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Life Support Systems and Water Quality Specialist


Job Location:

Washington, DC - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 57736 - 57736
Posted: 6 October 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 3 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Summary

The Smithsonian Institution is the worlds largest museum education and research complex with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Life Support Systems & Water Quality Office Office of Planning Facilities and Exhibits National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) Office of the Under Secretary of Science and Research (OUSSR) Smithsonian Institution (SI).

More than one selection may be made from this announcement.


Duties

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

In this position you will:

  • Assist with operation and maintenance of aquatic systems including filtration circulation heating/cooling aeration and disinfection.
  • Monitor water quality parameters (temperature pH salinity dissolved oxygen).
  • Maintain records of water quality and system performance.
  • Manage inventory and coordinate repairs.

Requirements
Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment

Qualification requirements including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing the Required Documents section for additional information.

For information on qualification requirements seeQualification Standards Handbook forGeneral Schedule Positionsviewable on OPM Website.

Qualifications

Experience:You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 level in the Federal Service. For this position specialized experience is defined as supporting water quality operations by collecting samples maintaining records monitoring equipment and system conditions following established procedures and assisting staff in ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.

OR

Education:One full year of graduate level education

OR

Superior Academic Achievementmay be substituted to meet the experience requirement.IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE:If you are using education to qualify you must submit a copy of your transcript.

Superior Academic Achievementbased on 1) class standing 2) grade-point average or 3) honor society membership. Specific requirements are: 1) Class Standing: Upper third of graduating class based on completed courses; 2a) Grade Point Average: 3.0 or higher as recorded on official transcript or as computed based on 4 years of education; 2b) based on courses completed during the final full 2 years of curriculum; or 2c) 3.5 or higher based on average of courses completed in the specific major field of study; or 3) Honor Society Membership: Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society listed in the Association of College Honor Societies Booklet of Information and/or Bairds Manual of American College Fraternities (membership in a freshman honor society cannot be used to meet the requirements of this provision). Degree must be directly related to the occupation (see Education section). You must include a copy of your transcripts.

OR

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

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.



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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.