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Seasonal Smithsonian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Donohoe Hospitality

Cook (PM Shifts)

Washington, DC

$23/hr

Employees are surrounded by world-renowned attractions such as the Smithsonian museums and ... Seasonal Hours: Team members can expect approximately 28-32 hours per week during the summer and 16 ...

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Seasonal Smithsonian information

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$18

$39

How much do seasonal smithsonian jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for seasonal smithsonian in the United States is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the typical work environment like for a Seasonal Smithsonian employee, and how does the team structure support new staff?

Seasonal Smithsonian employees often work in dynamic, visitor-focused environments such as museums, gardens, or research centers, where teamwork is essential. New staff are typically supported by experienced team leads or supervisors who provide training and mentorship, helping them adapt to fast-paced periods like peak tourist seasons. Collaboration is common, with seasonal employees working alongside permanent staff to ensure smooth operations and excellent visitor experiences. Flexibility and strong communication skills are highly valued, as daily tasks can vary depending on visitor needs and special events.

What is the difference between Seasonal Smithsonian vs Seasonal Museum Educator?

AspectSeasonal SmithsonianSeasonal Museum Educator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, history, or related fieldRequires education background, often with teaching certification or experience
Work EnvironmentLocated at Smithsonian museums, involves public engagement and educational programsWorks in museums or cultural institutions, focusing on visitor education and outreach
Employer & IndustryPart of Smithsonian Institution, federal government-fundedEmployed by museums, cultural or educational organizations
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles involving public education at SmithsonianCompared for similar educational outreach roles in museums

Both roles involve educational activities in museum settings, with the Seasonal Smithsonian focusing on programs within Smithsonian museums, and the Seasonal Museum Educator working across various cultural institutions. They share similar credentials and work environments, but differ mainly in employer and specific program focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Seasonal Smithsonian employee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seasonal Smithsonian employee, you generally need customer service skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with point-of-sale systems, visitor management software, or specific exhibit technologies is often required. Strong interpersonal communication, adaptability, and teamwork help employees engage with diverse visitors and collaborate with staff. These skills ensure a positive visitor experience and smooth operations during peak museum seasons.

What are Seasonal Smithsonian jobs?

Seasonal Smithsonian jobs are temporary positions offered by the Smithsonian Institution, typically during peak tourism periods or special events. These roles can include positions in visitor services, museum education, retail, and event staffing across the Smithsonian’s museums and facilities. Seasonal employees help manage increased visitor traffic and support special programs, often working part-time or full-time for a limited duration. These jobs are ideal for students, recent graduates, or anyone seeking short-term employment with an interest in museums or cultural institutions.
More about Seasonal Smithsonian jobs
What cities are hiring for Seasonal Smithsonian jobs? Cities with the most Seasonal Smithsonian job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Smithsonian jobs? The most popular types of Smithsonian jobs are:
What states have the most Seasonal Smithsonian jobs? States with the most job openings for Seasonal Smithsonian jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Smithsonian jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Smithsonian jobs are:
Seasonal Smithsonian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seasonal Smithsonian job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Full Time, 74% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,949 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Seasonal Parking/Traffic Associate

Seasonal Parking/Traffic Associate

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site

$18.40/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

Seasonal Parking/Traffic Associate
Application Deadline: 27 July 2026
Department: Smithsonian Enterprises
Employment Type: Temporary
Location: Washington, DC
Reporting To: Parking Manager
Compensation: $18.40 / hour
Description
OPEN DATE: July 20, 2026
CLOSING DATE: July 27, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Temporary
SCHEDULE: Intermittent
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
Position sensitivity and risk: Low
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
  • Complete a Probationary Period.
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW
This position is responsible for assisting visitors with the movement of cars throughout zoo grounds and into the Zoo parking lots. Primary goal is to direct traffic flow and ensure all parking spaces are filled in a safe and timely manner by providing excellent communication with necessary parties to accomplish this. Responsible for providing general information to visitors about the Zoo and attractions. Occasional use of POS cash register may be necessary.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
TRAFFIC CONTROL
  • Assists visitors with the movement of vehicles throughout Zoo grounds and parking lots.
  • Directs traffic to ensure that parking spaces are filled in a safe and timely manner.
  • Provides general information about Zoo events and attractions.

PARKING BOOTH
  • Accurately operates a POS cash register.
  • Records in and maintains accurate and detailed logbooks.
  • Ensures speedy and safe entrance of vehicles entering through the parking gates.

GENERAL
  • Provides courteous, professional, and knowledgeable service to both internal and external customers; responds courteously and knowledgeably to visitor inquiries in a timely manner.
  • Accurately handles cash and credit funds and media.
  • Performs basic cleaning duties.
  • Maintains knowledge of current sales, promotions, and exhibits. Takes initiative to recommend and provide information to visitors.
  • Works cooperatively with supervisors to ensure the safe and expeditious movement of visitors throughout the Zoo.
  • Adheres to safety and security policies. Recognizes security risks and thefts and is aware of how to prevent or handle these situations.
  • Completes assignments efficiently and accurately with minimal supervision.
  • Adheres to assigned schedule, demonstrating flexibility as needed to support the needs of the business in the Zoo and the parking facility.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must be available weekends, holidays, and evenings.
Candidates must be able to move or lift up to 25 pounds and to stand for long periods of time.
Zoo employees may be working outside under varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions - both hot and cold, will be standing and walking for long periods of time over uneven and hilly terrain, and may work in a confined and limited space.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
High school diploma or general education diploma (GED), or at least 6 months related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must exhibit clear communication skills and organized thought process.
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
  • Parking Associates must be able to operate a parking ticketing system and/or a POS cash register.
  • Basic math skills are required.
  • Ability to perform basic selling techniques.
  • Ability to maintain required work schedule and follow policies and procedures for taking leave.
  • Must maintain a neat, clean, and conservative appearance in accordance with the Dress Code Policy.
  • Experience working with both a diverse work force and visitor groups.
  • Must be flexible for scheduling.

Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.
Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
Relocation expenses are not paid.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact SECareers@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian's Accommodation Procedures.
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo

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