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.
Love nature—and getting people excited about it? Then you’re going to love The Nat.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a Digital Communications Manager that will engage audiences in The Nat’s programs and mission. This position is a critical role in the Communications & Marketing Department, which works to elevate reputation, build advocacy, and support participation, visitation, and fundraising efforts for The Nat.
Working in close collaboration with the Senior Director of Communications and colleagues across the organization, the Digital Communications Manager will cultivate and build the organization's digital community and drive engagement with current and prospective supporters, program participants, visitors, and cultural influencers.
Part data nerd, part writer/content developer, part project manager, the ideal candidate is highly creative and able to cultivate a distinctive brand voice, while also having a strong grasp of analytics and audience development.
In this role, you will manage and execute our content strategy across all digital platforms (website, newsletters, social media channels), oversee our digital advertising program, and develop marketing campaigns around museum programs. You'll use analytics to support strategy, oversee community management, and stay up to date with best practices and trends.
You’ll have the ability to toggle between big-picture strategy and day-to-day content needs on a regular basis. You’ll be able to support the needs of other departments and programs while moving your own goals forward. You’ll be a data fiend and digital strategist with strong writing and creative chops, or an innovative content developer with a robust understanding of analytics, marketing funnels, and conversions. Yes, we are looking for that elusive species: someone who can do it all.
The Digital Communications Manager will report to the Senior Director of Communications, collaborate closely with the Science Communications Manager, and partner with many internal departments, including Education and Engagement, Development, Volunteers, and Visitor Services.
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 with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more.
Salary is $26/hour ($54,080 annually).
Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and 2-3 work samples that highlight relevant skills to rhandelsman@sdnhm.org
A little more about us.
The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. Having recently completed a strategic roadmap, The Nat is looking forward to an exciting new era as it approaches its 150th anniversary, focused on innovative audience engagement and an increased role in conservation.
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 Lead Educator’s primary focus is directing remote and in-person natural science classes for grades 4-8 for participants in the School in the Park (SITP) program. This unique program funded by Price Philanthropies will provide weeklong science education experiences to select area students.
The Lead Educator also works with Education staff to create and implement curriculum for the Nat’s school-based programs for both distance learning programs as well as in-person classes. The position’s goal is to help diverse school participants interpret the natural world through engaging science-based activities; practice the museum’s mission through stewardship and encourage a life-long learning.
The Lead Educator supervises and collaborates with the Museum Educator & Program Coordinator to deliver NGSS aligned science classes to the School in the Park Program and Museum’s school-based offerings. The Lead Educator is responsible for writing, updating and teaching curriculum for the SITP program and additional distance learning, school-based and summer camp programs. This role also supports Volunteer and Education Departments in managing the Outdoor Access Program.
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 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.
Pay: $20 per hour
In this role, you will develop and implement Human Resources strategies and planning for the Museum as well as handling day-to-day management in all HR areas. You will serve as point of contact for all employees regarding HR issues and will advise senior management on HR strategic planning and policy development. In addition, you’ll manage and coach the People and Culture Coordinator who is responsible for the recruitment and hiring for our 180+ staff.
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, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more.
Salary is $96,000. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to hr@sdnhm.org.
The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. Having recently completed a strategic roadmap, The Nat is looking forward to an exciting new era as it approaches its 150th anniversary, focused on innovative audience engagement and an increased role in conservation.
The San Diego Natural History Museum Visitor Services department is seeking an experienced, full-time Visitor Services Coordinator (VSC) to assist with running daily, frontline admissions operations and providing superior customer service to Museum guests at our Admissions Desk, Theater, Museum and exhibit entries. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are required, with the ability to solve customer problems quickly and efficiently, while upholding Museum initiatives and standards. 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 full time (40 hours) availability including weekends, holidays and some evenings. The San Diego Natural History Museum is not open on Thanksgiving or 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.
This is a full-time, 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.
The position pays $18.00/hour.
Please send resume and cover letter to edowling@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Deadline to apply is August 31st, 2022.
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, 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.
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.
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.