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.
Interested in joining? Scroll on to see our current openings.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Education, the Nature Education Manager will be responsible for the development of a new 5th grade outdoor education curriculum in Balboa Park as well as student resources and teacher training.
The position will collaborate with the Education Departmental staff to lead the management, development, coordination, and evaluation of youth, adult and family-focused outdoor, nature-based programming and resources offered by The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat). The position will support the development of outdoor interpretive activities and train staff and volunteer personnel on conducting engaging, nature-based programming outside at Balboa Park, at The Nat’s outdoor spaces/interpretive garden or in the field.
This role works collaboratively with the Education Department, Exhibits Department and Volunteer Department to encourage lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
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 2.5-year grant funded position (Full-time, Non-exempt). Additional weekends, evenings and holidays may be required.
This position is required to be on-site but may be able to work remotely one day per week upon approval by the Senior Director of Education. This policy is subject to change at the discretion of the Director and the Museum.
Salary Range: The starting salary for this position is $23.00/hr.
This is a full-time, temporary, non-exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
To Apply: Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that highlights your relevant experience to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking an Operations Coordinator to provide support to the CFO/COO and to the Museum’s operations departments. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys a variety of tasks, working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and who has an interest in developing as a project manager or analyst. If you are interested in Museums or science this is a great way to be a part of our mission.
This is a full-time (non-exempt) hourly position with benefits. Work schedule is 5 days a week, Monday – Friday with flexible hours between 7 AM – 7 PM. There is occasional need to work evening events 2 – 4 times per year and perform weekend inventories 3 – 4 times a year.
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. Learn more about the Museum’s benefits here.
Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that highlights your relevant experience to hr@sdnhm.org.
This position is predicted to start at the beginning of August 2023. No phone calls or drop–ins, please.
Pay rate is $22 per hour.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellowship position in the Department of Paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM). The James R. Colclough Paleontology Postdoctoral Fellowship supports research in marine mammal paleobiology and evolutionary biology. The Fellowship was created to honor the memory of James R. Colclough, longtime volunteer in the Department of Paleontology, and is funded by the James R. Colclough Paleontology Endowment.
The Fellowship is designed to advance the academic and professional training of the next generation of vertebrate paleobiologists by providing them with the funding and facilities to pursue specific, time-limited research projects in association with Museum scientists and utilizing vertebrate fossil specimens housed in the SDNHM Department of Paleontology.
Duties will include conducting original research in marine mammal paleobiology, providing research assistance to the Curator of Paleontology, and introducing new technologies and analytical methods into the Museum setting. Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to be in residence at SDNHM full time and actively engaged in the SDNHM community. The position will include opportunities for interactions with colleagues at nearby San Diego State University, University of California-San Diego, and University of San Diego.
To be considered for this position, applicants must have received a PhD degree within the past six (6) years. Soon-to-graduate PhDs may apply, but all formal requirements for a Ph.D. must be completed before the start of the appointment.
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, exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, reciprocal free admission to all of Balboa Park’s museums, as well as to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Annual compensation is $64,480, plus fringe benefits. Supplemental research funds also may be available. Appointments will typically be made for two years contingent on satisfactory progress in year one.
On or about October 1, 2023
Applicants should submit a cover letter (1-2 pages), a succinct statement (~700 words) detailing current work and research interests, an up to date curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and the names and contact information for two professional references.
Please submit materials to tdemere@sdnhm.org by February 12, 2023.
Founded as—and still officially named—the San Diego Society of Natural History, our organization traces its roots to an enthusiastic group of amateur naturalists who came together in 1874 to study the unique flora and fauna of our region. Now known as the San Diego Natural History Museum (and affectionately referred to as The Nat), the organization focuses on the natural history and unique biodiversity of our binational region of southern California and the Baja Peninsula. The Nat has more than eight million specimens, a $12M annual budget, 170 employees, and welcomes nearly 300,000 people to the Museum each year. In addition to our location in Balboa Park, The Nat hosts environmental education programs in the community, and we are engaged in scientific research throughout Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula.
While many people know The Nat as a flagship institution in Balboa Park, we are much bigger than our building. The world we live in is an amazing place. We want everyone to understand it better, enjoy it more, and love it as much as we do, so we’ll all protect it for the future. Because we believe that nature is the biggest exhibition of all. For more information, please visit: sdnat.org.
As a member of the executive team, the VP of Conservation and Science will report to CEO, Judy Gradwohl, who joined the Museum in July 2016 as the organization’s first woman president and CEO, following more than 30 years at the Smithsonian Institution. Judy’s passion for and wide range of experience in natural history research, science communication, and museum management has taken the organization to new heights. Under her leadership, the Museum developed a new strategic plan focused on regional science, collections, education, and conservation. Culture is everything at The Nat, where we work hard to create an environment that gives team members a voice in the strategic direction of the institution. We celebrate innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and collaboration, without ever losing our sense of humor and camaraderie. The VP will join a convivial and dedicated Science department of 55 exceptionally talented staff, working collaboratively to help shape The Nat’s future as we head into our 150th anniversary next year.
