Research Ecologist

Research Ecologist, IS-0408-12

Final date to receive applications: 17 August 2026

Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Bozeman, MT

Reporting To: Supervisory Ecologist

Compensation: $89,508 / year

Open Date: July 20, 2026

Closing Date: August 17, 2026 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)

Salary: $89,508/year

Position Type: Trust Fund

Appointment Type: Temporary Not to Exceed Two (2) years (may be extended based on funds availability)

Schedule: Full Time

Duty

Location:

Bozeman, MT

Position Sensitivity and Risk: Non-sensitive (NS)/Moderate Risk

Who May Apply: Open to all Qualified Applicants

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).

• 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.

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 Research Ecologist for its Great Plains Science Program in Montana ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). 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.

Great Plains Science Program, Bozeman MT, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

• The incumbent is responsible for developing, planning, and executing a highly competitive and innovative research program. The…