Biologist (Animal Care)

Smithsonian Institution · Other Agencies and Independent Organizations

📍 Front Royal, Virginia 💰 $70623 – $91815/yr 🏠 Telework eligible

Quick Facts

Hiring Agency: Smithsonian Institution
Department: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
Location: Front Royal, Virginia
Salary: $70623 – $91815/yr
Schedule: Full-Time, Permanent
Hiring Path: Public
Telework Eligible: Yes
Security Clearance: Not Required
Date Posted: 2026-09-01
Application Deadline: 2026-09-16

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Job 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 in the Directorate of Animal Care Sciences at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Research (OUSSR), Smithsonian Institution (SI).

Key Responsibilities

The Biologist (Animal Care) will serve as an Assistant Curator (Biologist) for specific animal areas, species, and/ or team(s) as assigned. Assistant Curators are vital in ensuring the well-being of our collection animals through their involvement in care, breeding, education, conservation, exhibition, collection planning and support of research.

In this position, you will: Contribute to the care of a diverse range of animal species, including exotic and endangered animals, in accordance with established protocols. Develop and implement procedures for enclosure cleaning and sanitation, exhibit preparation, diet preparation, and food presentation. Oversee Animal Keepers, volunteers, interns, and contractors, ensuring work is assigned, scheduled, and completed according to established priorities and deadlines.

Coordinate keeper training and manages commissary and supply operations to support program goals. Assists in preparing reports and recommendations for local, national, and international conservation and zoological organizations.

Requirements & Education

This position has a Positive Education Requirement (Unofficial transcripts must be submitted at time of application).

Benefits

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 https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.

Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/ Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

Contact

DabneyB@si.edu · 202-633-6336

Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Smithsonian Institution , Other Agencies and Independent Organizations.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $70623 – $91815/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-09-16.

What is the work schedule?

This is a Full-Time, Permanent position.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.