Research Ecologist, IS-0408-11

National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

The Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute seeks a Research Ecologist for the Virginia Working Landscapes Program, focusing on agroecology. The role includes developing an agroecology research portfolio, collaborating with researchers, landowners, farmers, and conservation partners to advance biodiversity and resilient farming systems.

Based at Front Royal, VA, this Trust Fund, temporary-not-to-exceed twenty-four months position emphasizes field research,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of ecology and wildlife conservation principles.
• Strong quantitative skills in analyzing ecological data and modeling.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with researchers to integrate agroecological research with biodiversity studies.
• Independently designs and implements all phases of the research process.
• Builds partnerships with farmers, landowners, and conservation partners.
• Plans and conducts field-based research evaluating agricultural practices for biodiversity.
• Secures funding and develops new research opportunities.
• Publishes findings and develops education and capacity-building programs.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Quantitative analysis

Communication skills

Collaborative research

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

Education + experience combination

Job description

Research Ecologist, IS-0408-11

Application Deadline: 23 November 2026

Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Front Royal, VA

Reporting To: Supervisory Research Ecologist

Compensation: $85,447 - $111,087 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: November 2, 2026

CLOSING DATE: November 23, 2026 (This job will close once 200 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not to Exceed Twenty-four (24) Months (may be extended based on funds availability)

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Front Royal, VA

Position sensitivity and risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Who May Apply: Open to all Qualified Applicants

What are Trust Fund Positions? Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
• Complete a Probationary Period
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

IINTRODUCTION

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 Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Washington, DC. NZCBI plays a leading role in the Smithsonian's global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists.

SUMMARY

The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a Research Ecologist for its Virginia Working Landscapes Program, with a focus on agroecology. This new position will help develop an agroecology research portfolio within the program, working collaboratively with existing researchers, local landowners, farmers, and conservation partners. The program conducts basic and applied research and develops and implements science-based solutions for the conservation and restoration of biodiversity on Virginia’s working lands. The Ecologist will expand this work by investigating how agricultural practices can support biodiversity, ecosystem function, and resilient agricultural systems.

The Virginia Working Landscapes Program is based at the Front Royal campus of Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. The position will involve conducting research, building and sustaining collaborative partnerships, and supporting the application of science to conservation and land management.

LOCATION Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with existing Virginia Working Landscapes and Smithsonian researchers to integrate agroecological research with ongoing biodiversity and conservation research and develop interdisciplinary research initiatives.
• Independently performs all phases of the research process, including problem definition, collaborative planning, experimental design, field implementation, data collection and management, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings.
• Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with farmers, landowners, agricultural producers, conservation practitioners, and researchers to identify research priorities and co-develop applied research questions and projects.
• Plans and conducts field-based research and demonstration projects evaluating agricultural practices and land-management strategies that support biodiversity while maintaining productive, resilient, and sustainable working lands.
• Independently performs all phases of the research process, including problem definition, collaborative planning, experimental design, field implementation, data collection and management, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings.
• Secures funding and develops new research opportunities and partnerships to establish and expand the program’s agroecology portfolio, including collaborations with universities, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and agricultural partners.
• Presents and publishes research findings and develops education and capacity-building programs for farmers, landowners, students, conservation practitioners, and other stakeholders through scientific publications, workshops, field demonstrations, training programs, internships, and fellowships.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A. Degree: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in biology or a related field of science underlying ecological research that involved at least 30 semester hours of coursework in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in biology or ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.

OR

B. Combination of education and experience -- at least 30 semester hours of courses equivalent to a major in any combination of biological sciences, statistics, or mathematics, with required course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Additional Requirements:

A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree that has equipped applicants with the knowledge, skills, and abilities (described below) necessary to do the work of the position.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE

For this position, SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE is defined as working knowledge of the principles of ecology and conservation of wildlife through coursework in ecology, wildlife management, or a related field. At least one year of biology technician experience equivalent to the next lower grade is required. The role requires self-direction and motivation, combined with flexibility and entrepreneurial thinking. The incumbent/position should possess the following knowledge and qualifications including:

• Demonstrated experience conducting ecological or agroecological research in agricultural or other working-land systems, including evaluating relationships among agricultural practices, biodiversity, ecosystem function and/or environmental outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing ecological field studies and surveys to measure and assess vegetation, insects, soils, wildlife, and/or other indicators of ecosystem condition and function.
• Experience evaluating the ecological effects of agricultural management practices, such as grazing, cropping systems, soil management, habitat management, agroforestry, or other agroecological practices.
• Strong quantitative skills in analyzing ecological, spatial, and environmental datasets, including statistical and/or predictive modeling using R and/or Python.
• Experience with geospatial analysis, ecological modeling, and/or remote sensing, including the use of satellite imagery or other spatial data to investigate ecological patterns and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct collaborative research and work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, agricultural producers, landowners, and/or conservation partners in rural and working-land settings.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate scientific findings effectively through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, presentations, and communication with scientific and non‑scientific audiences.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Applicants who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.