The Smithsonian Institution (SI) is the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is in the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC). The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is responsible for ecological and environmental research and education.
Basic Qualification Requirements for Ecologist – GS-0408: Degree: biology, or a related 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. You must submit a copy of your unofficial college transcripts for verification to be considered. In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the specialized experience and/or education requirements listed below: GS-15 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-14 level in the Federal Service. For this position Specialized experience is defined as research investigating ecology such as environmental science, forestry, marine biology, geography, biology, or other related subject; obtaining research funding from competitive internal and/or extramural funding sources; authoring data-rich papers with national and/or international application and significance in peer-reviewed journals; presenting research results to scientific and other audiences; and leading or managing coordination of complex research projects and teams. 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. 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.
The Research Ecologist is responsible for Smithsonian Institution’s Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO). Exploring new scientific aspects and test ecological theories to extend environmental and ecological understanding. In this position, you will: Supervise staff in unit, agency, or organization’s environmental and ecological research program. Formulate specific and authoritative conclusions that are presented in a series of published contributions in the field of forest ecology and conservation. Serve as an expert advisor/consultant to personnel within the scientific and professional community, in other Federal agencies, universities, laboratories, forest research institutes, research facilities, etc. on matters related to areas of responsibility. Be responsible for scientific service to SI, SERC, ForestGEO, and the broader scholarly community.