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.
We are seeking to hire a full-time bi-lingual Administrative Coordinator to join the science and conservation team at the Nat. The position provides support to the Vice President of Science and Conservation and assists in coordinating the daily operations of the science departments in the Biodiversity Research Center of the Californias (BRCC).
BRCC is the research arm of the Museum and focuses on researching, understanding, and conserving the biodiversity of Southern California and the peninsula of Baja California. Through contemporary fieldwork coupled with our collections of over 8 million specimens, we study the diversity, ecology, and evolution of life. BRCC is home to about 50 part- and full-time staff that are a passionate and fun-loving bunch.
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 position acts as the hub of facilitating virtually everything that BRCC does. If you have a curious mind that enjoys interacting with lots of people and projects and has the discipline to stay organized and follow through, this could be the job for you.
Compensation: dependent on experience, starting pay will range from $20-$24/hr.
This position is eligible for 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: Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, résumé, and three references to hr@sdnhm.org. Applications will be reviewed beginning June 22, 2022 and will continue until position is filled.
No phone calls, drop-ins or recruiters, please.
Founded as—and still officially named—the San Diego Society of Natural History (The Nat), the 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. With a $12M annual budget and 170 employees, we welcome nearly 400,000 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.
With a new strategic plan, the upcoming capital campaign and our 150th anniversary fast approaching, the CFO/COO will have a real opportunity for impact. The Nat is a key player in conservation conversations and is actively addressing environmental issues that will shape our region for future generations. The CFO/COO will report to the CEO, and work closely with the Board of Directors, including the Finance, Audit, and Investment Committees. They will manage our $12M annual budget, with overall strategic and operational responsibility of the finance, operations, and administrative departments for one of San Diego’s most beloved institutions. This includes building facilities, accounting, HR, and IT/AV, as well as our museum store retail operations and food & beverage sales. In addition, the CFO/COO will leverage their business acumen to help us grow our contract services division, which provides environmental consulting services throughout the region. Currently a $2M business for The Nat, this division has very exciting growth prospects.
The CFO/COO will lead a dynamic and talented team, managing five to six direct reports and a total team of 25 staff altogether. A key member of our senior leadership team, this is a high-profile position, both within our organization and our sector locally, as they collaborate with executives at other leading cultural institutions. The CFO/COO role offers an excellent opportunity for a candidate with exceptional inter-personal skills and collaborative, transparent and inclusive management ethos.
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.
The primary role is to create the overall vision for the café and retail operations that enhances the visitor experience. The Director is responsible for leading the department to achieve revenue goals, and provide an outstanding experience for all visitors through creative, mission-related products, merchandising, menu options, and customer service. This position ensures the shop and cafe are an integral part of the experience of all visitors. In addition, this position oversees the liquor license and beverage needs for special events. This full-time, exempt position reports to the CFO/COO and has a varied schedule that includes weekend and/or evening hours.
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.
Weekly Schedule: Friday – Tuesday (subject to change as needed)
This is a full-time exempt position eligible for 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.
Salary Range: $70K to $80K – based on experience
To apply please submit resume, cover letter outlining your experience, salary requirement and three professional references to jsahagun@sdnhm.org.
NO PHONE CALLS, NO DROP INS, and NO RECRUITERS please.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is looking to hire a temporary, full-time Entomologist to assist with various projects within the Entomology Department.
The Entomologist will be the day-to-day coordinator for a variety of grant and contract funded projects in the department. The incumbent will also assist the Curator of Entomology and Entomology Collections Manager to perform a variety of both technical and routine duties. The primary responsibilities of the incumbent will be to perform field and laboratory entomological collection and identification tasks, assist with data management, analysis, and report writing. This is a job for someone who not only likes to be in the field, but who is also committed to data quality control and arthropod identification.
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: This position is expected to continue for one year, with the possibility of an extension should funded work continue to be available.
Pay: $22-$25/hr
This position is eligible for 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: Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, résumé, and three references to hr@sdnhm.org. Applications will be reviewed beginning June 13, 2022 and will continue until positions are filled.
No phone calls, drop-ins or recruiters, please.
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 $16/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.This is a part-time/as-needed position.
Please send resume and cover letter to FoodBeverageServices@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking enthusiastic and friendly part-time Café Attendants to assist guests at our Café. The Café Attendant provides Museum guests an unparalleled customer service experience in a fast-paced, educational 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 Saturday and Sunday availability. Holidays and some evenings are required.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time; walk; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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: $16/hour plus tips.
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 your resume and cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org
No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking an experienced, part-time Café Lead Attendant to assist the Director of Café and Retail Operations and provide superior customer service to Museum guests while providing guidance and support to Café Attendants. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, with the ability to solve customer problems quickly and efficiently, while upholding Museum initiatives and standards. The candidate must be trustworthy, professional, and positive at all times as this position is primarily focused on providing an interactive guest experience while leading a team of Café Attendants.
This position requires Saturday and Sunday availability. Holidays and some evenings are required.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand for long periods of time; walk; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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/hour plus tips.
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 your 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 $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.This is a part-time/as-needed position.
Please send resume and cover letter to FoodBeverageServices@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.
Apprentices will learn about historical and modern photography practices by digitizing, organizing, and preserving a collection of 2,000+ glass negatives representing natural history of San Diego from the early 1900’s.
Under the guidance of the Research Library Director & Curator, Apprentices will receive instruction on glass plate technology, proper collections care for photographic materials, digitization procedures and standards, and digital asset management. Apprentices will also be trained in social media marketing and public speaking. By the conclusion of the apprenticeship program, the students will have gained 21st century skills in media, technology, data management, and digital communication, and the broader San Diego community will gain open access to a treasure trove of photographs from San Diego’s past.
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: Up to 400 hours total. Flexible schedule.
Location: On-Site. Some remote work may be possible.
Pay: $16/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.
To Apply:
Please submit a CV or resume, Cover Letter, and Three References. All materials should go to Ariel Hammond, library@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
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 Supervisor and Senior Director of Operations. 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.
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. Friday availability is currently highly desired.
Position pays $16/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.
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 for a passionate mission supporting Special Events Staff. They will be responsible assisting with the load-in and load-out of events, assisting in the set-up and break-down of Museum events, assisting in ensuring the safety of the Museum, having a Museum presence. This position requires the coordination of on-site event activities, including working with vendors, clients and guests, while continually maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor. Hours are determined on as-needed basis.
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: $16/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.This is a part-time/as-needed position.
Qualified applicants, please send your resume and cover letter to nbuerba@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop in visits.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking for a passionate mission supporting Special Events Lead. They will be responsible for overseeing the load-in and load-out of events, assisting in the management of Special Events Staff and having a Museum presence. This position requires the coordination of on-site event activities, including working with vendors, clients and guests, while continually maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor. Hours are determined on as-needed basis.
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/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.This is a part-time/as-needed position.
Qualified applicants, please send your resume and cover letter to nbuerba@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop in visits.
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 an unparalleled customer service experience in a fast-paced, educational, and entertaining environment. The ideal candidates will be comfortable shifting roles and responsibilities throughout the day 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.
Weekend, night and holiday availability is desired. The San Diego Natural History Museum is open Friday thru Tuesday, closed Wednesdays and Thursdays as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
This is a part-time, as needed position with limited hours. VSAs enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
Pay: $16/hour.
Please send resume and cover letter to edowling@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
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