Careers

Dec. 9 | Chief veterinarian Dr. Don Neiffer examines 3.5-month-old giant panda cub Xiao Qi Ji.

Zoo Jobs

Interested in a career at the Smithsonian's National Zoo And Conservation Biology Institute? As part of the Smithsonian Institution, job postings are listed on the Smithsonian website. You can learn more about applying to Smithsonian jobs on the Office of Human Resources website.

If you're a student interested in working with animals or at a zoo, you can learn more about careers in animal care here.

Featured Positions

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The Program Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the Shared Health Program.

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The Engineering Technician operates, maintains, installs and renovates the computerized irrigation systems at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. This includes irrigation system installation and maintenance, locating and troubleshooting existing components, determining if systems are functioning properly and making repairs.

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The Animal Keeper position is located at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC. Elephant Keepers are responsible for performing a variety of duties that ensure the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of Asian elephants.

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The incumbent functions as the Associate Director for Visitor Experience for the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). This position is responsible for managing and directing a multi-functional organization involving complex and challenging programs and projects that cross organizational lines and technical disciplines and affect multiple organizations. The work focuses on managing and improving the overall experience for all visitors to NZCBI facilities, working constantly to identify areas of weakness and developing strategic approaches and tactical implementation to address issues.

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In this position the Data Scientist is responsible for developing, planning, and executing basic and applied research in bioinformatics as applied to biodiversity genomics and conservation biology, and provide bioinformatics and computational expertise and training to the Center for Conservation Genomics (CCG)/National Zoological Conservation Biology Institution (NZCBI) scientists.

Internships

The Zoo offers internships throughout the year. Check back regularly for updated postings.

Volunteer Positions

Volunteers offer invaluable support to the Zoo. They work with visitors and staff, plants and animals, independently or in groups, on weekdays and weekends. Programs offer volunteers an opportunity to learn, interact with visitors and staff, help with education and conservation activities, and have fun! An interest in animals and their conservation is a must.