Biologist
Summary
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 Washington, D.C.
More than one selection may be made from this announcement.
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Duties
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The Biologist (Assistant Curator) 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:
- Provide daily care of exotic/endangered animals in National Zoological and Conservation Biology Institute.
- Assist with coordination and facilitation of work and to communicate procedures to staff.
- Assign and schedule work, coordinate programs, provide technical work direction, establishing priorities and deadlines.
- Serve on a team comprising of NZCBI staff architects, designers, and contractors to help design and construct animal facilities.
- 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
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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.
- Must be available to work shifts, weekends, and holidays
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Must have a valid State driver's license
- Must participate in prevention measures including immunizations/screenings
- Emergency essential, required to report for weather/emergencies/shutdowns
Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
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:
GS-9 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 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.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
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. 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.
Education
This position has a Positive Education Requirement (Unofficial transcripts must be submitted at time of application)
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.
Important Note:
Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Please see Benefits at [click to reveal website link] for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - [click to reveal website link]
Health Insurance - [click to reveal website link]
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Life Insurance - [click to reveal website link]
Long Term Care Insurance - [click to reveal website link]
Retirement Program - [click to reveal website link]