Research Ecologist
-
Research/Development
Ecology, Biology, Research Scientist
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Final date to receive applications: 23 November 2026
Department:
National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
Employment Type:
Full Time
Location:
Front Royal, VA
Reporting To:
Supervisory Research Ecologist
Compensation: $85,447 - $111,087 / year
DescriptionOPEN DATE:
November 2, 2026
CLOSING DATE:
November 23, 2026 (This job will close once 200 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)
POSITION TYPE:
Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE:
Temporary Not to Exceed Twenty-four (24) Months (may be extended based on funds availability)
SCHEDULE:
Full Time
DUTY
LOCATION:
Front Royal, VA
Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low 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).
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.
IINTRODUCTION
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 Virginia Working Landscapes Program, with a focus on agroecology. This new position will help develop an agroecology research portfolio within the program, working collaboratively with existing researchers, local landowners, farmers, and conservation partners. The program conducts basic and applied research and develops and implements science-based solutions for the conservation and restoration of biodiversity on Virginia’s working lands.
The Ecologist will expand this work by investigating how agricultural practices can support biodiversity, ecosystem function, and resilient agricultural systems.
The Virginia Working Landscapes Program is based at the Front Royal campus of Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. The position will involve conducting research, building and sustaining collaborative partnerships, and supporting the application of science to conservation and land management.
LOCATION Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Front Royal, VA
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Collaborates with existing Virginia Working Landscapes and Smithsonian researchers to integrate agroecological research with ongoing biodiversity and conservation research and develop interdisciplinary research initiatives.
- Independently performs all phases of the research process, including problem definition, collaborative planning, experimental design, field implementation, data collection and management, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of findings.
- Builds and maintains collaborative partnerships with farmers, landowners, agricultural producers, conservation practitioners, and researchers to identify research priorities and co-develop applied research questions and projects.
- Plans and conducts field-based research and demonstration projects evaluating agricultural practices and…
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