Life Support Systems and Water Quality Specialist

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 Conservation Biology Institution (NZCBI), National Zoological Park (NZP), Smithsonian Insititution (SI).    

Qualifications:

GS-9 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 level in the Federal Service.  For this position, specialized experience is defined as assisting in the oversite of the operation, maintenance, and management of aquatic exhibits and life support systems within a government-owned museum; ensuring the health and well-being of aquatic species, the proper functioning of life support systems, and the delivery of an exceptional visitor experience.

Or Education: 

Master's or equivalent graduate degree 

OR 

2 full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree 

OR 

LL.B. or J.D., if related may be substituted for the required experience. 

Or a Combination: Education and experience may be combined to meet the basic qualifications; For a full explanation of this option please see the Qualification Standards. 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.

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, AmeriCorps) 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.

Responsibilities:

The Life Support Systems and Water Quality Specialist is responsible for assisting in the oversite of the operation, maintenande and management of aquatic exhibits and life support systems within NZCBI. 

In this position, you will:

• Operate, maintain, and optimize complex life support systems by adjusting filtration, circulation, aeration, heating/cooling, and disinfection processes to keep aquatic environments stable. 
• Monitor water quality indicators to diagnose system issues and perform routine and corrective adjustments.
• Coordinate with OFMR, contractors, and safety officials during maintenance activities, emergency responses, and hazardous materials work to ensure compliance.
• Interpret water quality data, performs adjustments and repairs. 
• Review engineering designs, support project planning, and advise curators and designers on system requirements
• Identify system needs and recommend repairs, maintenance, and capital improvements. 

Salary : $70,623