The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) seeks a Webmaster/Digital Content Specialist to join its Communications Office, to further its mission to share environmental science with the wider public. The Webmaster will work with a dynamic team of researchers and public engagement specialists at SERC, including environmental educators, citizen science coordinators, ecologists and science writers. They will also have access to a wide network of Smithsonian webmasters, social media managers and other digital specialists who share both informal and formal training opportunities. They will report directly to Kristen Goodhue, SERC Public Affairs Specialist.

This position is based at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland. SERC is a research center of the Smithsonian Institution, located on the western shore of Chesapeake Bay, approximately 10 miles south of Annapolis, 40 miles west of Washington, D.C., and 40 miles south of Baltimore. The SERC campus contains 2,650 acres of forest, agricultural areas, wetlands and streams, and sits directly on the Rhode River. Some telework options are available, though the incumbent should be based locally (within 50 miles of the SERC campus).

Description: The Webmaster will provide IT system support and media production services, with a focus on web development, content management, social media outreach and digital innovation projects. Key responsibilities include:

  • Provide technical support for SERC’s various websites, including the main website (https://serc.si.edu), the SERC Shorelines blog (https://sercblog.si.edu), the North American Orchid Conservation Center (https://northamericanorchidcenter.org/) and Ecosystems on the Edge (https://ecosystemsontheedge.org).
  • Work with code in Drupal- and WordPress-based sites using HTML and CSS, with some JavaScript and PHP
  • Create and manage digital content, including both text and multimedia, for SERC websites, social media, YouTube and other applications
  • Plan digital innovation projects, such as email and advertising campaigns, social media initiatives, mobile apps and visitor experiences
  • Convert or migrate existing web content from old to new sites as needed
  • Generate reports on web analytics and user data, to gain new insights into SERC’s digital audiences
  • Train SERC staff in website operations as needed
  • Maintain ties with the Smithsonian’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and other Smithsonian-wide digital departments, for trainings and other initiatives