Company Profile
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Company Overview
We seek to connect people to nature for the betterment of both. Some of the greatest challenges facing our planet stem from human disconnect from nature and a lack of science literacy. People working here are part of the solution. This is true whether you’re interpreting science with the public, stewarding collections and facilitating research, or funding and maintaining the infrastructure we use to preserve and communicate. Browse our current career opportunities and find meaningful options now.
Our core values are passion, leadership, integrity, and community. We pride ourselves on our ability to use experiential education based on accurate science to elevate important conversations and empower enthusiastic stewards of the planet.
Teamwork is part of our culture. We serve thousands of guests and curate millions of objects; nobody does that alone. When you work here, you can expect to support and be supported by colleagues in a wide variety of departments working together.
Science and nature bring us together, collaboration and inclusion makes us stronger. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, and prohibits harassment of any type and discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
We are committed to furthering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in every aspect of our work. Our administration supports the efforts of our staff JEDI team and has committed to a long-term, institution-wide course of training with Equity Praxis Group, LLC to spread understanding and build solutions throughout our organization.
The Museum and Sea Center welcome staff, volunteers, and visiting scholars regardless of race, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, or disability status. We’re dedicated to serving all parts of the global and local communities. We constantly strive to make our campuses more accessible to all. We are proud members of Museums for All and offer discounted admission to guests with a valid CalFresh SNAP EBT card. We honor our active duty military personnel and their families through the Blue Star Museums summer discount program.
Company History
Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has evolved to include more than 3.5 million specimens covering every aspect of natural history—from mammals, birds, and marine life to geology, astronomy, paleontology, and anthropology. Newly renovated in 2018, the Museum boasts state-of-the-art interactive exhibits for all ages, paired with the Central Coast’s only planetarium, on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard. Museum education programs serve all ages to promote scientific literacy and instill a passion for nature and learning.
In 1986, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History opened the Sea Center on historic Stearns Wharf to communicate the biodiversity and ecological importance of the regional ocean environment. This small aquarium and marine education facility offers guests hands-on encounters with life from the Santa Barbara Channel, including Swell Sharks, rays, sea stars, sea urchins, and anemones. On the Wet Deck, guests experiment like scientists by using oceanographic tools to sample the ocean and examine life below. Upstairs, guests can view mesmerizing jellies, Decorator Crabs, a California Two-Spot Octopus, soft corals, and other animals found in nearby waters. Life-size replicas of a Gray Whale mother and her calf preside over an unparalleled view of the coast towards East Beach, Montecito, and the spectacular Santa Ynez Mountains
Benefits
We care about you and your family, so we offer benefits to support you and your loved ones in various stages of life. Full-time employees are eligible for generous benefits including a 403(b) retirement plan and health and disability insurance. All employees (including part-timers) enjoy free confidential counseling, bus passes for commuters, and—arguably best of all—free admission to 16 other amazing places in Santa Barbara county, including Santa Barbara Zoo, Lotusland, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and our neighbors Mission Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, MOXI, and Santa Barbara Maritime Museum.