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.
The AV Department is seeking a self-motivated, technically knowledgeable AV Coordinator with a willingness to learn to support institutional audio/visual needs. The ideal candidate will be comfortable shifting roles and responsibilities throughout the day while continually maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor.
This position requires at least partial weekend availability. Some holidays and evenings are required. The San Diego Natural History Museum is open daily, except for Thanksgiving and 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 full-time, temporary position is for one year and includes 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.
Position pays $22.75/hour.
Please send resume and cover letter to amckee@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
San Diego Natural History Museum seeks a full-time professional for the position of Collections Manager for the Department of Herpetology. The collection contains over 76,000 catalogued specimens dating back to 1891 including the largest rattlesnake collection in the world. Our holdings mostly come from southern California and Baja California, but also contain specimens that span the globe.
Candidates should have a strong background in herpetology, taxonomy, museum studies, geography, and data management. While traditional collection management experience is necessary, the position also expects candidates to be involved in applied sciences, such as field biology, conservation, collection digitization, diversity analysis using morphological and/or genomic data, or distribution modeling and mapping. Department activities include the Amphibian and Reptile Atlas of Peninsular California, the conservation of the California Red-legged Frog, expeditions and rapid assessment surveys, consulting services, and No Specimen Left Behind.
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 and some evening availability is sometimes required. While the majority of work falls within regular business hours, field projects often extend through weekend and evening hours.
This is a full-time, regular 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.
Salary for this position is $29.17/hour ($60,673.60 annually).
Please email a cover letter and curriculum vitae to bhollingsworth@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please. Applications due on or before November 15, 2022.
We are seeking a dynamic Curator of Entomology who will be an integral part of the Biodiversity Research Center of the Californias (BRCC) and research team within the Museum.
The mission of the BRCC is to perform field exploration and collections-based research in Southern California and Baja California with a global scientific perspective; to preserve specimens and associated information that document our region's natural history and biodiversity; to provide scientific knowledge about the natural history of our region; and to support the Museum's mission by laying the scientific foundation for its operation and programs.
The Curator of Entomology directs entomological research and collections, helping lead, inspire, and steer research and conservation at the Museum. Candidates should maintain an independent research program, but also work with other curators on interdisciplinary studies and collaborate with the region’s biologists. The Curator of Entomology will be expected to generate data that highlight the Museum’s regional biodiversity and contribute to its conservation. In addition to serving as intellectual leaders of biodiversity research at the Museum, curators serve as the Museum’s face for science, so candidates must be comfortable in all types of public relations. In this capacity, the Curator of Entomology will also act as a strong representative of the Museum within the local, regional, and global scientific community. The Curator will actively oversee and manage multiple staff, the collections and their associated databases, collection use, and promote their utility to the greater museum community. The Curator of Entomology will be a skilled and creative science communicator, generate and co-create inspired outreach, and serve as a content expert for internal and external stakeholders.
The Entomology collection consists of 1.3 million specimens and is especially strong in Coleoptera (30%) and Lepidoptera (30%). Holdings of Diptera (10%), Hymenoptera (principally bees; 10%), and Neuroptera (5%) are smaller but scientifically important. The type collection includes over 200 primary types and 500 paratypes with an emphasis on Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. There are also 15 holotypes of arachnids, mostly tarantulas. Recent growth has expanded the ethanol collection through consistent trapping methods in important regional habitats, including dunes of Baja California, Camp Pendleton, China Lake, Point Loma, and others.
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, as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Weekend and evening availability is sometimes required. While the majority of work falls within regular business hours, field projects often extend through weekend and evening hours.
Starting salary for this position is $88,400 annually.
Applicants should send a cover letter and curriculum vitae that highlights their interest in the position, relevant experience, and transferable skills they would bring to the role and writing samples that demonstrate scientific and public communication skills to kpelayo@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
Position will remain open until filled. Review of applications will begin 15 January 2023.
The Department of Bioservices at the San Diego Natural History Museum has an opening for a Field Botanist. This position is a full time (40 hours per week), term position, for a period of 18 months (ending 30 June 2024). The term may be extended pending suitable funding. All work is funded through grants and 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 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. The Department of Botany houses a research collection of nearly 300,000 specimens of native and naturalized plants of the southwestern United States (especially southern California) and northwestern Mexico (especially Baja California).
Conduct field investigations of the flora throughout the region, including remote areas. Work in remote areas may require camping at field sites. Anticipated upcoming work includes comprehensive floristic surveys, rare plant surveys and mapping, vegetation mapping, butterfly host plant mapping, and diseased tree surveys. Applicants must be experienced in identifying and mapping the flora of southern California, skilled in using keys to identify plant species, and proficient in collecting plant specimens.
