Animal Keeper

About the role

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 National Zoological Park in Front Royal, VA.

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.

What you will do

• The incumbent will perform a variety of duties requiring specialized skills that ensure the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of wild and exotic animals, many of which are rare and endangered.
• Provide daily care of animals in the collection ensure the health and welfare of the animals that includes the following: Feed and water animals, ensuring proper measurements and preparation of food to include maintaining sanitary conditions of food areas and water containers and recording food and water consumption and report any changes per unit protocols.
• Clean animal enclosures by hosing, sweeping, scrubbing, raking, and removing manure and unconsumed food.
• Weigh animals, record, and report data.
• Report insect and pest infestations of animals.
• Monitor animals for symptoms of illness, injuries or unusual conditions and reports to Curator, Assistant Curator or Veterinarian.
• Maintains animal records and prepare appropriate reports.
• Participate actively in enrichment programs, training and operant conditioning of animals, propagation and enriching and memorable experiences for visitors.
• Observe animal activities such as breeding encounters, nesting activities, courtship rituals, aggression between animals in the same enclosure, feeding habits, etc.

Requirements

• This position requires the physical ability to perform moderately heavy work including lifting and carrying heavy objects up to 50 lbs.; work outside in all weather conditions with exposure to dirt, dust, pollen and insects; climb ladders and stairs; and stand and walk for extended periods.
• Working Conditions: The work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent is exposed to dust and to unpleasant odors and noises from the animals and to cleaning solutions and other chemicals.
• The work is performed on concrete floors and other hard surfaces.
• The work may be performed in closed or cramped spaces.
• The incumbent is exposed to bites, scratches, and animal waste, and may be exposed to animal parasites and zoonotic diseases.
• Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.
• For information on the Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations, see OPM's website.

How you will be evaluated

How you will be evaluated: Applications will first be evaluated to determine whether the following screen out element is met: Ability to do work w/o normal supervision Ability to do work of an animal keeper If an applicant meets the screen-out element, the following Job Elements will be evaluated: Animal care procedures Animal Enrichment Conducting Animal Demonstrations Behavioral Husbandry Monitor Animal Behavior Applicants who meet or exceed the screen-out element will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria: Best Category - Meets the screen-out element and excels in most of the job related elements above.

Better Category - Meets the screen-out element and satisfies most of the job related elements above. Good Category - Meets the screen-out element, but does not satisfy most of the job related elements above to a substantive degree.

This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-veterans within each category.

A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no veteran in that category is passed over to select a non-veteran in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied.

Veterans who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher.

Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the announcement questions will not be considered for this position. Important Note: Your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire or other assessment tool for consistency.

If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than is supported by your resume, you will be assigned a rating commensurate to your described experience. Your resume should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Documents you must provide

• Resume - Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder.
• Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period.
• It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted.
• Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position.
• For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center - How do I write a resume for a federal job?
• Proof of Veteran's Preference - DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran.
• Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter.
• Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify.
• If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment.
• Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable.

Benefits

The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options. Please see Benefits at *** for a complete description.

Flexible Spending Accounts - *** Health Insurance - *** Leave - *** Life Insurance - *** Long Term Care Insurance - *** Retirement Program - ***

What to expect next

At the end of the application process you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt.

The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process.

You may also check your application status by logging into *** and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing ***; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed. Additional Information: Tips on applying for Smithsonian jobs are available at ***

The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses but recruitment incentives may be authorized. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Additional information can be found on our website at (***).

Additional information

This position is included in the bargaining unit. Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability.

If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI).

By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.