Employment Opportunities

Available Positions

We are striving to preserve this amazing place we call home through the work taking place in our building and out in the field. Whether you're brushing the dirt off your hands, sorting through collections, cracking your knuckles as you copy-edit, or making sure visitors are having a safe and wonderful experience, being a part of The Nat means being a voice for nature in our region.

That requires building an empowered team. We offer a variety of benefits and are actively working towards greater inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, which you can read about in our current statement and action plan. The San Diego Natural History Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Why work at The Nat

Interested in joining? Scroll on to see our current openings.

Are you looking for volunteer opportunities instead? View our current needs.

Need more information? Find out more about our benefits and the culture we foster.

Learn more

Full-Time Openings

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a detail and customer-service oriented individual to coordinate program reservations and support the activities of the Museum’s Education and Engagement department. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Education, the position is responsible for school, camp and public group/program registrations; managing invoices, scholarships and departmental purchasing; and providing additional support for the overall department.

Reservations Coordinator (80%)
  • Process sales and reservations for school group visits (in-Museum and outreach), public group visits, and public programs (such as summer camp).
  • Track school and informal groups and complete all necessary reports.
  • Collaborate with volunteer groups to book tours, outreach and nature hikes.
  • Provide program descriptions, make recommendations and respond to all inquiries efficiently while ensuring that confirmation materials and visit details are accurate.
  • Update and manage school and group sales collateral materials.
  • Maintain group sales calendars and inform staff of visits that impact their department.
  • Send reports, program calendar and itineraries to ensure adequate staffing levels and timing for school group visits and programs.
  • Act as a liaison with volunteer groups (Canyoneers, Docents, NATuralists) with logistics as related to public programs.
  • Act as lead greeter with large school groups to welcome and provide Museum manners upon arrival.
  • Manage group sales invoices and reimbursements.
  • Send programmatic evaluations to program participants; compile and prepare summarized data for analysis.
  • Track and administer the Museum’s Access Fund for Title I schools and camp scholarships.
  • Process camp registration forms and assist with summer camp check-in; provide participant rosters to Education Department staff.
  • Provide staff break coverage and handle camper inquiries  .
  • Coordinate lunches for camp scholarship recipients.
Education Department Support (20%)
  • Coordinate use of meeting spaces and classrooms for programmatic use.
  • Coordinate all purchasing for the Department.
  • Provide consistent and excellent customer service to guests, members, staff, and all other constituents by answering the Museum’s Customer Service phone line and email.
  • Understand the operations of the Nature to You lending library, acting as a substitute as needed.
  • Assist with coordinating departmental events, including the annual educator appreciation night.
  • Assist with classroom and supply set-up as needed.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 2+ years of customer service experience
  • College degree or 2+ years of related experience
  • Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills
  • Experience with a database-driven CRM and POS, Altru experience preferred
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong math aptitude
  • Highly organized and detail oriented
  • Professional demeanor, reliable, and hardworking
  • Ability to learn processes, procedures, and information quickly
  • Comfortable with public speaking and leading small groups
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service to a diversity of stakeholders
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Bilingual in English/Spanish is a plus
  • Must pass background check and Live Scan screening
In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered. 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. 

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Learn more about the Museum’s benefits here. 

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that highlights your relevant experience to Human Resources (hr@sdnhm.org). Review of resumes will begin on April 29, 2024 . No phone calls or drop–ins, please.

Pay: $22.50 per hour (non-exempt)

Part-Time Openings

The San Diego Natural History Museum is looking to hire 2 summer camp teaching assistants.   

This will be a seasonal summer position from May 27 through August 14, 2024. 

Position Summary: 

The Camp Teaching Assistant (CTA) will assist in providing dynamic mission driven educational summer programming for grades 1-8 using an interactive, engaging, inquiry-based learning style. This is a seasonal position only. 

Primary Functions and Major Responsibilities: 

The Camp Teaching Assistant will assist the camp instructor and ensure quality experience for both our camp aides and participating campers.   

