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Work Study Zoologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Museum Specialist

Landover, MD · On-site +1

$70K - $91K/yr

Facilitate the work of other NMAAHC collection units with the collection. Assist the Photo Services ... S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the ...

Animal Health Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

... National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC. More than one selection may be made from this ... Examples of qualifying specialized experience include work: * As a laborer, manager, or owner of a ...

Work Study Zoologist information

What is a work study zoologist?

A Work Study Zoologist is typically a student or entry-level employee who assists professional zoologists with research and daily tasks as part of a work-study program. These positions are often found at universities, research institutions, or wildlife organizations and are designed to give students hands-on experience in the field of zoology. Duties may include caring for animals, collecting data, maintaining lab equipment, and assisting with experiments. Through this role, students gain valuable practical skills, enhance their understanding of animal biology, and prepare for future careers in zoology or related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a work study zoologist?

To thrive as a Work Study Zoologist, you need foundational knowledge in biology or zoology, strong observational skills, and typically be enrolled in a relevant academic program. Familiarity with data collection tools, laboratory equipment, and sometimes statistical software such as SPSS or R is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on research projects and accurately reporting findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting scientific research, ensuring reliable data, and contributing meaningfully to zoological studies.

How does a work study zoologist typically balance academic responsibilities with hands-on research tasks?

Work study zoologists often split their time between classroom obligations and field or laboratory work. This dual role can be challenging, requiring strong time management and organizational skills to meet academic deadlines while also fulfilling research or animal care duties. Many programs offer flexible scheduling, and students often collaborate closely with faculty, graduate students, or other researchers to ensure that both academic and practical responsibilities are met. Regular communication with supervisors and proactive planning are key to maintaining this balance and making the most of the hands-on learning opportunities.

What is the difference between Work Study Zoologist vs Research Zoologist?

AspectWork Study ZoologistResearch Zoologist
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant bachelor's degree, sometimes a master'sUsually requires a master's or Ph.D. in zoology or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic institutions, laboratories, field sites, often part-time or seasonalResearch institutions, universities, government agencies, often full-time
Employer & IndustryUniversities, colleges, government programsResearch organizations, universities, government agencies

Work Study Zoologists often assist with data collection and fieldwork in academic or educational settings, usually part-time or during studies. Research Zoologists conduct in-depth studies, experiments, and data analysis, typically holding advanced degrees and working in dedicated research roles. While both roles involve zoological work, the Work Study Zoologist is more educational and entry-level, whereas the Research Zoologist focuses on scientific research and discovery.

Is there a demand for work study zoologists?

Work study zoologists are typically students gaining experience in wildlife research or conservation, and demand for such roles depends on the availability of funding and institutional programs. While full-time zoologist positions are in steady demand due to environmental concerns, work-study roles are often limited to academic settings and may have seasonal or part-time availability.

What jobs can I get if I study zoology?

A zoologist can pursue careers such as wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, zoo or aquarium curator, research scientist, or environmental consultant. These roles often involve fieldwork, data analysis, and working with animals or ecosystems, and may require specialized skills or certifications depending on the position.

What are popular job titles related to Work Study Zoologist jobs in Washington?

For Work Study Zoologist jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Work Study Zoologist jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Work Study Zoologist jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Work Study Zoologist job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Supervisory Research Zoologist

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote


Smithsonian Institution
Museums and Historical Sites • 5 - 10K employees

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


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 Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI), Washington, DC. with duty location in either Washington D.C. or Front Royal, VA.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Supervisory Research Zoologist leads research groups and conducts research in one or several areas of expertise, including, but not limited to, using genomic and transcriptomic data to assess genetic diversity, adaptation, resilience and population history.
In this position, you will:
  • Lead the development of a multifaceted research program in conservation genomics that addresses a broad range of complex scientific questions and applied conservation challenges.
  • Conduct research using one or several advanced technologies and tools such as genomic, transcriptomic, environmental DNA (eDNA), and ancient DNA approaches to evaluate genetic diversity, population history, species distribution, abundance, diet, evolutionary processes, and conservation outcomes, while advancing bioinformatics tools and methods to inform conservation strategies.
  • Develop and communicate scientifically rigorous conclusions through peer-reviewed publications and other scholarly contributions that advance the field of conservation genomics.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and consultant to scientists, researchers, and professionals within Federal agencies, universities, laboratories, zoological parks, and research institutions on matters related to conservation genomics.
  • Supervise, direct, coordinate, and oversee the programs functions, and initiatives performed by staff.

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.

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
Basic Qualifications
  1. Degree: zoology; or a related discipline or field of science that included at least 20 semester hours in zoology and related animal sciences.
    OR
  2. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in zoology, or in a related discipline that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Graduate Education: To be qualifying, graduate study must have been in one of the major fields of zoology or have followed a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on one of these disciplines or subject-matter fields, such as nematology or parasitology. Graduate study in related fields of science such as microbiology, medicine, veterinary medicine, or plant pathology that involved cross-training in zoology or one of the fields of zoology may also be qualifying, provided there was a sufficient amount of emphasis on zoology.
In 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-13 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as developing, planning, and implementing a science and conservation program, leading and supervising others that lead to advance the field of conservation genomics and related research areas.
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.
In addition to a two-page resume, please provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with your publications, grants, professional accomplishments, and other relevant qualifications and activities.
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.
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.
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.
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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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