IT Specialist IS-2210-12 (Web Developer)

Application Deadline: 3 February 2026

Department: National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Chief Technology Officer

Compensation: $102,415 - $133,142 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: January 29, 2026                    CLOSING DATE: February 3, 2026            POSITION TYPE: Trust FundAPPOINTMENT TYPE: Permanent    SCHEDULE: Full Time DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC 

Position sensitivity and risk:
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).  Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement. 

OVERVIEW

This position is located within the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. National Zoological Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extension and train future generations of conservations. NZCBI spearheads programs worldwide. NZCBI scientists tackle some of today’s most complex conservation challenges by applying and sharing what they learn about animal behavior and reproduction, ecology, genetics, migration, and conservation sustainability.

The incumbent services as an IT Specialist (Internet) and is responsible for designing, developing and maintaining websites and web applications for NZCBI. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the agency's online presence is functional, user-friendly, and visually appealing. The incumbent reports to the Chief Technology Officer and collaborates with cross-functional teams, including designers, project managers, and system administrators, to ensure effective coordination and successful delivery of web development projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Web Development

• Maintains and supports the organization’s intranet and web applications.
• Designs and develops responsive, user‑friendly web applications and interfaces.
• Builds front‑end components using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern frameworks.
• Develops server‑side components, APIs, and databases (PHP, Python, Java).
• Migrates websites, applications, and data to updated platforms and systems.
• Stays current on web/mobile technologies and advises on emerging digital tools.
• Collaborates with teams to improve intranet functionality and usability.

 Website Testing & Security

• Tests and debugs web applications to ensure functionality, usability, and performance.
• Identifies and resolves bugs; implements performance improvements.
• Implements security measures to prevent vulnerabilities, malware, and unauthorized access.
• Creates and maintains technical documentation (system specs, guides, release notes).
• Provides ongoing troubleshooting and technical support for web applications.

 Website Design & Maintenance

• Develops intuitive UX, interfaces, workflows, and web analytics dashboards.
• Participates in system design, QA, baseline testing, and security remediation.
• Maintains quality control across the website (links, images, functionality).
• Updates and manages web content to ensure accuracy and site relevance.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Knowledge of, and skill in applying, advanced IT principles, concepts, methods, standards, and practices sufficient to accomplish assignments in web-based applications and internet server operations covering a wide range of technology and systems.
• Knowledge and skill in applying interrelationships of multiple IT specialties, emerging technologies, and their application to business processes sufficient to develop websites that meet current and future business requirements.
• Knowledge of, and skill in applying web technologies, protocols, usability concepts, databases, accessibility compliance standards, and requirements analysis methods to create custom websites and ensure compliance.
• Knowledge of and skill in applying web development techniques to design interfaces and websites.
• Skilled at installing, configuring, optimizing, securing, maintaining, and using Drupal, PHP, Composer, Git, NodeJS or Docker containers on high-availability, clustered RHEL production and development servers.
• Knowledge of, and skill in applying IT security principles and compliance standards, and performing periodic software security and accessibility reviews, scans and upgrades for Drupal websites.
• Knowledge of and skill creating, applying, modifying, and administering, Taxonomies, Views, Entities, User Roles and permissions.

 Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package. Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.  Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery." 
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager. Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact LaDonnys Biagas (BiagasL@si.edu). Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.  The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo