Program Assistant, Smithsonian’s ForestGEO Network

The Smithsonian’s Forest Global Earth Observatory (ForestGEO), also known as
the Center for Tropical Forest Science (CTFS), is seeking a full-time
Program Assistant to help manage admin and communications. Please visit our
website to link to the full job ad and share with colleagues:
www.forestgeo.si.edu/article/235/

ForestGEO is an international network of scientists and forest research
sites committed to the study of forest dynamics and global change. We
conduct research and build scientific capacity through training, grants, and
partnerships with (inter)national universities and organizations. ForestGEO
is part of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, with
program headquarters based in Washington, DC.

JOB LOCATION: National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Program Assistant will work directly with our Program
Manager and Director. S/he will help manage and coordinate a wide variety of
national and international projects, such as symposia, conferences,
scientific workshops, and grant programs. This includes tasks such as
securing vendors and meeting spaces, preparing budgets, expense reports,
travel, and event materials, and corresponding with high-level academics and
officials.

S/he will handle administration and general office duties for the network.
Tasks include domestic and international communications, support of social
media outlets and listserv mailings, travel arrangements, purchasing and
reimbursements, and day-to-day office management (e.g., incoming calls and
visitors, database and filing systems, supply replenishment).

QUALIFICATIONS: Qualified candidates will demonstrate a strong understanding
of cross-cultural sensitivity and working with governmental and
non-governmental partners. Successful candidates require knowledge of
meeting planning and administrative support, and proficiency in basic office
software (e.g., Microsoft Office suite). S/he also requires strong
communication and organizational skills, independence, and critical thinking.

A 4-year degree with an educational background in an environmental field is
preferred (e.g., ecology, evolution, resource management). Fluency in
Spanish and experience with government procedures of administrative duties
(e.g., travel authorizations, purchase cards) are also desirable.

TO APPLY, submit a cover letter, resume, and two references to Kristin
Powell (PowellK@si.edu), Program Manager, by October 18th. Include “program
assistant application” in the email subject line. This is not a federal
position, but has similar requirements and benefits.