Ecologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) (IS-0408-09)

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescriptionOpen Date: March 28, 2024
Closing Date: May 1, 2024
Position Type: Trust Fund
Appointment Type: Trust Temporary Not to Exceed One (1) Year (may be extended based on funds availability)
Schedule: Full Time
Location: Front Royal, VA
Position Sensitivity and Risk: Non-sensitive/Low Risk
Who Can 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.
• Trust applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OverviewThe Smithsonian lnstitution is the world’s largest museum and research complex, consisting of 19 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, nine research facilities and the Smithsonian Libraries. The mission of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is to save species by using cutting-edge science, sharing knowledge, and providing inspirational experiences for our guests.

The incumbent will develop models and metrics that can be used to shape conservation policy using multiple data sources including camera traps, movement data and citizen science concerning the diversity and sustainability of vertebrate populations and communities.  Work in conjunction with staff scientists and collaborators to promote metrics to wider scientific and conservation community.  Supervises interns and students, leads meetings, and performs professional, research, and/or scientific work involving the ecological study of organisms and their environment. Performs analytical and evaluative work associated with research activities, summarizing findings for scientific and lay audiences.
Duties and ResponsibilitiesIn this position, you will oversee operational activities as they relate to ecological program development, including:

• Working with SI and external scientists, postdocs, and graduate students to implement ecological projects directly or with partners using innovative and relevant approaches and methodologies;
• Conduct ecological studies of interest to advance the Smithsonian’s mission for understanding and sustaining a biodiverse planet;
• Participating in scientific meetings and symposia to correspond with members of the scientific community involved in related research;
• Gather, organize, and interpret ecological, biological, physical, public use or other information pertinent to research studies and/or investigations;
• Perform data analysis of large datasets, including data summarization and complex statistical analyses;
• Use GIS and remote sensing techniques to assemble layers, fit spatial models, and analyze use patterns;
• Communicating scientific discoveries and information on the program into primary literature, popular media outlets, websites, and social media outlets; and
• Developing proposals for additional financial support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification RequirementsBASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
All applicants must meet the basic education requirement for their discipline: Ecology, Series 0408 AND the experience listed below. Please note: It is your responsibility to show how you satisfy the course requirements for the series(s). If you do not provide information that clearly shows how your completed college course work meets all of the requirements, you will be rated ineligible. Your rating will be based solely on the information you submit with your application. No attempts will be made to verify with you, or the school you attended, whether or not your course work meets all of the requirements. YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL YOUR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS.
 
DEGREE
Candidates may qualify for this position by demonstrating the experience described below and by completion of a Ph.D. in ecological sciences or equivalent field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences. -AND- Experience
You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the grade IS-07 or GS-07 level in the Federal Service. 
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:

• Knowledge and experience with biodiversity conservation, including wildlife ecology and conservation, community engagement, and program development;
• A graduate degree, M.S. or higher in conservation, ecology, or related academic field;
• Experience coordinating collaborative research, conservation, and training programs;
• Demonstrated excellence in written communication, especially as it relates to grant writing;
• Demonstrated excellence in communicating with a wide-range of audiences using different outlets ranging from peer-reviewed scientific articles to web and social media;
• Knowledge of organization skills including time management;
• Knowledge, skill, and ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques;
• Experience planning, scheduling, and conducting projects in a timely manner;
• Knowledge of providing ways to improve project cycles; and 
• Knowledge of organizational goals, mission, priorities, and objectives.

You must clearly identify how you fulfill the specialized experience in your resume to be considered.  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.

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. 

Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.  The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." 
How to Apply: Resumes must include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week. 

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. Relocation expenses are not paid.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact BiagasL@si.edu. 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.

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