Responsibilities include: 
  • Primary focus will be to assist the camp instructor. CTA should expect to facilitate and participate in a wide variety of activities. Deliver fun and educational programs to our campers. 
  • Assist in the mentorship and leadership of youth volunteers (camp aides). 
  • Preparation, set-up and clean-up of camp supplies, equipment and classrooms. 
  • Create a positive and welcoming environment for campers and their families. 
  • Assist at drop-off, pick-up and lunch times.  
  • Inspire campers in a positive and engaging manner. 
  • Establish and maintain a professional rapport with camp and Museum staff. 
  • Represent oneself and the Museum in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner. 
  • Ensure the highest level of safety both physically and emotionally. 
  • Follow Museum policy and procedure. 
  • Opportunities to teach and lead lessons and activities. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 
Qualifications: 
  • Must have one year college experience or work experience out of high school. 
  • Knowledge of the San Diego Natural History Museum (or willingness to learn). 
  • Knowledge of the natural world and/or camp subject (or willingness to learn). 
  • Prior experience working with children in a camp or classroom environment.  
  • Interpersonal skills. 
  • Must be punctual and dependable. 
  • Demonstrated handling of oneself in a professional manner. 
  • Knowledge of current MS Office applications: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. 
  • Ability to work individually and in a collaborative environment. 
  • Ability to climb stairs, stand upwards for several hours at a time, lift up to 30 pounds frequently, work and/or type at a desk for several hours at a time. 
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Ability to attend scheduled orientations, trainings and meetings. 
  • Please let us know about any special certifications, skills or interests. For example; inclusion and special needs, bilingual, iNaturalist, CPR/First Aid, theater or performance background, etc.  
In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.


Time Commitment: Approximately 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. This is an eight-to-nine-week commitment and includes additional days for training and orientation. Camps run June 10 through August 9, 2024.  

Compensation: $18.00 per hour.   

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

   

To Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, résumé, and three references. Send to hr@sdnhm.org.

The San Diego Natural History Museum Visitor Services department is seeking enthusiastic and friendly part-time Visitor Services Associates (VSAs) to assist guests at our admissions desk, giant-screen theater, and at Museum and exhibit entries. VSAs provide Museum guests with an unparalleled customer service experience in a fast-paced, educational, fun and entertaining environment. The ideal candidates will be comfortable shifting roles and responsibilities throughout the day while continually maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor.

This position requires part-time availability (up to 29 hours weekly, but with the ability to fluctuate), covering week days, weekends, early mornings, evenings, and holidays. This is a temporary position from May through September 4, 2024.

Responsibilities include:
  • Providing consistent and excellent customer service interactions with guests, members, staff, and anyone else that you may interact with at the Museum. 
  • Assisting guests in-person, or over the phone with sales for admission and programs, upselling memberships, as well as answering a variety of questions about the Museum and Balboa Park. Duties may also include surveying guests and collecting feedback on the guest experience. 
  • Monitoring capacity, checking tickets, and directing guests (as needed). 
  • Facilitating film showings at the Museum’s giant-screen theater, including making theater announcements, assisting guests with seating, and cleaning the theater between each film. 
  • Conducting other general visitor services duties, including but not limited to: describing Museum exhibitions with interest and accuracy; monitoring the cleanliness of exhibitions throughout the day; answering incoming phone calls professionally; and, keeping up-to-date on current promotions, programs, and procedures. 
Necessary Qualifications (strong applicants have these):
  • Friendly personality with a guest-focused attitude and a commitment to creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere for the Museum's visitors and for your co-workers. 
  • Professional demeanor, reliable, punctual, self-motivated and hardworking, who wants to be part of a diverse team that loves where they work.
  • A background in customer service, hospitality, or retail with experience in credit card/cash handling. 
  • Ability to quickly learn and retain necessary processes, procedures, and information. 
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and communicate verbally for the majority of each shift.  

Desired Qualifications (the strongest applicants also have these):

  • Familiarity with Balboa Park or museums, and/or interest in natural science and the environment.
  • Weekend, night, and holiday availability and flexibility. We are open 7 days/week: 10am-7pm Monday through Thursday, 10am-10pm on Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Days and operating hours are subject to change. We are also open on all holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database and/or Point of Sale (POS) ticketing software knowledge and experience.  
  • An ability to speak other languages that will assist us in making our Museum even more accessible to members of our diverse community.

