Supervisory Research Ecologist/Director Great Plains Science Program (IS-0408-13)
OPEN DATE: March 14, 2025
CLOSING DATE: April 14, 2025
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary Not to Exceed One (1) Year (may be extended based on availability of funds)
SCHEDULE: Full Time
Open to all Qualified Applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
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.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
OVERVIEW
INTRODUCTION
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 Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Washington, DC. NZCBI plays a leading role in the Smithsonian's global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists.
SUMMARY
The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a Director for its Great Plains Science Program in Montana (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/conservation/great-plains-science). The program conducts basic and applied research and innovates, develops, and implements science-based solutions for the conservation, restoration, and management of healthy grasslands and their biodiversity. The program is focused on:
- Cutting-edge science and technology to conserve and restore imperiled species and advance our understanding and management of grassland ecosystems. Identify how and why grasslands respond to global change and land management.
- Impactful education and capacity building to train and foster the next generation of conservation leaders and practitioners in local communities through workshops, training courses, intern and fellowships.
- Effective partnerships that connect land managers and communities with scientists to ensure effective long-term land management that supports both people and nature.
The Great Plains Science Program is part of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Montana grasslands represent a core site for NZCBI’s growing global grassland conservation network which spans across other critical grassland and savanna ecosystems in Mongolia, Kenya, Peru, and Brazil.
LOCATION
Great Plains Science Program, Bozeman MT, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Great Plains Science Program, Bozeman MT, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director will have experience in collaborative leadership to advance the program and foster innovation, science, and knowledge generation, and to lead a team of 4-6 full-time scientists and 8-12 fellows, students, and technicians. Building on their background in ecology and conservation of grassland ecosystems and biodiversity, the Director will develop and advance a science-based mission, research, and projects and be responsible for:
- Fund-raising through grant applications and development of philanthropic support by working with the NZCBI advancement and leadership teams.
- Managing and expanding GPSP partnerships and relationships with NGOs, landowners, Indigenous nations, state and federal agencies, and colleges and universities.
- Representing the program to the public.
- Working with other Smithsonian staff and scientists to support NZCBI’s overall mission to save species and their habitats.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
Prospective applicants need to have a PhD in Ecology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Sciences, or a related academic field, demonstrated excellent communication skills, grant writing, leadership and management skills, and references. Experience in species conservation, restoration, and reintroduction, and/or building partnership networks will be an asset.
Prospective applicants need to have a PhD in Ecology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Sciences, or a related academic field, demonstrated excellent communication skills, grant writing, leadership and management skills, and references. Experience in species conservation, restoration, and reintroduction, and/or building partnership networks will be an asset.
CV/Resume must include the month and year of all degrees earned; professional and relevant volunteer experience; peer-reviewed publications; competitive funding received; any honors or awards received; memberships in professional societies; presentations given at national/international meetings; and names, addresses, and phone numbers of four persons familiar with your scientific stature, contributions, and recognition. Earned, academic degrees must be verified with copies of official university transcripts that clearly state the classes taken, degree awarded, the major, and date of conferral. A cover letter can be included with the application materials to summarize the applicant’s training, experience, and interest in the position.
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.
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 rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
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.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact OHRTrustBranch@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 provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact OHRTrustBranch@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: https://www.si.edu/oeesd.
About National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) leads the Smithsonian's global efforts to save species, better understand ecosystems, and train future generations of conservationists. Founded in 1889, NZCBI is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum and research complex. Its two campuses are home to more than 2,100 animals, including some of the planet’s most critically endangered species. NZCBI’s employees, located in the nation’s capital, Front Royal, Virginia, and worldwide, are leaders in conservation, care, exhibition, and research of wildlife and habitats.