Research Ecologist

Research Ecologist, IS-0408-12

Final date to receive applications: 13 October 2026

Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Front Royal, VA

Compensation: $102,415 - $133,142 / year

OPEN DATE: September 15, 2026

CLOSING DATE: October 13, 2026

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:

Front Royal, VA

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

This position is open to all Qualified Applicants

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.

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.

The Smithsonian Institution is seeking a Research Ecologist/Project Coordinator for its Ecology Program focused on the study and conservation of Arabian Leopards in partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla in Saudi Arabia. The program conducts basic and applied research and innovates, develops, and implements science-based solutions for the conservation and restoration of keystone dryland wildlife species and ecosystems on the Arabian Peninsula.

The program is focused on:

• Cutting-edge science and technology to conserve and restore imperiled species and advance our understanding and management of dryland ecosystems.
• Developing and executing research projects that investigate questions about at-risk species and their associated biotic communities.
• 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.

The Arabian Leopard Ecology Program is a new program at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. The position requires team and partnership development in addition to research and conservation activities.

Front Royal, VA Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

• Designs, develops,…