Other duties may include specimen preparation, data analysis, and report writing.
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 full-time, temporary position includes 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: $29.17/hour.
Start date: 1 February 2023
Please submit resumes and cover letter to kclark@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
The Department of Bioservices at the San Diego Natural History Museum has an opening for 1-2 Field Ornithologists to assist with contracted field work. This position is a full time (40 hours per week), term position, for a period of 18 months (ending 30 June 2024). The term may be extended pending suitable funding. All work is funded through grants and 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 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.
Conduct field investigations of the ornithology throughout the region, including remote areas. Work in remote areas may require camping at field sites. Anticipated upcoming work includes surveys, mapping, and nest monitoring of rare and endangered species, raptor nest monitoring, and point count studies of the avifauna of both coastal and desert areas. Applicants must be experienced in identifying the avifauna of southern California through both sight and sound.
Other duties may include data entry and analysis, and report writing.
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 full-time, temporary position includes 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: $29.17/hour.
Start date: 1 February 2023
Please submit resumes and cover letter to kclark@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins, please.
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.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a dedicated Public Programs Manager to develop and manage our adult programs (including lectures, classes, evening programs) and staff-lead floor programming for the Museum’s Education department.
The Public Programs Manager works collaboratively with the Museum’s Engagement and Education division and Museum scientists to create mission aligned and revenue generating adult programs that encourage lifelong learning. The position develops partnerships from a broad base of arts organizations, individual artists, makers, university extension, science affinity groups, and community groups to build on overlapping interests and shared passions.
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.
Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that highlights your relevant experience to hr@sdnhm.org.
Review of resumes will begin December 2022. No phone calls or drop–ins, please.
Pay rate: $22.60 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.
Love nature and planning events? Then you’re going to love The Nat.
The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a Special Events and Bar Manager that will coordinate event production and manage the beverage program. This position is a critical role in the Institutional Advancement Department, which works to elevate reputation, build advocacy, and raise funds for The Nat.
Working in close collaboration with the Director of Special Events and colleagues across the organization, the Special Events and Bar Manager will plan internal and external events, along with managing all components of bar services. The ideal candidate is highly organized, customer service focused, loves details, and has a strong grasp of the food and beverage industry.
In this role, you will manage the Museum’s Banquet Beverage Services and the production and on-site execution of events, including supervisory duties for the part-time beverage and event staff. You’ll handle site visits, BEOs, inventory, and managing vendor relationships. You’ll work hand-in-hand with the operations team to produce successful events and you’ll develop policies and procedures for all bar services.
You’ll have the ability to toggle between day-to-day event planning and building a successful bar program. You’ll be able to offer strong creative ideas and fabulous organizational details to meet client needs. You’ll inspire and train staff to offer the best customer service possible.
The Special Events and Bar Services Manager will report to the Director of Special Events and work alongside the Special Events Manager and collaborate with many internal departments, including Education and Engagement, Visitor Services, Science, Development, Volunteers, and Communications.
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 $25/hour ($52,000 annually).
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.
Please submit applications by December 18th, 2022.
The Research Library & Archives at the San Diego Natural History Museum has an opening for an Archives Assistant. This is a part-time temporary position to last 1 year.
About the Museum: 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.
About the Research Library & Archives: Within the Museum, the Research Library & Archives specializes in organizing and providing natural history information about Southern California and Baja California to the many departments within the organization and to the general public. For general information about the library, please visit www.sdnhm.org/science/research-library
About the Archives Assistant Position: The Archives Assistant will work with the Research Library Director & Curator on accessioning, describing, organizing, and digitizing SDNHM’s archives. The archives collection includes physical files, digital files, publications, and photographs.
Hours: Flexible schedule.
Duration: 1 year
Compensation: $18/hr.
Location: On-Site. Some remote work may be possible.
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.
To Apply:
Please submit a CV or resume with three references and a Cover Letter. All materials should go to Arie Hammond, library@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 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.
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 $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 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.
Candidates must be able to commit to 10 hours per week, but are unlikely to be asked to work more than 20 hours per week. Hours of work fall within regular weekday museum operating hours only (7am-7pm). Anticipated start date is January 2023 for a 6 month, part-time, temporary appointment (possibility of month-to-month extension until completion).
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: $18-20/hour, dependent on skills and experience.
To apply: Please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the position, résumé, and three references to krandall@sdnhm.org.Applications will be reviewed beginning 15 November 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.
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.
The Position pays $16/hour.
Please send resume and cover letter to edowling@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.
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.