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Natural Science Museum Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Army

PARK RANGER

Porterville, CA · On-site

$40K/yr

... management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business ...

US Department of the Army

PARK RANGER

Orland, CA · On-site

$74K/yr

... management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

PARK RANGER

Orland, CA · On-site

$74K/yr

... management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business ...

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All JobsNatural Science Museum JobsNatural Science Museum Jobs in California

Natural Science Museum information

See California salary details

$31.1K

$43.6K

$55.3K

How much do natural science museum jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for natural science museum in California is $43,616.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $47,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a natural science museum?

Natural science museums are institutions dedicated to educating the public about the natural world, including subjects like biology, geology, paleontology, and environmental science. They typically display collections of fossils, minerals, plants, animal specimens, and interactive exhibits to help visitors learn about the history and diversity of life on Earth. These museums often offer educational programs, workshops, and special events for students and families. Their goal is to promote scientific understanding and inspire curiosity about the natural world.

What are common challenges faced by staff working at a natural science museum, and how can they be addressed?

Staff at natural science museums often encounter challenges such as balancing educational programming with exhibit maintenance, managing large groups of visitors (including school tours), and keeping scientific information up-to-date and engaging. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as staff frequently collaborate with educators, curators, and researchers to develop exhibits and public programs. Staying proactive with ongoing professional development and fostering a collaborative environment can help address these challenges and contribute to a rewarding work experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a natural science museum curator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Natural Science Museum Curator, you need a strong background in natural sciences, museum studies, and typically a relevant advanced degree. Familiarity with collection management systems, conservation techniques, and exhibit design software is highly valuable. Excellent organizational, communication, and public engagement skills help curators educate visitors and collaborate with researchers and staff. These skills are crucial for preserving collections, designing compelling exhibits, and fostering community interest in science.

What is the difference between Natural Science Museum vs Science Educator?

AspectNatural Science MuseumScience Educator
Required CredentialsDegree in natural sciences or related fieldDegree in education, science, or related field
Work EnvironmentMuseum exhibits, research areas, public displaysClassrooms, museums, outdoor programs
Employer & IndustryMuseums, research institutionsEducational institutions, museums, science centers

Natural Science Museum staff focus on managing exhibits, conducting research, and maintaining collections, while Science Educators primarily develop and deliver educational programs to visitors and students. Both roles require a background in science or education and often work within museum settings, but their core responsibilities differ in research versus teaching.

What are popular job titles related to Natural Science Museum jobs in California?

For Natural Science Museum jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Natural Science Museum jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Natural Science Museum jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Natural Science Museum jobs?

Cities in California with the most Natural Science Museum job openings:

Natural Science Museum jobs near you
Infographic showing various Natural Science Museum job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,616 per year, or $21 per hour.

Paleontology Intern | San Diego Natural History Museum

e-Active B.V.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Paleontology Intern | San Diego Natural History Museum

Love nature?Then you're going to love The Nat.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by local naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role over the years in regional conversation efforts. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategicplan focused on encouraging a love for nature, leveraging science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to behere for nature.

Jacobs Center for Science and Conservation Internship Program:

The Nat's Jacobs Center for Science and Conservation offers several externally funded internships that provide training and mentoring in curation, imaging, databasing protocols, and collections- based research to students, to prepare them for continued advancement in the natural sciences, which can translate to career pathways in academia and research, as well as environmental consulting. Within the Center, the Paleontology Department has an opening for a part-time, temporaryPaleontology Intern.

About the Department of Paleontology:

The Department of Paleontology specializes in the growth, management, and research use of the Museum's fossil collection and its supporting documentation. The department also provides information about the paleontology and geology of the southern California and Baja California region to all interested parties, including Museum members, citizen scientists, members of the media, and the general public. For more information about the Department of Paleontology, please visitwww.sdnhm.org/science/paleontology .

Paleontology Internship Opportunity:

Applications are invited for several paid undergraduate student internship positions in the Department of Paleontology. This is the sixth year of this immersive internship program aimed at providing undergraduate students with Museum-based experience in fossil identification, curation, and collection management.

Examples of curation tasks to be taught as part of the internship include: microscopic "picking" of wet-screened sediment concentrate for micro-invertebrate and micro-vertebrate fossils; general sorting and taxonomic identification of invertebrate and vertebrate fossils; organizing sorted fossils into individual species lots and placing in archival specimen unit trays, plastic vials, glass vials, and/or gel capsules; entering or updating collection locality and specimen identification information into the SDNHM Paleontology Collection Database; writing locality and specimen tracking numbers on catalogued fossils; placing organized, trayed, catalogued, and numbered fossils into steel drawers and storage cabinets; photographing specimens for curation and research purposes; and participating in a general inventory and reorganization of the SDNHM Paleontology Collection.

Examples of fossil specimen projects to be worked on as part of the internship include: late Pleistocene terrestrial and marine microvertebrate fossils from coastal southern California; early Pleistocene terrestrial macrovertebrate fossils from inland southern California; late Pliocene and late Miocene marine invertebrate and vertebrate fossils from coastal and inland southern California; middle Eocene terrestrial vertebrate fossils from coastal southern California; late Cretaceous marine invertebrate fossils from coastal and inland southern California.

Qualifications:

  • Interest in natural history, paleontology, and/or geology
  • Technology skills

Eligibility:Applicants must…

  • Be a student in the final 2 (two) years of an earth science and/or evolutionary biology undergraduate degree program or a very recent graduate of such a program.
  • Live in San Diego County or be willing to commute.
  • A special emphasis is placed on recruiting students in San Diego County who are members of groups underrepresented in STEM careers.

Time Commitment:

  • The internship program will involve up to 14 hours of work per weekover a period of approximately 24 (twenty-four) weeks

Pay: $20/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. Learn more about the Museum's benefitshere .

Deadline to apply is September 30, 2026.

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