The Smithsonian is a diverse museum, education, and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. As one of the world's most respected cultural, historical, and scientific ...
The Smithsonian is a diverse museum, education, and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. As one of the world's most respected cultural, historical, and scientific ...
Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), IS-1350...
Washington, DC · On-site
$85K/yr
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian's unique complex and is one of the ...
Geologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow) and/or Biologist (Postdoctoral Research Fellow), IS-1350...
Washington, DC · On-site
$85K/yr
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian's unique complex and is one of the ...
INTRODUCTION The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian's National ...
INTRODUCTION The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian's National ...
INTRODUCTION The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian's National ...
INTRODUCTION The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian's National ...
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
Supervisory Research Ecologist, IS-0408-14
Front Royal, VA · On-site
$143K - $187K/yr
OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian ...
Supervisory Research Ecologist, IS-0408-14
Front Royal, VA · On-site
$143K - $187K/yr
OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian ...
KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more aboutthe Kentucky Historical Society, please visit " target="_blank"> The Museum Educator I will work ...
KHS is a Smithsonian Affiliate and has American Alliance of Museums accreditation. To learn more aboutthe Kentucky Historical Society, please visit " target="_blank"> The Museum Educator I will work ...
Program Specialist, IS-0301-09
Washington, DC · On-site
$20.50 - $26.50/hr
This position is located in the Office of Collections, National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Under Secretary of Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution (SI). The ...
Program Specialist, IS-0301-09
Washington, DC · On-site
$20.50 - $26.50/hr
This position is located in the Office of Collections, National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Under Secretary of Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institution (SI). The ...
Research Ecologist, IS-0408-12
Bozeman, MT · On-site +1
$89K/yr
OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian ...
Research Ecologist, IS-0408-12
Bozeman, MT · On-site +1
$89K/yr
OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Smithsonian ...
Program Assistant, IS-0344-06
$51K - $58K/yr
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
Quick apply
Program Assistant, IS-0344-06
$51K - $58K/yr
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
Director of Public Engagement and Learning, IS-1701-13
Washington, DC · On-site
$121K - $138K/yr
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
Director of Public Engagement and Learning, IS-1701-13
Washington, DC · On-site
$121K - $138K/yr
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
Visual Information Specialist
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$102K - $133K/yr
Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Exhibits Design, Exhibits ...
Visual Information Specialist
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$102K - $133K/yr
Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Exhibits Design, Exhibits ...
Visual Information Specialist
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$102K - $133K/yr
Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Exhibits Design, Exhibits ...
Visual Information Specialist
Washington, DC · On-site +1
$102K - $133K/yr
Summary The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Exhibits Design, Exhibits ...
Gift Officer IS-1001-13
$121K - $150K/yr
The Smithsonian, which is the world's largest museum complex, welcomes twenty to thirty million visitors yearly. For more information about the National Museum of Asian Art, please visit asia.si.edu ...
Quick apply
Gift Officer IS-1001-13
$121K - $150K/yr
The Smithsonian, which is the world's largest museum complex, welcomes twenty to thirty million visitors yearly. For more information about the National Museum of Asian Art, please visit asia.si.edu ...
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian's unique complex and is one of the ...
Quick apply
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian's unique complex and is one of the ...
Education Program Specialist, IS-1720-09
Washington, DC · On-site
$70K - $91K/yr
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian's unique complex and is one of the ...
Quick apply
Education Program Specialist, IS-1720-09
Washington, DC · On-site
$70K - $91K/yr
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian's unique complex and is one of the ...
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian's unique complex and is one of the ...
Quick apply
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) is part of the Smithsonian's unique complex and is one of the ...
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
Quick apply
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
... for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). Conditions of ...
Curator of Exhibits, WY State Museum 2026-02022
Cheyenne, WY · On-site
$29.76/hr
On average, the museum serves more than 70,000 individuals through its general visitation and ... Ensure galleries and exhibits conform to Smithsonian accessibility standards. * Stay up to date on ...
