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

Prepare drink orders for guests according to specified recipes using measuring systems. Issue, open, and serve wine/champagne bottles. Set up and maintain cleanliness and condition of bar, bar unit, tables, and other tools. Prepare fresh garnishes for drinks. Stock ice, glassware, and paper supplies. Transport supplies to bar set-up area. Wash soiled glassware. Remove soiled wares from bar top and tables and place in designated area. Anticipate and communicate replenishment needs. Process all payment methods. Secure liquors, beers, wines, coolers, cabinets, and storage areas. Complete closing duties. 

This position requires Saturday and Sunday availability. Holidays and some evenings are required. The San Diego Natural History Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Roles and responsibilities:
Major Responsibilities:
  • Follow company and department safety and security policies and procedures to ensure a clean, safe, and secure environment.
  • Develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with other employees and departments.
  • Stand, sit, or walk for an extended period of time or for an entire work shift.
  • Reach overhead and below the knees, including bending, twisting, pulling, and stooping.
  • Follow appropriate procedures for serving alcohol. (T.I.P.S., L.E.A.D., ServSafe)
  • Anticipate and communicate replenishment needs promptly, ensuring no shortages throughout scheduled function time, and ensuring proper authorization for additional payments as required prior to replenishing.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 2+ years of restaurant bartending experience and/or banquet bartending experience preferred.
  • Must possess valid food handler card or willing to get in first (30) days of employment.
  • Strong math aptitude.
  • Comfortable dealing with a wide array of guests and customer service situations.
  • Must be T.I.P.S, L.E.A.D., ServSafe certified or willing to get in first (30) days of employment.
  • If hired a (Live Scan) background check will be required.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 50 lbs. without assistance

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. 

Pay: $18/hr

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. 

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

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 is seeking intuitive, reliable, attentive, detail-oriented individuals with strong communication and customer service skills as part-time/as-needed Security Officers. Security Officers are expected to uphold Museum rules and regulations by patrolling, observing, and reporting to the Facilities Manager and Facilities Director. Security Officers are also expected to set the example for Museum safety and stellar customer service, and assist Museum guests, employees, and vendors during emergency situations. 

Areas of responsibilities include: 
  • Patrol, observe, and report to Facilities Manager and Facilities Director. 
  • Provide a high level of customer service and assistance to all Museum guests, staff, volunteers, and vendors. 
  • Maintain a strong working knowledge of Museum policies and procedures, enforcing them with guests, staff, volunteers, and vendors as needed. 
  • Document daily actions and situations in a Daily Log. 
  • Respond to complaints and/or requests for assistance and evaluate appropriate course of action. 
  • Respond to emergency situations within and directly outside Museum (i.e. natural disasters, medical emergencies, etc.) 
  • Assist with building access and receiving/deliveries. 
  • Perform other duties assigned by Facilities Manager and Facilities Director. 
Qualifications: 
  • Previous security experience at a cultural institution is preferred 
  • Excellent customer service skills with the ability to maintain a professional and calm demeanor in a challenging, dynamic environment with all types of guests, staff, volunteers, and vendors. 
  • Strong communication skills with attention to detail. 
  • Must be able stand for long periods of time, respond quickly and communicate verbally for the majority of each shift. 
  • Ability to perform crowd control by providing clear guidance and direction 
  • Current Guard Card certification through BSIS 
  • Current CPR/AED/First Aid Certification 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams. 
  • Bilingual preferred 

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 part-time/as-needed position. Afternoon, evening and weekend availability are currently highly desired. 

Position pays $18/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. Learn more about the Museum’s benefits here. 

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