Management Support Assistant & Purchasing

Management Support Assistant for Travel & Purchasing, IS-0303-07

Final date to receive applications: 18 September 2026

Department: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Edgewater, MD

Compensation: $57,736 / year

OPEN DATE: August 20, 2026

CLOSING DATE: September 19, 2026
* This announcement will close upon receipt of 300 applications, which may occur before the stated closing date.
* POSITION TYPE:
Trust Fund

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY

LOCATION:

Washington, DC

Non-sensitive (NS)/ Low Risk

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)

Conditions of Employment

• 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 Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a leading research unit of the Smithsonian Institution dedicated to advancing environmental science and education. Situated on a 2,650-acre campus, SERC serves as a living laboratory for long-term ecosystem research across forests, agricultural lands, wetlands, shorelines, and estuaries. Located in a semi-rural setting within convenient commuting distance of Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington, DC, SERC is home to a vibrant community of more than 200 staff members, including scientists, administrators, educators, technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Each year, this collaborative community works alongside interns, more than 500 volunteers, and approximately 25,000 public visitors to support research, education, and environmental stewardship.

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) invites applications for a Management Support Assistant, Travel and Purchasing
. This full-time position offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and career development within a world-renowned organization recognized globally for its excellence in research, education, and public service. As part of SERC's collaborative and dynamic community, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting travel coordination and purchasing operations for the Center.

Travel management: 70%

• Daily use of Concur Gov travel system for travel management
• Provide travel management support to SERC staff and invitational travelers, including international travelers
• Prepare and review travel authorizations, vouchers, and local vouchers
• Monitor payment of vouchers and ensure all payment/funding discrepancies are resolved
• Assist in training new staff in best practices and expectations for travel planning and voucher submissions
• Provide support to staff on the use of Government Travel Charge Cards, including briefing personnel on the proper use
• Provide updates to SERC administration on travel expenditures and travel frequency

Procurement/purchasing: 30%

• Prepare and process purchase card transactions, purchase orders and contracts as assigned by supervisor
• Assist in preparing and organizing procurement documentation, including statements of work, request for proposals, vendor enrollment
• Assist with monthly review and reconciliation of transactions by purchase card users to ensure accuracy and compliance with Smithsonian policy and regulations

Candidates may qualify for…