New
Curator of Exhibits, WY State Museum 2026-02022
Cheyenne, WY · On-site
$29.76/hr
On average, the museum serves more than 70,000 individuals through its general visitation and ... Ensure galleries and exhibits conform to Smithsonian accessibility standards. * Stay up to date on ...
New
Smithsonian Museum information
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$12.98 - $13.55
1% of jobs
$13.55 - $14.12
20% of jobs
$14.19 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.12 - $14.69
32% of jobs
$15.09 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$14.69 - $15.25
32% of jobs
$15.25 - $15.82
4% of jobs
$15.82 - $16.39
1% of jobs
$16.39 - $16.96
0% of jobs
$16.96 - $17.53
0% of jobs
$17.53 - $18.09
0% of jobs
$18.09 - $18.66
1% of jobs
$18.66 - $19.23
9% of jobs
$12
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How much do smithsonian museum jobs pay per hour?
What is a Smithsonian Museum?
A Smithsonian Museum job refers to a position within the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum, education, and research complex. Jobs range from curators and researchers to educators, conservators, and administrative staff. Employees work to preserve history, conduct research, and engage the public through exhibitions and educational programs. Opportunities exist across various museums, research centers, and cultural institutions under the Smithsonian umbrella.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Smithsonian Museum position, and why are they important?
To thrive in a Smithsonian Museum role, candidates typically need expertise in museum studies, history, art, science, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or professional experience. Familiarity with collection management systems, digital cataloguing tools, and sometimes specialized certifications in conservation or education is advantageous. Strong interpersonal communication, public speaking, and organizational skills are vital for engaging visitors and collaborating with colleagues. These abilities are essential for ensuring successful operations, public programming, and preservation of the museum’s collections.
What are the typical responsibilities of a professional working at the Smithsonian Museum?
Professionals at the Smithsonian Museum may handle a wide range of responsibilities, including curating exhibits, conducting research, managing collections, developing educational programs, or guiding visitors. Depending on the specific position, you might work closely with educators, conservators, or other museum staff to create engaging experiences for diverse audiences. Teamwork is essential, as many projects require collaboration across departments to maintain the highest standards for stewardship and public engagement. This dynamic environment offers opportunities to deepen your expertise while making a meaningful impact on public appreciation of history, art, and culture.
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Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement
Posted 27 days ago
Smithsonian Institution rating
8.6
Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
2nd of 29 rated museums
Job description
CLOSING DATE: August 20, 2026
Non-Sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Open to all qualified applicants
What are Trust Fund Positions?
- 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.
As one of the world's most respected cultural, historical, and scientific institutions, the Smithsonian offers an exceptional opportunity to contribute to research, discovery, education, preservation, and public service on a national and global scale. This includes advancing the Institution's mission across fields such as aerospace, astronomy, space science, history, culture, and the humanities, reflected in the work of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO), the National Air and Space Museum, and the Institution's many museums, research centers, and collections.
This position is full-time and is based in Washington, DC, with recurring travel to Cambridge, MA in support of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO).
- Manages the SAO and SI export control process, provides day-to-day export and import operations and compliance oversight, mitigates risks, maintains records, and conducts compliance and program effectiveness assessments.
- Implements, administers, and audits policies and procedures at SAO and SI for all export and import control matters, including such tasks as:
- Interpreting ITAR, EAR, and FTR;
- Establishing Project Technology Control Plans;
- Determining the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN);
- Determining licensing exceptions or requirements;
- Screening end-users, end-use, and countries for exported technology;
- Screens contractors, visitors, and foreign nationals seeking access to controlled facilities within the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) and Smithsonian Institution (SI) to ensure compliance with applicable export control regulations, security requirements, and institutional policies.
- Evaluates and provides guidance on international travel requirements, including travel involving embargoed, sanctioned, or otherwise restricted countries, to ensure compliance with U.S. export control and trade regulations.
