Volunteer Engagement Specialist

Volunteer Engagement Specialist, IS-1001-9

Final date to receive applications: 25 September 2026

Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Lead Volunteer Engagement Specialist

Compensation: $70,623 - $91,815 / year

OPEN DATE: September 11, 2026

CLOSING DATE: September 25, 2026

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY

LOCATION:

Washington, DC 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, which 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.
• 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 a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute 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 an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This position is located at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (NZP), with a duty station based out of the NZP Washington, DC offices.

• Coordinates all aspects of regularly occurring enrichment programming offered to NZCBI, including volunteer meetings, programs, gatherings, etc.
• Assists the Manager of Volunteer Programs in planning and executing NZCBI-wide appreciation events.

• Coordinates recruitment cycles for volunteers across NZCBI, including for recurring volunteers, such as NZCBI Help keeper aides and Interpreters, and one-time Special Events volunteers.
• Participates in the development and execution of recruitment strategies to engage a diverse and inclusive volunteer applicant pool from which a quality volunteer force is chosen.
• Provides volunteers with an effective and responsive support staff to ensure an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

• Conducts and assesses volunteer training using eLearning courses and onsite workshops.
• Develops volunteer…