Duties
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
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
- May need to complete a Probationary Period
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
- Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.
Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
For information on qualification requirements, see
Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on
Qualifications
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
Education
This position has positive education requirements
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
- The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at
Flexible Spending Accounts -
Health Insurance -
Leave -
Life Insurance -
Long Term Care Insurance -
Retirement Program -
