What is the job title and salary range?

Facilities Planning and Operations Manager — $167,603 to $195,200 per year (GS-15).

Where is the position located and is remote work allowed?

Washington, DC. This is not a remote position, but ad-hoc telework is permitted.

What is the appointment type and work schedule?

Permanent federal appointment; full-time schedule in the Competitive Service.

What are the key responsibilities?

Lead facilities planning and operations, manage exhibition and enclosure design and construction, oversee capital and maintenance planning, guide budget and revenue strategies, and supervise multidisciplinary teams.

What minimum experience is required?

At least one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or equivalent) developing and implementing facility maintenance/operations plans, creating exhibitions, and supervising construction or modification projects.

Are there education requirements?

There is no formal education requirement for this position.

What security, travel, and relocation conditions apply?

A background investigation is required; the position has a noncritical-sensitive designation and uses credentialing for trust determination. Travel is not required and relocation expenses are not reimbursed.

Who can apply and what is the announcement number?

Open to the public — U.S. citizens and U.S. nationals. Reference announcement number 25R-BD-312841-DEU-NZP when applying.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted through September 23, 2025; applicants must meet qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date.

Might recruitment incentives be available?

Recruitment incentives may be authorized at the agency's discretion and, if offered, would require a service agreement.

Apply Now: Facilities Manager – $167K–$195K

Organization: Smithsonian Institution – National Zoological Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI)
Location: Washington, DC
Duration: Permanent – Federal Appointment
Application Deadline: September 23, 2025
Start Date: Not specified
Schedule: Full-time, Competitive Service
Language Requirement: Not specified
Compensation: $167,603 – $195,200 annually (GS-15)

About the Organization

The Smithsonian Institution stands as the world’s largest museum, research, and educational network, encompassing 21 museums and the National Zoo. Within this structure, the National Zoological Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) plays a critical role in conservation science, animal care, and public engagement. The Facilities Planning and Operations Manager is a key leadership role within NZCBI’s Department of Planning, Facilities, and Operations.

Position Overview

This position carries responsibility for strategic planning, design, and management of facilities, exhibitions, and infrastructure at NZCBI. The manager leads projects that range from animal enclosures to visitor exhibits, ensuring that all facilities meet the highest standards of safety, functionality, and educational value. This is a supervisory role with broad oversight of capital planning, construction, and long-term facility operations.

Key Focus Areas

Inclusive Digital Ecosystems
Not applicable for this role.
Country Office Support & Capacity Building
Not applicable for this role.
Digital Strategy Implementation
Not applicable for this role.
Business Operations
The manager develops budget strategies, reviews spending plans, and provides recommendations on capital and trust-funded projects. They also identify opportunities for revenue generation that align with the Institution’s goals.
Partnerships & Strategic Communications
Although external communications are not a primary duty, the position does involve collaboration across Smithsonian units and with stakeholders to ensure efficient implementation of exhibitions and infrastructure projects.
Digital Product Design & Management
Not applicable for this role.
Organizational Change Management
The position requires leading a diverse team of professionals, setting priorities, allocating resources, and overseeing work schedules to ensure timely project delivery.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will bring significant expertise in facilities management, exhibition development, and construction oversight. Strong leadership and team management skills are essential, along with the ability to balance operational needs, budgets, and long-term planning.

Education Requirements

There is no specific educational requirement for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level in the federal service or its equivalent. This includes:

Designing and executing facility maintenance and operational programs.
Planning and implementing construction or modification projects.
Developing and delivering exhibitions.
Overseeing multidisciplinary teams to manage complex operations.

Both paid and unpaid work, including volunteer experience, may be considered if they directly relate to these qualifications.

Application Instructions

Applications are open to U.S. citizens and nationals. Interested individuals must meet qualification requirements within 30 days of the announcement’s closing date. All candidates must complete a background investigation and comply with federal employment conditions, including Selective Service registration for applicable individuals. Apply now before it’s too late.

Apply

Additional Information

The position is telework-eligible on an ad-hoc basis but not fully remote.
No travel is required.
Relocation expenses are not reimbursed.
Recruitment incentives may be offered, subject to approval and the signing of a service agreement.
This role is not part of a bargaining unit.

Multiple selections may be made across the Smithsonian Institution using this announcement. For more information, visit the official Smithsonian careers portal.