Assistant Curator; Primates

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The Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute is hiring an Assistant Curator on the Primates team. All applications need to be submitted through the official job announcement on USAJobs.gov (USAJOBS - Job Announcement ), which is open through January 29th, 2026.

The Smithsonian lnstitution is the world's largest museum and research complex, consisting of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoological Park, nine research facilities and the Smithsonian Libraries. The mission of the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is to save species by using cutting-edge science, sharing knowledge and providing inspirational experiences for our guests.

The Biologist (Biological Assistant Curator, Primates) works under the Directorate of Animal Care Sciences in the Great Ape House, Think Tank, Gibbon Ridge and Lemur Island exhibition areas of the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC conducting research in conservation biology and reproductive sciences to provide educational and recreational environments for the visiting public. The Biological Assistant Curator also supports the care, education, conservation, exhibition, and research of non-human primates.

In this position, you will:

• Work with the curator and other departments to assist with the coordination and facilitation of work, and to communicate procedures to other department staff.
• Assist the curator with supervision of keepers, volunteers, interns, and contractors.
• Coordinate animal training for the health management of the entire collection as well as regularly scheduled animal training demonstrations and keeper talks.
• Assist with coordination of keeper training, unit record keeping, public education, and support services in support of program goals.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Specialized

Experience:

Degree:
Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, such as zoology, animal behavior, conservation, ecology, anthropology, psychology, etc.or Combination of education and experience:
Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional  addition to the basic qualification requirement above:

Experience:

You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as experience caring for primates (including great apes) in an AZA accredited zoo. Experience should include a thorough understanding of the principles, methods, techniques, and procedures necessary for the expert care and management of primates.

Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, Ameri Corps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.

Education:

To qualify at the GS-09 grade level based on education, applicants must successfully complete 2 full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or masters or equivalent graduate degree related to the work of the position.

Special Instructions for Foreign

Education:

If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.

Or a Combination:
Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic…