Clarification from the agency

Open to current and former Federal employees with permanent status or reinstatement eligibility. Individuals who are eligible for a special appointing authority may apply; such as applicants with a disability, former Peace Corps volunteers, certain military spouses, veterans seeking a VRA/VEOA appointment, or veterans who have been separated from armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 years or more of continuous active service.

In cooperation with the Director and the Senior Management Team, assists and advises the Director in formulation of policies, program goals and objectives. Assists in the development of short- and long-range plans to accomplish these objectives. Collaborates with heads of departments and offices to translate these plans into specific programs and projects, and monitors progress and accomplishments. Works with NZP/SCBI staff to implement the Zoo’s strategic plan, develop a long-range animal collection plan that integrates the husbandry and scientific expertise of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and is incorporated in the facility and programmatic Master Plans.

Ensures the safety, security, welfare of animal care staff and the collection. Maintains the highest safety standards and stays abreast of changes in best practices of animal management and introduces new protocols where appropriate. Reviews existing protocols and best practices and ensures that staff is properly trained and can perform duties in the safest and most effective manner for the care of the animals as well as the staff, volunteers and visitors.

Follows the work of the Zoo’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee(s) as it relates to the Rock Creek collection. Tracks findings of the Committee to closure, and facilitates discussions on animal welfare concerns among the staff. Regularly inspects animal care facilities to help preclude findings by the USDA, IACUC and/or AZA. Ensures that NZP/SCBI is AZA accreditation ready at all times and oversees the AZA Accreditation application and inspection processes. Seeks the necessary support to correct areas cited or where there is an anticipation of a citing. Ensures that humane care and welfare of wildlife prevails in all aspects of the Zoo’s research operations, while maintaining sound biological and scientific practices of population management and studies, both in the wild and in captivity. Ensures compliance with Zoo Directives, Smithsonian Directives, AZA Accreditation Standards and all applicable local, federal and other laws and regulations.

Integrates the skills and contributions of the Zoo’s animal management staff with the public exhibit and education programs. Ensures that the public experience is optimized by being able to view animals consistently on exhibit while not negatively impacting animal welfare. Works closely with the Guest Services, Exhibits and Education departments on appropriate messaging for both interpreters and keeper demos and other public interactions, including any travelling or temporary exhibits.

Coordinates the relationship between the Front Royal and Rock Creek collections. Works on a consolidated collection plan and works with Planning department and Smithsonian Facilities to ensure adequate and appropriate facilities for the living collection. Coordinates closely with the SCBI Deputy Director on scientific activities that support or use the Zoo’s living collection.

Establishes budgetary priorities for the Zoo’s animal management requirements and related programs to carry out the goals and objectives established by the Director and Smithsonian management. Works with the Director, animal management staff and NZP advisory boards to develop and promote these programs and to obtain funding from a variety of sources to carry them out, including Federal appropriations, Smithsonian grant programs, endowments, other agency funding programs, gifts, foundation grants and contracts. Works with the Clinical Nutritionist in developing a cost-effective plan for production of quality hay, browse, and other animal feeds that meet the requirements of the collections at both Rock Creek and Front Royal.

Represents the Smithsonian and NZP in promoting its animal management, education and conservation programs and their value to society as well as to the effectiveness of a modern zoological park. Presentations must be made to Congressional constituents, national and international conservation organizations, other U.S. and international government agencies, U.S. and foreign zoos, and potential donors.

Fosters a productive and creative climate for the staff’s pursuit of animal management objectives, setting clear expectations for outcomes and showing the links of their activities to the goals and objectives of NZP/SCBI and the Smithsonian. Develops, modifies and implements standards, criteria, and procedures to assure a high quality of staff performance. Provides guidance and direction to subordinate line supervisors and employees and resolves conflicts arising from program operations.

Conditions of employment

• 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 Services

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS:

For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination requirements and its impact on your application, click on Smithsonian Institution’s Frequently Asked Questions. 

Qualifications

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS 

Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.

—or—

Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE 
In addition, applicants must have one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-15 level. Specialized experience is defined as the demonstrated leadership skills in managing staff to ensure the safety of animal care staff and the well-being of a diverse collection including species with distinct and special needs, such as elephants, primates, giant pandas, marine mammals, reptiles, birds, dangerous carnivores, and hoofstock.  

The applications that meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated further against the following criteria:

1. Demonstrated experience in leading and managing a multi-disciplinary animal care department at an accredited zoological organization to include planning and allocation of staffing and financial resources and experience with knowledge of the regulatory requirements and best practices for the care of captive exotic animals.

2. Demonstrated experience serving as a leader for AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Accreditation inspections.

3. Demonstrated experience developing and leading institutional and/or regional collection plans and processes.

4. Demonstrated experience integrating the skills and contributions of a Zoo's (or similar setting) animal management staff with public exhibit and education programs; ensuring that the public experience is optimized by being able to view animals consistently on exhibit while not negatively impacting animal welfare and appropriate messaging is used in demonstrations and other public interactions. 

5. Demonstrated experience building cooperative relationships and negotiating solutions that address varied complex and occasionally opposing interests. This includes explaining positions/solutions, both orally and in writing, and gaining acceptance by colleagues and customers at all levels.

6. Demonstrated skill in leading and managing a multi-disciplined and culturally diverse workforce.  This should include fostering teamwork and high morale; attracting, retaining and motivating employees; and implementing EEO/Affirmative Action policies and programs.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

The qualifications listed in this document will be used along with your resume and your responses to the questions posed in the electronic application process to determine the candidates who will move forward in the evaluation process.  When crafting your responses to the questions, please provide concise, detailed information on your background and experience.

Important Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency.  If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to the major duties and qualifications criteria listed for this position.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid work on the same basis as for paid experience. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. To receive credit for such experience you must indicate clearly the nature of the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the average number of hours per week spent in such employment.