The National Zoo's Pathology Department (NZP) is seeking qualified student applicants for Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) positions this summer. Assignments may include the handling and curation of pathology samples (slides, paraffin blocks, wet tissues in formalin), collection organization, data capture and entry, scanning and digital photography, general laboratory support, and specimen label creation. All work will be done under the direct supervision of senior IZ or NZP staff or a contractor.  Specialized training will be provided as necessary. We are recruiting to ideally fill two full-time positions although part-time applicants will be considered as well. Employees would begin work in mid- to late May 2012 until August 2012 (dates may be flexible).

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
To be considered for one of these positions YOU MUST:

*      be accepted or enrolled as a degree-seeking student (diploma, certificate, etc.) in good standing at an                                 accredited educational institution taking at least a half-time academic or vocational and technical course load
*       be at least 16 years old (under the age of 18 will require a Maryland state work permit)
*      be eligible to work for the United States Government
*      meet the qualification standards for the position
*       pass a pre-employment background check

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES
We are looking for students who are interested in biology and the natural sciences or museum sciences.  The work involves handling scientifically important animal tissues preserved in alcohol or formalin.  These specimens and their documentation must be handled with extreme care to prevent damage or loss.  Attention to detail, ability to work without supervision, an excellent work ethic, strong self-motivation, good listening skills, and the ability to follow written and verbal directions are required.  Good computer skills and a basic knowledge of common software such as word-processing, database, and spreadsheet are needed.

JOB SPECIFICS
The positions are located at the Smithsonian's Museum Support Center (MSC), 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD AND/OR at the National Zoological Park's Veterinary Hospital, 3001 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC.

Appointments may be full or are part-time.  High School students will work 5 hours/day for a minimum of 6 weeks.  College students will work 6 to 8 hours/day for a minimum of 8 weeks. You must be available to work a variable schedule, as needed, Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00am - 5:30pm.

   Pay:
High school students will be paid at the standard GS-1 Step-1 level, currently $10.60hr in the DC area.
College students will be paid at the standard GS-2 Step-1 level, currently $11.91/hr in the DC area.
The above pay range reflects the museum's authorized salary for these positions at this time.

HOW TO APPLY
Prepare a resume that describes your most recent educational achievements, volunteer activities, and work experience, to include number of hours worked per week.  Complete the " STEP Application Cover Page".  Obtain a copy of your most recent transcript and proof of acceptance or enrollment status that indicates you are in a degree/diploma program and states your projected graduation date.  Send your resume, Application Cover Page, transcript, and enrollment documentation at the same time, to [log in to unmask]  The use of pdf format is preferred for all e-mail file attachments but other commonly used Windows files formats will be accepted.  The subject line of your e-mail must read "STEP APPLICATION NZP2012 - Lastname".  Accurate contact information is essential.  A pdf form of the "Step Application Cover Page" can be downloaded from http://nationalzoo.si.edu/UndergradInternships/Research/pathology.cfm.   The application deadline is March 23rd.  Incomplete applications and those that do not follow the directions may not be considered.  For further information, contact Esther Langan, Pathology Department lab manager, at [log in to unmask] or by phone at 202-633-4261.

THE FINE PRINT

Housing - Living costs in the Metropolitan Washington area are high.  Moderately priced short term housing, especially during the summer, can be difficult to find.  Please consider your individual housing options before applying for one of these positions.

Transportation - The Museum Support Center is a short walk from Metro's Suitland subway station on the Green Line.  The use of public transit is encouraged but a limited amount of free staff parking is available at the MSC.  The Smithsonian National Zoological Park's veterinary hospital is accessible by the Woodley Park/Adams Morgan station on the Red Line or the Columbia Heights station on the Green Line.  On-site parking at both duty stations (MSC and NZP) is available as well.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer