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 Bioservices coordinates contracting for biological surveys and monitoring of the region’s birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, plants, and invertebrates, with an emphasis on applied ecological research.

Biological Field Assistant Positions

The Department of Bioservices at the San Diego Natural History Museum has openings for biological field assistants. These positions are part time, as needed. All work is funded through grants and contracts.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist with field investigations of the flora and fauna throughout the region, including remote areas.  Work in remote areas may require camping in field sites.  Anticipated upcoming biological work includes botanical surveys, herpetological surveys, bat surveys, bird surveys, small mammal surveys, and entomological work.

Other duties may include specimen preparation, data entry, and report writing. 

Due to the varied methodologies utilized for biological surveys, this position has highly variable work hours.  Scheduled hours will regularly include evening, night, and early morning hours, and may include weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS:

* A B.S. in Biology or a related discipline, or a combination of outdoor experience and natural history    knowledge equivalent to an undergraduate degree.

* Experience in field biology techniques preferred but not required.

* Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs, and hike up to three miles in rough terrain.

* Have a valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record.

Our 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 positions pays $15.80/hour.

Start date: 15 May 2021

Please submit resumes and cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a reliable, attentive, detail-oriented Facilities
Associate to assist with daily operations and the security and care of the facility. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with a wide range of responsibilities and tasks, has excellent communication skills, and possesses good judgement. This position is a part of the greater Facilities Department and will report to the Facilities Supervisor.

Areas of responsibilities include:

• Building walk-throughs checking that areas are secure and building systems are functioning properly (HVAC, water pumps, elevators/lifts, generator, fire suppression systems, pest control, elevators/lifts).
• Reception of all contractors for scheduled work or emergency repairs – Providing access,directing to work area, communicating the issue and what is needed, following up with the Facilities Supervisor on results or additional needs.
• Collaborating with other museum departments to complete building projects.
• Receiving, logging and distributing Museum deliveries.
• Ensuring trash/recycling and paper shredding bins are available and ready for pick-up.
• Checking for fire hazards (fire extinguisher checks, kitchen equipment, heaters, pilot lights).
• Museum vehicle check-out and parking reservations.
• Assisting with access card creation and key distribution.
• Security camera monitoring and safety/security patrols, including escorts for staff working with cash.
• Responding to emergency situations within and directly outside of the Museum (fire alarms, medical emergencies, natural disasters, etc.).
• Table and chair set-up/tear-down for Museum events and programs.
• Assist with security functions such as crowd control and ID checks for 21+ events.
• Assist with building maintenance projects as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Proven team player with strong communication skills and customer service skills who is approachable and responsive.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Intuitive decision-making and response.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, sitting, climbing (stairs & ladders), crawling and lifting of moderately heavy loads up to 50lbs.
• Valid California driver’s license and clean vehicle operation record.
• Current Guard Card certification through BSIS.
• Current CPR/AED/First Aid Certification.
• Bilingual preferred.

Evening, weekend, and holiday availability is required. The San Diego Natural History Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Position pays $16.00/hour and is eligible for benefits such as health insurance, vacation, paid holidays, 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 mnegrete@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.

Major Responsibilities:

• Field monitoring of active mass grading, trenching, and other excavation activities into potentially fossil-bearing sedimentary rocks (Cenozoic and upper Mesozoic marine and/or non-marine rock units) in the greater southern California region.
• Field monitor will work in close proximity to heavy equipment and be expected to work safely, to collect unearthed fossils, and to record relevant stratigraphic and taphonomic data.
• Field monitoring can include working at distant locations for a week at a time, with commensurate reimbursement of per diem and mileage.
• Opportunities for field survey work and fossil preparation are also possible.
• Scheduled work hours are typically between the hours of 7 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday; however, work may also occur at night or on weekends.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of a B.S. in Geology or a related discipline with an emphasis in paleontology.
• Experience in field paleontology and stratigraphy is preferred.
• Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs
• Have a valid Driver’s License and a clean driving record.

For general information about our paleontology mitigation program, please visit http://www.paleoservices.org

Start date: 15 April 2021

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 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.

Areas of responsibilities include:

• Patrol, observe, and report to Facilities Supervisor and Senior Director of Operations.
• 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 Supervisor and Senior Director of Operations.

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

This is a part-time/as-needed position. Friday availability is currently highly desired.

Position pays $15/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 Events Manager is responsible for the production and on-site execution of Museum events. This includes internal and external venue rentals and the scheduling and managing of part-time event staff.  In addition, this position supports the sales and marketing efforts of the Special Events Department. Reports directly to the Director of Events.

Roles and responsibilities:

Production of Facility Usage Events

• Manages the production of facility usage events (external clients)
• Conducts walk-throughs with booked clients and/or vendors

• Advises the client throughout the planning process and provides pre-event guidance to clients to ensure adherence to all Museum regulations

• Creates work orders and diagrams and distributes to key departments
• Maintains a strong working relationship with museum staff to ensure event logistics are secured
• Develops professional relationships with vendors and works closely with them throughout the event planning process, including the load-in and load-out logistics
• Provides on-site coverage at events
• Schedules and supervises all event staff
• Works closely with museum operations and security department throughout the event planning process, including the day of the event.
• Is knowledgeable on emergency procedures during event planning and the day of the event.
• Provides on-site expertise and excellent customer service to the client throughout the planning, duration of the event, and post event.

Production of Internal Museum Events

• Manages the production of facility usage events (internal departments)
• Works closely with Museum staff to manage the internal departmental events, including: Fundraising, Membership, Paleo Dinner, Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, Educator Night, Staff Parties and other internal Museum events
• Creates work orders and diagrams and distributes to key departments
• Works closely with numerous Museum departments (security, operations, visitor services, marketing, audio visual, food & beverage and education) to ensure proper communication and that event logistics are secured
• Provides on-site coverage at events, supervising all event staff

Events Staff

• Manages the hiring process for all event staff
• Reviews staffing pools and makes hiring recommendations
• Trains all new hires
• Conducts annual health and safety training for all departmental staff
• Works closely with Director of Events and Senior Director of Operations to determine staffing needs for all events
• Supervises event and bar staff during events
• Reviews and submits all part-time staffing hours for payroll

Sales and Marketing 

• Assists the Director of Events in reaching the department’s overall sales revenue goals
• Responsible for booking events to meet a targeted personal sales revenue goal
• Responds to all leads as assigned in a timely fashion
• Conducts potential client virtual meetings, calls, and virtual or in person site visits
• In Director of Events absence, responds to sales leads, conducts site visits and creates event estimates as needed

• Focuses on wedding sales and client event booking experience
• Prepares facility proposals, contracts, estimates, invoices, etc.
• Assists with facility usage contracts and other sales functions as requested
• Manages facility usage clients and vendors in Altru
• Processes facility usage payments in Altru
• Attends industry events as needed
• Assists with the Annual Vendor Showcase marketing event
• Works closely with the Director of Events to manage all marketing efforts, including print and online.

Department Resources

• Updates and edits the Museum events calendar as needed
• Attends (and leads as necessary) the weekly Museum Events meetings

• Understands and is proficient in all Museum safety and emergency procedures

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree preferred, special event certification a plus
• 2-3 years special events experience required
• Must have experience managing staff
• Exemplary customer service skills
• Must have rigorous attention to detail, ability to manage multiple deadlines, and excellent organizational abilities
• Proficiency in computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Database experience preferred
• Ability to work late nights and weekends
• Must be guest-oriented and service-minded

This is a full-time, position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 13 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

• $18.75-20/hour.

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

The San Diego Natural History Museum science research apprenticeship program are for members of groups of underrepresented High School seniors and Undergraduate students that provides training and mentoring in curation, imaging, databasing protocols, and collections-based research to prepare them for continued advancement in biological sciences, which can translate to career pathways in academia, research, as well as biological consulting.

Eligibility:

• Reside or attend a San Diego County High School or College
• A special emphasis is placed on identifying and recruiting currently enrolled High School students and first-generation undergraduates residing or attending college in San Diego County who are members of groups underrepresented in STEM careers: including, but not limited to, individuals of African American, Asian, Latinx/Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander descent
• Applicants that are 16 -17 years old may be considered. If so they need to be able to obtain a work permit from their school upon notification of hire

Project Description:

Apprentices will work on-site with museum scientists in taxonomic curation, transcription of historical label data, data quality control, and georeferencing specimen records from the Museum’s collection and incorporating it into a national digital portal. Apprentices will receive daily instruction, guidance, and follow-up for all tasks assigned.

Some learning objectives include: 

-  COMMUNICATION: apprentices will provide project updates in written emails and spoken form in team and cohort meetings. Apprentices will document their experience, culminating in a written “cover letter” outlining their skill development for a hypothetical job.

-  COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: apprentices will become familiar with a variety of databases, georeferencing tools, and image recognition apps. Apprentice will learn how to use Excel, tips for data quality control, and the use of pivot tables.

-  PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS: apprentices will co-develop a project plan with their mentor, set milestones, and report of progress in team meetings.

-  DESCIPLINE SPECIFIC SKILLS: apprentices will gain experience in taxonomy, biodiversity data, and collections management.

