Research Ecologist
Smithsonian Institution - Washington, DC
<https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/374728700>https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/374728700
This position is located at the National Zoological Park, (NZP),
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute's Migratory Bird Center.
The employee is responsible for planning and conducting original
research on the ecology and conservation of migratory birds. TRAVEL REQUIRED
Not Required RELOCATION AUTHORIZED
No KEY REQUIREMENTS
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.
DUTIES: Back to top
Designs and develops scientific research projects focusing on the
population demography, movement dynamics (stop-over, migratory
connectivity, dispersal and recruitment), behavioral ecology,
population genetics and urban ecology of Neotropical migratory birds,
but not excluding resident populations.
Prepares scholarly publications of basic and applied research, which
address important questions in the scientific field, account for
previously unexplained phenomena, or represent an important
validation or modification of scientific theory in the topic area.
Collaborates with scientific researchers from within the Zoo
community and from around the world, to encourage and promote studies
of interest to the Center and to aid in the survival and recovery of
species and habitats that ensure the health and well-being of animals
in nature.
Participates in scientific meetings and symposia, develops scientific
papers for presentation and corresponds with scholars and other
members of the scientific community involved in the same or similar
research. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Back to top
All applicants must meet these Basic Requirements Specialized
Experience: ( You must submit unofficial school transcripts in order
to receive further consideration.)
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.
In addition to meeting Basic Requirements above,You qualify for this
position if you possess one year of specialized experience equivalent
to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service or comparable pay
band system. For this position Specialized experience is defined as
designing and developing scientific research projects involving
terrestrial ecosystems, and preparing scholarly publications and
scientific papers for presentations.
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: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years of
progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a
degree or LL.M., if related.
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.
Qualification requirements must be met within 30 days of the job
announcement closing date. HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:
Your resume will be used to evaluate your experience, education,
and/or training that address the competencies below:
Ability to apply advanced theories, principles, concepts and
practices of fundamental or applied ecology including to migratory
bird ecology, evolution and conservation practice.
Knowledge of techniques in animal tracking and some level of
proficiency in genetic techniques and biostatistics.
Ability to design, integrate and manage a collaborative scientific
research project, including those with conservation outcomes.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and data orally.
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and data in writing
as evidenced in published peer-reviewed research. Applicants who meet
or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three
category groups based on job-related criteria: Best Category - Meets
the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job
related competencies above. Better Category - Meets the minimum
qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related
competencies above. Good Category - Meets the minimum qualification
requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related
competencies above to a substantive degree. This category rating
process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule
of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead
of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting
official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best
Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed
over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the
requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference
eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a
compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must
be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position
being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or
higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs
system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not
be considered for this position. Important Note: The review of your
resume will determine your final rating and should provide sufficient
information regarding how your education and experience relate to
this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.