This role will need to work primarily on-site in Balboa Park, there is some flexibility for remote work. Because the mission region includes Mexico travel to the Baja Peninsula or mainland Mexico will be required.
Our leadership team took the opportunity to reimagine the VP of Conservation & Science position, significantly expanding the scope to focus on broader organizational development and scientific advancement. The new VP will focus in 5 critical areas:
As a member of the executive team, the VP of Conservation & Science will report to the CEO and serve as head of our Conservation and Science Division They will have wide latitude to shape their role, including strategy and tactics in the areas listed above, as well as integrating science and conservation across Museum activities, and developing the overall culture across the organization. The VP will also oversee The Nat’s business services division, which includes our well-established Paleo Services and Bio Services, with a combined budget of nearly $3M annually.
What does success look like for the new VP of Conservation & Science? Looking out over a 3–5-year time horizon, we would envisage the following achievements:
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.
Sarah Thompson, Director, Blair Search Partners
1855 1st Avenue, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101
sarah@blairsearchpartners.com
The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking enthusiastic and friendly part - time, as needed, Banquet Bartender for special events. This position provides guests an unparalleled customer service experience.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable preparing 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. Count bank at end of shift, complete designated cashier reports, resolve any discrepancies, drop off receipts, and secure bank. Secure liquors, beers, wines, coolers, cabinets, and storage areas. Complete closing duties.
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.
Position pays $18/hour.This is a part-time/as-needed position.
Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Please send resume and cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking enthusiastic and friendly part-time, as needed, Lead Banquet Bartender for special events. This position provides guests an unparalleled customer service experience. The ideal candidate will be comfortable managing bar staff, preparing and serving drinks, while continually maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor.
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.
Position pays $20/hour. This is a part-time/as-needed position.
Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Please send resume and cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
STEM APPRENTICESHIPS: The grant-funded San Diego Natural History Museum STEM research apprenticeship program provides training and mentoring in curation, imaging, databasing protocols, and collections-based research to students, to prepare them for continued advancement in the natural sciences, which can translate to career pathways in academia and research, as well as environmental consulting.
Applications are invited for one (1) paid undergraduate student apprentice position in the Department of Paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM).
The Paleontology Apprentice will contribute to a project focused on documenting the paleobiological history of the southern California region.
The Paleontology Apprentice will be expected to create a final report or presentation on their work. Apprentices will regular instruction, guidance, and follow-up for all tasks assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered for this position, applicants must reside in San Diego County and attend a community college or university in San Diego County. A special emphasis is placed on recruiting students who are members of groups currently underrepresented in STEM careers.
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.
HOURS: The apprenticeship will involve up to a total of 250 hours, with a flexible weekday schedule (weekend work may be possible).
COMPENSATION: Paid, hourly, $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.
LOCATION: The majority of work will be conducted on site in the Museum’s Balboa Park facility. Some fieldwork may be possible.
Please submit a CV or resume with three references and a Cover Letter. All materials should go to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
The Department of Paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum has an opening for paleontological field monitor. This position will be part-time temporary, as needed (0 – 29 hours per week). All work is funded through contracts.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is run and operated by the San Diego Society of Natural History, a private non-profit scientific organization incorporated in 1874. The Museum’s mission is to interpret the natural world through research, education and exhibits; to promote understanding of the evolution and diversity of southern California and the peninsula of Baja California; and to inspire in all a respect for nature and the environment.
Within the Museum, the Department of PaleoServices specializes in paleontological resource management. Our focus is on the recognition, recovery, and preservation of the significant and unique paleontological resources that occur in the greater southern California region.
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.
For general information about our paleontology mitigation program, please visit http://www.paleoservices.org
Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Please submit resumes and cover letter including salary expectations to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
Compensation: $20.09 to $25.00/hour depending on experience and qualifications.
The San Diego Natural History Museum 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.
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 Holidays) and offers various opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
Please send your resume AND a cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is looking to internally hire a part-time, temporary Warehouse Coordinator to assist with the evacuation of museum property from our off-site storage facility.
The museum warehouse is located in Chula Vista and serves as the off-site facility for storage of research specimens, exhibition objects, and miscellaneous items. This warehouse is owned by the Museum of Contemporary Art and storage space is being rented to the museum. In preparation for the development of a new Paleontology facility in the museum basement and the moving out of the warehouse, some items will need to be donated, discarded, sold, or brought back to the museum. The coordinator will facilitate this process by working with museum staff to determine item disposition, disposal, and movement solutions, while also coordinating and communicating with potential external stakeholders to ultimately empty the space.
This is a part-time, temporary position from July 1, 2023 through April 30, 2024. This position will work approximately 8 hours per week although hours per week may vary depending on the work flow. Hours of work fall within regular weekday museum operating hours only (7am-7pm).
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.
Pay: $20/hour
To apply: Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, résumé, and three references to hr@sdnhm.org.
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.