Museum Technician; Natural Science

Position: Museum Technician (Natural Science) IS-1016-07

Museum Technician (Natural Science) IS-1016-07

Final date to receive applications: 21 May 2026

Department: National Museum of Natural History

Employment type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC (or Suitland, MD)

Compensation: $57,736 - $75,059 / year

Position type: Trust Fund

Appointment type: Temporary, not to exceed one year (may be further extended based on performance and availability of funds)

Schedule: Full Time

OVERVIEW

Join a dedicated and creative team at the National Museum of Natural History. The mission is to promote understanding of the natural world. This position will be filled in the departments of Botany or Entomology, handling the collection of natural history specimens.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with natural history collections management tasks in the botanical or entomological collections, such as:
• Mounting, preparation, and sorting specimens using departmental standards and procedures.
• Participating in physical care projects for collections, including registration records in storage locations.
• Ensuring projects result in properly documented, prepared, catalogued, curated, maintained, and accessible collections.
• Incorporating specimens into research collections or holding areas and maintaining orderly arrangement.
• Creating accurate labels following departmental standards.
• Re-curating sections by re‑labeling, reorganizing, decompressing, or replacing storage containers as needed.
• Assist in digitization, data entry, and maintenance of natural history collections and specimen data, such as:
• Compiling, checking, verifying, and maintaining data records from source materials.
• Tracking data through management process, proofreading, and generating technical data.
• Working under guidance of subject‑matter experts using digitization techniques including cameras, scanners, and image editing software.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Education and experience: One full academic year of related graduate level education or a bachelor’s degree with superior achievement plus 3‑5 years of related experience, or equivalent combination.
• Knowledge and skill in best practices for managing and preserving biological research, with specialized experience in Botany or Entomology.
• Ability to physically handle and work with natural history museum specimens.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with museum personnel.
• Knowledge of techniques for processing and digitizing data related to natural history collections, including taxonomic, cultural, geologic, and geographic classifications.
• Proficiency in entering digital data into a relational database associated with natural history collections.
• Ability to operate digitization equipment including digital cameras and scanners, and to use image editing software.
• Team‑working skills.

BENEFITS

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Transit/Commuter Benefits
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Family Friendly Leave
• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants
• Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

• Pass Background Check and Investigation.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a bank account for Direct Deposit.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of closing date.

EEO AND ACCOMMODATION STATEMENTS

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact NMNHStaffing.

For more information on Accommodation Procedures, please refer to Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures:

Individuals with Disabilities.

#J-18808-Ljbffr