Research Botanist

Research Botanist Smithsonian Institution

• 4.1 Washington, DC Job Details Full-time $102,415
• $133,142 a year 8 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Flexible spending account Life insurance Qualifications Scientific publications Full Job Description Apply Research Botanist Smithsonian Institution Apply Print Share Save Summary This job is open to Duties Requirements How you will be evaluated Required documents How to apply Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo.

The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is a major bureau of the Smithsonian Institution that is responsible for the acquisition, curation, and preservation of collections of objects and specimens of natural history, which tells the history of the planet and a record of human interaction with the environment and one another. Learn more about this agency Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is a major bureau of the Smithsonian Institution that is responsible for the acquisition, curation, and preservation of collections of objects and specimens of natural history, which tells the history of the planet and a record of human interaction with the environment and one another. Learn more about this agency Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 05/05/2026 to 05/26/2026 Salary $102,415

• $133,142 per year Pay scale & grade GS 12 Location 2 vacancies in the following location: Washington, DC FEW vacancies Remote job No Telework eligible Yes—Adhoc Only Travel Required Occasional travel
• 25% or less Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent
• Federal Work schedule Full-time
• Full-Time, Permanent Service Competitive Promotion potential 12 Job family (Series) 0430 Botany Supervisory status Yes Security clearance Other Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk Trust determination process Credentialing Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No Announcement number 26A-JW-313910-DEU-NMNH Control number 867546600 This job is open to Help The public U.

S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. Clarification from the agency This position is open to all U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals. More than one selection may be made from this announcement. Duties Help The Research Botanist will perform scholarly and professional research and curation on selected plant groups in the United States National Herbarium, utilizing a broad range of modern techniques in plant systematics and evolution for collections-based research. Initiate, develop, and personally participate in research and fieldwork concerning the biology, evolution, systematics, and classification of a specialty group of plants. Publish scholarly reports of descriptive and/or theoretical nature based on own field and experimental work, study of collections in this and other institutions, and on existing scholarly publications. Serve as a consultant and expert advisor on professional matters in this area to colleagues, Federal agencies, other governments, institutions, organizations. Seek non-departmental funding from sources within and beyond the Smithsonian. 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. May be required to serve an 18-month probationary period for supervisors. 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 Individual Occupational Requirements 1.

Degree:

botany; or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany. or 2.

Combination of education and experience:

courses equivalent to a major in botany or basic plant science that included at least 24 semester hours in botany, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. For positions dealing with the study of fungi, or with basic mycological relationships, the course work in botany must have included at least 6 semester hours in mycology.

Evaluation of Education:

Courses in basic botany, plant anatomy or morphology, cytology, histology, genetics, taxonomy or systematics, algology, mycology, ethnobotany, and those dealing with specific problems of a botanical nature or with specific groups of plants are qualifying. The courses required for mycologists are specific and must have been in mycology. 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-11 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as conducting natural history collections-based research in areas of biology, evolution, systematics, and classification of a specialty group of plants, as evidenced by one or more peer-reviewed scientific publications in taxonomic specialization; and having used collections for research purposes or faving played a role in development and management of a collection. 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. 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. Education See under qualifications. 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 is 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. 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/ How you will be evaluated You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Your resume will be used to evaluate your experience, education, and/or training that address the competencies below: Knowledge of and ability to conduct collections-oriented research in areas of biology, evolution, systematics, and classification of a specialty group of plants. Knowledge of and experience with curation practices and procedures for portion of collection in specialty area. Ability to communicate orally to present research results to scientific and non-scientific audiences. Skill in securing external funding. Applicants who meet or exceed minimum qualifications will be assigned to one of three category groups based on job-related criteria: Best Category

• Meets the minimum qualification requirements and excels in most of the job related competencies above. Better Category
• Meets the minimum qualification requirements and satisfies most of the job related competencies above. Good Category
• Meets the minimum qualification requirements, but does not satisfy most of the job related competencies above to a substantive degree.

This category rating process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three", but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. A selecting official may make selections from the highest quality category (Best Category) provided no preference eligible in that category is passed over to select a non-preference eligible in that category unless the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3317(b) or 3318(b) are satisfied. Preference eligibles who meet minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent must be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or higher. Applicants who have not submitted a resume in the USAjobs system and/or have not answered all of the vacancy questions will not be considered for this position.