-  PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: apprentices will participate in team and staff meetings, and attend in-house seminars

Term: Apprenticeships will be for up to 250 hours with negotiable work schedules. High school apprentices will be paid $15/hr. Undergraduates will be paid at $16/hr. Apprenticeships to begin in June/July 2021.

How to apply:
Please submit a resume with three references and Cover Letter which must explicitly outline the learning objectives desired from this work experience. Please make sure you note whether you are between the ages of 16 and 17 or if you are 18 years of age or older. Any Cover Letter not including age bracket will not be considered. All materials should go to kpelayo@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

Review of applications will begin in April 21, 2021, with offers extended in mid-May.

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 as 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.

Areas of responsibilities include:

• Provide consistent and excellent customer service to guests, members, staff, and all other constituents that may come into the Museum. 
• Stationed at the Admission Desks providing assistance to guests in person, or over the phone with sales for admission/memberships/programs as well as answering a variety of questions about the Museum and Balboa Park. Desk duties also include upselling memberships, donations, selling programs and surveying guests. 
• Stationed at the entrance of exhibitions monitoring capacity, checking tickets, and directing guests (if applicable). 
• Stationed at the Museum’s giant-screen theater, assisting guests with seating, and 3D equipment. Sanitizing theater seating between each film. 
• 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. 
• Encourage guests to maintain COVID safety guidelines. 

Qualifications:

• Friendly personality with a guest-focused attitude and a commitment to creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere for the Museum's visitors. 
• Professional demeanor, reliable, punctual, and hardworking. 
• A background in customer service, hospitality, or retail with experience in credit card/cash handling and CRM database and/or ticketing software knowledge is highly desirable.  
• Familiarity with Balboa Park a plus.  
• Must be able stand for long periods of time and communicate verbally for the majority of each shift.  
• Ability to learn processes, procedures, and information quickly. 

Weekend and holiday availability is desired. The San Diego Natural History Museum is 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.

The Position pays $14/hour.

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

The Visitor Services Manager (VSM) is responsible for the daily operation and administration of the Visitor Services department and museum admission operations. Primary responsibilities include all aspects of managing the Visitor Services Leads and Visitor Services Associates, as well as reinforcing policies and procedures within the department. The VSM is a key liaison for the Visitor Services department with several departments including Accounting, Marketing and Communications, Membership, Education and Public Programs, and Special Events. The VSM ensures the needs of all guests are met with consistent and impeccable customer service. An outgoing personality, positive attitude, exceptional organizational skills, and flexibility are a must. The ideal candidate will approach challenges from a practical but optimistic standpoint.  

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage Visitor Services staffing operations to including hiring, training, scheduling, timecard management, staff meetings and communications.
• Ensure delivery of exceptional customer service as well as resolve customer issues in a timely manner.
• Supervise opening/closing procedures and daily operational aspects related to the Museum’s public spaces including phone and email communications.
• Complete daily/weekly/monthly reports required for internal and external stakeholders and partners.
• Coordinate and maintain on-site signage, admissions-related web content, and phone messages.
• Manage third-party ticketing operations (Balboa Park Explorer, Go Card/Smart Destinations, FIT partners) including reporting, pricing updates, and content changes.
• Coordinate and manage Resident Free Tuesdays, December Nights, and other large-scale admission-based programs and events.
• Assist with updating and creating Visitor Services Department processes and procedures.
• Maintain strong knowledge of the ticketing/database system, Altru.
• Assist Senior Director of Operations with management of the department’s annual budget including variance analysis when necessary.
• Additional duties as assigned in support of the mission of the Museum.

Qualifications:

• 5 years of customer service experience in a front-line environment and 3+ years in a supervisory capacity required.
• Experience working with a point-of-sale system, customer relations management system or other admissions/ticketing database system is required. Experience working with Altru ticketing system is desirable.
• Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and financial/attendance reporting.

Skills:

• Demonstrated employee management skills, including hiring, scheduling, training, conflict resolution, and team building.
• Strong knowledge of MS Office suite including Excel and Outlook.
• Excellent communication skills; verbal and written fluency in English. Spanish is desirable, but not required.
• Excellent customer service skills, ability to work as a team player, exercise diplomacy, and make independent decisions.
• Solid analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work under pressure to meet scheduled and unexpected deadlines.
• Leadership skills to empower, motivate, and develop a collaborative and positive work environment.

This is a full-time, temporary position. The Visitor Services Manager may be required to work weekend days, evenings, and holidays to ensuring daily supervisory coverage. Currently, the Museum is open to the public Friday thru Tuesday.

Position pays $20/hour and is eligible for benefits such as health insurance, vacation, paid holidays, 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 jpadilla@sdnhm.org

No phone calls or drop-ins please.