a degree in Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, or related disciplines, or an equivalent education/experience.

At least one year of specialized experience at GS-07 level is required, with emphasis on

Qualifications

• Degree in Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, or related disciplines.
• Or combination of education and experience as described in the qualifications.
• One year of specialized experience at or equivalent to GS-07 level: assisting with management, care, and training of living animals in a zoological setting; assisting with administrative processes; facilitating research or data collection.

Education

Biological Sciences / Agriculture / Natural Resource Management / Chemistry or related

Job description

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Directorate of Animal Care Sciences at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Research (OUSSR), Smithsonian Institution (SI).

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 management, care, and training of a collection of living wild animals in a zoological setting; assisting with various administrative processes; and facilitating research or data collection.

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 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.

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.