Important Note:

The review of your resume will determine your final rating and should provide sufficient information regarding how your education and experience relate to this position, including the major duties and qualifications criteria listed. You may preview questions for this vacancy. 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/ Required documents Required Documents Help Your DD-214 or Statement of Service shows if you qualify for Veterans' Preference, the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 or the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heros Act. We prefer the member 4 copy of your DD-214. Your application package should include the following documents: Resume
• Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder.

Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted. Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position. For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center

• How do I write a resume for a federal job? Proof of Veteran's Preference
• DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran.

Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter. Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment. Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to Apply Help Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.

Please Note:

You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages. You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below. Agency contact information Jan Williams Phone 202-633-6383 Email Address

SMITHSONIAN

Office of Human Resources

POB 37012, 600

Maryland Avenue, MRC 517 Suite 5060 Washington, District of Columbia 20013-7012 United States Next steps At the end of the application process, you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing ; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.

Additional Information:

Tips on applying for Smithsonian jobs are available at www.sihr.si.edu/jobs.cfm. The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses but recruitment incentives may be authorized. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Additional information can be found on our website at (www.si.edu/oeesd). Fair and transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request Required Documents Help Your DD-214 or Statement of Service shows if you qualify for Veterans' Preference, the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 or the Veterans Opportunity to Work to Hire Heros Act. We prefer the member 4 copy of your DD-214. Your application package should include the following documents: Resume

• Your resume can be uploaded and attached to your application or created using the USA Jobs on-line resume builder.

Ensure your resume contains the job title (including the occupational series and grade if it is Federal), job-related qualifications, starting and ending dates (month and year), and hours worked per week, for each employment period. It is your responsibility to ensure all information is submitted. Failure to include this information may result in disqualification for the position. For assistance with creating a resume, please click USAJOBS Help Center

• How do I write a resume for a federal job? Proof of Veteran's Preference
• DD214 (Member 4 Copy), if you are a veteran.

Additionally, applicants claiming 10-point preference must complete Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, as well as additional documentation required by the SF-15, such as a VA letter. Unofficial school transcripts, if the position has an education requirement or if you are using education to qualify. If selected for the position, you must provide an official transcript before appointment. Proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study, if applicable. If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements: Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating. How to Apply Help Click on the "Apply Online" button on the upper right side of the page.

Please Note:

You must apply for this position online through the 'Apply Online' button and submit required supplemental documents (if they are relevant to you). Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages. You may submit required documents by uploading them online during the application process. The complete application package, including any required documents, is due in the Smithsonian Office of Human Resources on the closing date of the announcement by 11:59 PM Eastern Time. If you are unable to apply online, paper applications may be accepted with prior approval of the Contact Person listed below. Agency contact information Jan Williams Phone 202-633-6383 Email Address

SMITHSONIAN

Office of Human Resources

POB 37012, 600

Maryland Avenue, MRC 517 Suite 5060 Washington, District of Columbia 20013-7012 United States Next steps At the end of the application process, you will be able to create and save a PDF file that contains your responses to the assessment questions. You may save this file as initial receipt of your application. After the job announcement closes, you will receive an email from the Smithsonian with confirmation of receipt. The Smithsonian receives many applications for each job. Each application is reviewed carefully which may take a few weeks. We will send you an e-mail to update you as we go through phases of the application review process. You may also check your application status by logging into www.usajobs.gov and selecting the tab "My USAJOBS;" e-mailing ; or by contacting the Office of Human Resources Representative listed.

Additional Information:

Tips on applying for Smithsonian jobs are available at www.sihr.si.edu/jobs.cfm. The Smithsonian does not pay relocation expenses but recruitment incentives may be authorized. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Additional information can be found on our website at (www.si.edu/oeesd). Fair and transparent The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance. Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Financial suitability New employee probationary period Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy Selective Service Signature and false statements Social security number request Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is a major bureau of the Smithsonian Institution that is responsible for the acquisition, curation, and preservation of collections of objects and specimens of natural history, which tells the history of the planet and a record of human interaction with the environment and one another. Learn more about this agency Overview Help Accepting applications Open & closing dates 05/05/2026 to 05/26/2026 Salary $102,415

• $133,142 per year Pay scale & grade GS 12 Location 2 vacancies in the following location: Washington, DC FEW vacancies Remote job No Telework eligible Yes—Adhoc Only Travel Required Occasional travel
• 25% or less Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent
• Federal Work schedule Full-time
• Full-Time, Permanent Service Competitive Promotion potential 12 Job family (Series) 0430 Botany Supervisory status Yes Security clearance Other Drug test No Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk Trust determination process Credentialing Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No Announcement number 26A-JW-313910-DEU-NMNH Control number 867546600 Previous result Next result