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.  

VSAs enjoy free admission to all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

The position pays $18/hour (time and a half on pre-selected Holidays).

This is a temporary position from May through September 4, 2024.

Please send resume and a cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

We will begin reviewing applications on April 22, 2024.

The San Diego Natural History Museum Visitor Services department is seeking an experienced, part-time Visitor Services Lead (VSL) to assist with running frontline admissions operations and providing superior customer service to Museum guests at our admissions desks, giant-screen theater, and Museum and exhibit entries during both daily operation and additional evening programming. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, with the ability to solve problems quickly and efficiently, while upholding Museum initiatives and standards with high quality guest service. Candidates must be dependable, trustworthy, professional, and positive at all times as this position is primarily focused on providing an engaging guest experience while leading a team of Visitor Services department staff.

This position requires part-time availability (up to 29 hours weekly, but with ability to fluctuate), with a strong focus on Friday evenings and weekends. Shifts will also include early mornings, heavy attendance weekdays, and holidays. This role is a 17-week commitment, and has little room for change from the preset schedule. This is a temporary position from May 6 through September 4, 2024.

Responsibilities include:  
  • Running a multi-associate floor schedule by assessing floor needs, assigning tasks as necessary, and monitoring to ensure a smooth and efficient for both guests and staff.
  • Conducting daily opening and closing procedures which include ensuring the Museum floor is prepared, work stations are stocked, signage is properly displayed, daily sales are reconciled, and a daily deposit is properly prepared.  
  • Operating at a high level with little to no supervision during early morning or late evening programming, or on weekends.
  • Providing consistent and excellent customer service to guests, members, staff, and all other visitors that may come into the Museum.  
  • Collaborating with other Museum departments as needed.  
  • Providing training, guidance, and support to Visitor Services Associates and fellow VSLs by providing the most current information on Museum exhibitions, films, and events as well as Visitor Services department processes and procedures.  
  • Conducting all other general Visitor Services duties, including but not limited to: aiding guests in-person, over the phone, and/or via email with questions about the Museum and Balboa Park, selling tickets and memberships, surveying guests, describing Museum exhibitions with interest and accuracy; monitoring the cleanliness of exhibitions throughout the day; and, keeping up-to-date on current promotions, programs, and procedures.   
Necessary Qualifications (strong applicants have these):  
  • Friendly personality with a guest-focused attitude and a commitment to creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere for the Museum's visitors and for your co-workers. 
  • Professional demeanor, reliable, punctual, self-motivated and hardworking, who wants to be part of a diverse team that loves where they work.
  • 3+ years of customer service experience  
  • 3+ years of credit card/cash handling sales  
  • 1+ years of coaching or leading other associates  
  • Strong math aptitude  
  • Ability to work and collaborate with a team  
  • Comfortable with public speaking and leading a small group  
  • Comfortable dealing with a wide array of guests and customer service situations  
  • Ability to quickly learn and retain necessary processes, procedures, and information. 
  • Ability to stand for long periods of time and communicate verbally for the majority of each shift.  
Desired Qualifications (the strongest applicants also have these): 
  • Familiarity with Balboa Park or museums, and/or interest in natural science and the environment
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database and/or Point of Sale (POS) ticketing software knowledge and experience.  
  • Ability to speak Spanish  
  • Intermediate Microsoft Office skills  
  • Weekend, night, and holiday availability and flexibility. We are open 7 days/week: 10am-7pm Monday through Thursday, 10am-10pm on Friday, and 10am-5pm on Saturday and Sunday. Days and operating hours are subject to change. We are also open on all holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.   

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

The position pays $20.00/hour (time and a half on pre-selected holidays) and offers various opportunities for personal growth and professional development. 

This is a temporary position from May 6 through September 4, 2024. 

Please send resume and cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.  

We will begin reviewing applications on April 22, 2024.