Life Support Systems and Water Quality Specialist
What you'd do
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 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).
Major 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.
What you need to qualify
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 Achievement may 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 Achievement based 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 Baird's 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 the Qualification 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.
Before you apply
Federal applications are different: your resume should be 3–5 pages and mirror the language of this announcement. Read our federal resume guide first — it's the #1 reason qualified people get screened out.
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