- Collaborates with SAO and SI Shipping and Receiving Offices to support transportation management activities related to export control compliance, including the shipment and receipt of goods, freight coordination, carrier and rate management, and the movement of export-controlled commodities and equipment.
- Implements SI's compliance program ensuring all units are in compliance with the applicable export control laws and regulations that pertain to the conduct of its research and other activities, including the EAR, ITAR, and the Foreign Trade Regulations [FTR] as well as to improve compliance with technology restrictions on foreign national employees and visitors, license management, compliance determination and screening, IT and physical security, training, and documentation.
- Develops and conducts training programs on export regulations and compliance, EAR and ITAR regulations, foreign national issues related to international travel, and related issues, including travel to proscribed and sanctioned countries.
- Aids in transportation management functions relating to SI export control initiatives such as shipping, receiving, freight traffic/rates, and commodities.
- Maintains and updates the Smithsonian Directive on a SI-wide export compliance policy that ensures SI compliance with federal export control laws, regulations, and policies.
- Continuously updates a SI-wide export compliance implementation plan.
- Coordinates closely with key internal stakeholder offices, including the Office of Global Affairs, the Office of General Counsel, the Office of Sponsored Projects, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and other SI Units.
- Performs other related duties, as assigned.
Qualifying experience includes:
Extensive knowledge and understanding of the following:
- U.S. State Department's International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR);
- U.S. Department of Commerce's Export Administration Regulations (EAR);
- U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requirements; and Foreign Trade Regulations [FTR], Import and Export Clearance Regulations, International Shipping Logistics and Regulations, Loading Regulations, and Freight Classifications.
- Possesses an ITAR/EAR or Trade Compliance certification, has completed a relevant course of study in export controls or trade compliance, or is recognized by the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) as a qualified export controls expert.
- Experience in preparing export control licenses, executing technical assistance and non-disclosure agreements, and familiarity with export licensing determinations.
- Expert knowledge of and relevant experience in export control compliance in a research environment at a non-profit organization or at an institution of higher education.
- Demonstrated knowledge of scientific instruments and technologies used in national and international space- and ground-based telescope programs or possesses broad and adaptable technical expertise sufficient to advise researchers on the export control implications of project technologies, technical data, deliverables, presentations, publications, collaborations, and personnel activities.
- Knowledge of Department of State and Immigration and Naturalization Service requirements as they apply to foreign nationals. Familiarity with the fundamentals and processing of visas and petition for visas to ascertain reason and purpose of foreign national visitors.
- Demonstrated ability to obtain cooperation from technical and programmatic staff in compliance responsibilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills sufficient to prepare written guidance and decisions; to tactfully explain and defend decisions to project personnel, sponsors, and higher-level reviewing officials; and to give oral presentations to staff who require information on export control matters.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in developing policies, procedures, and training; managing compliance programs; and ability to prioritize, plan, analyze, and execute multiple and complex export control related activities as well as work independently with minimal oversight or direction while meeting deadlines.
- Excellent customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to interact effectively, tactfully, and diplomatically with individuals from diverse backgrounds and organizational levels. Proven ability to apply negotiation, collaboration, and facilitation techniques to lead discussions, build consensus, resolve complex issues, and foster productive working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to understand and evaluate the technical aspects of complex research programs and projects, with sufficient depth of knowledge to advise researchers on the export control compliance implications of technologies, technical data, deliverables, presentations, publications, collaborations, and personnel involved in project activities.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively at all levels in an organization and as a team member including relationships with employees and project officials within SI and with external contacts.
- Knowledge of information systems, including database development and maintenance.
- Proficiency in the use of personal computers and standard business software applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, as well as web-based systems and internet browsers. Demonstrated ability to effectively utilize technology to manage information, analyze data, prepare reports, and support daily business operations.
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact PrescottS@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.
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About Smithsonian Institution
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Museums and historical sites
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Washington, DC, US
Year founded
1846