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National Zoo Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Smithsonian Institution

Financial Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$102K - $133K/yr

Summary 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 in the Smithsonian Institution ...

Smithsonian Institution

IT Project Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site +1

$143K - $187K/yr

Summary 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 Facilities Management Systems ...

Smithsonian Institution

IT Project Manager

Alexandria, VA · On-site +1

$143K - $187K/yr

Summary 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 Facilities Management Systems ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$57K - $111K/yr

Summary 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 Air & Space Museum ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$70K - $111K/yr

Summary 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 Air and Space Museum ...

Smithsonian Institution

Museum Specialist

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$70K - $111K/yr

Summary 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 Air and Space Museum ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsNational Zoo JobsNational Zoo Jobs in Reston, VA

National Zoo information

See Reston, VA salary details

$48.9K

$113.6K

$147.2K

How much do national zoo jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for national zoo in Reston, VA is $113,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,900.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are National Zoo jobs?

National Zoo jobs encompass a wide range of roles dedicated to animal care, conservation, education, research, and operations at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Positions may include animal keepers, veterinarians, educators, researchers, horticulturists, facilities staff, and administrative personnel. Employees work together to care for animals, engage the public, support wildlife conservation efforts, and maintain the zoo’s grounds and facilities. Many positions require specialized training, education, or experience in fields such as biology, zoology, education, or facility management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a National Zoo employee?

To thrive as a National Zoo employee, you need a background in animal science, biology, or a related field, often supported by relevant degrees and experience in animal care. Familiarity with animal management software, safety protocols, and possibly certifications like Certified Zoo Professional (CZP) are commonly required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help employees collaborate effectively and ensure the well-being of animals and visitors. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining high standards of animal care, public education, and safety within the zoo environment.

What are some of the unique challenges faced by employees working at the National Zoo, and how can they prepare for them?

Employees at the National Zoo often face unique challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, ensuring the safety and well-being of both animals and visitors, and responding quickly to animal emergencies. Staff members must also collaborate closely with veterinarians, animal keepers, educators, and maintenance teams to coordinate daily tasks and special events. To prepare, job seekers should be adaptable, able to communicate effectively, and willing to engage in ongoing training related to animal care, guest services, and safety protocols.

What is the difference between National Zoo vs Zookeeper?

AspectNational ZooZookeeper
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, zoology, or related fields; certifications in animal care are commonRequires knowledge of animal behavior, often a degree or experience in animal handling; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentLarge zoological park, public setting, includes research and conservation activitiesAnimal enclosures, zoo grounds, hands-on animal care
Employer & IndustryGovernment or private zoological institutions, conservation organizationsZoological parks, aquariums, wildlife reserves

In summary, the National Zoo is a large zoological institution that employs zookeepers among other roles. Zookeepers are responsible for daily animal care, while the National Zoo encompasses broader activities like research and conservation. Both roles require animal handling skills and relevant credentials, but the National Zoo offers a more extensive environment with additional responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Zoo jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Zoo jobs in Reston, VA are:

What are popular job titles related to National Zoo jobs in Reston, VA?

For National Zoo jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching National Zoo jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for National Zoo jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for National Zoo jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most National Zoo job openings:

National Zoo jobs near you
Infographic showing various National Zoo job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,585 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Supervisory Museum Specialist

Smithsonian Institution

Chantilly, VA • On-site, Remote

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

Summary
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 Air and Space Museums (NASM), Preservation Restoration Unit. NASM collects, preserves, studies, and exhibits artifacts, archival materials and works of art related to the history, culture and science of aviation and spaceflight and the study of the universe.
This vacancy announcement has been extended to 9/8/26.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Supervisory Museum Specialist is responsible for supervising and directing restoration and preservation efforts on behalf of the NASM/Research Collections and Curatorial Affairs.
In this position, you will:
  • Apply technical understanding of aircraft and spacecraft preservation; and determines appropriate restoration techniques for treating wood, fabric, metal, and all types of modern materials.
  • Routinely schedules training or communicates safety procedures updates to subordinates and routinely monitors work activities ensuring compliance.
  • Develop work schedules and assigns tasks based on an approved project schedule, taking into account the individual and team skills of the staff. Reviews work in progress to ensure that assigned deadlines are met or adjusted and that completed work meets stated objectives of accuracy and timeliness.
  • Perform all the major aspects of a supervisor which include interviewing and selecting candidates for positions; training and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; recommended promotions, reassignments and other personnel actions; reviews the completeness and thoroughness of work assignments; counsels employees on problems related to work responsibilities; adjudicates complaints where applicable and necessary; and responds to technical inquiries from subordinates to facilitate the completion of work.
  • Resolve operational problems as encountered, with the consultation of other supervisory staff and senior managers, as appropriate and adjusts schedules to accommodate complex unplanned and emergency projects.
  • Consult frequently with curatorial staff to ensure that shifts in deadlines and technical needs are considered.

Requirements
Help
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.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds
  • May be required to serve a supervisory probationary period
  • May require considerable bending, lifting, stooping, climbing, and walking

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website.
Qualifications
GS-12 Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-11 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as leading maintenance, preservation, and/or restoration projects of large aviation, space, or industrial objects to include:
  • Disassembling, assembling, cradling, or creating mounts for artifacts/aerospace equipment.
  • Moving, conserving, preserving, and restoring industrial objects
  • Utilizing equipment such as forklifts, gantries, pallet jacks, dollies, and vehicle

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.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
This position is not 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.
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.
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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.
Benefits
Help
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 https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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