Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellowship position in the Department of Paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM). The James R. Colclough Paleontology Postdoctoral Fellowship supports research in Cenozoic mammalian paleontology and taphonomy. The Fellowship was created to honor the memory of James R. Colclough, longtime volunteer in the Department of Paleontology, and is funded by the James R. Colclough Paleontology Endowment.

Objective:

The Fellowship is designed to advance the academic and professional training of the next generation of vertebrate paleontologists and taphonomists by providing them with the funding and facilities to pursue specific, time-limited research projects in association with Museum scientists and utilizing vertebrate fossil specimens and data housed in the SDNHM Department of Paleontology.

Responsibilities:

Duties will include conducting original research in Cenozoic mammalian paleontology and taphonomy, providing research assistance to the Curator of Paleontology, and introducing new technologies and analytical methods into the Museum setting. Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to be in residence at SDNHM full time and actively engaged in the SDNHM community. The position will include opportunities for interactions with colleagues at nearby San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, and University of San Diego.

Qualifications:

To be considered for this position, applicants must have received a PhD degree within the past six (6) years. Soon-to-graduate PhDs may apply, but all formal requirements for a PhD must be completed before the start of the appointment.

This is a full-time, position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, reciprocal free admission to all of Balboa Park’s museums, as well as to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Compensation:

Annual compensation is $64,480, plus fringe benefits. Supplemental research funds also may be available. Appointments will typically be made for two years contingent on satisfactory progress in year one.

Starting Date:

May 1, 2024 (an earlier start date is possible)

To APPLY:

Applicants should submit a cover letter (1-2 pages), a succinct statement (~700 words) detailing current work and research interests, an up to date curriculum vitae, a list of any publications, and the names and contact information for two professional references.

Please submit materials to tdemere@sdnhm.org by December 22, 2023.

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

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking a Science Communications Manager who will bolster our mission to preserve nature and biodiversity in this amazing place we call home.

This position is part of our strategic plan to serve as a leader in regional conservation. The role will help raise awareness of the museum’s research, programs, and mission to connect people with nature in our region. This person will work across many communication channels, with a primary focus on PR, social media, and blog/website.

Part publicist, part marketing strategist, part science writer, the Science Communications Manager will manage media announcements around scientific discoveries, educational programs, and exhibit openings; develop social media campaigns centered around research, collections, community science, and nature phenomena; and develop and implement marketing plans for science-centric programs and events.

This is a mid-level role that is a key part of the museum’s content/PR team.

Your Day-to-Day Work

• Assist with development of annual content strategy and identify opportunities for museum-wide communications campaigns and news stories.
• Take complex concepts and develop them into accessible and compelling stories across a variety of media and platforms, including but not limited to blogs, web pages, enewsletters, social media posts, videos, and media pitches.
• Generate media coverage for the museum’s research, programs, and exhibits by developing and maintaining strong working relationships with key science and lifestyle reporters, writing press materials, pitching media, and serving as a media liaison.
• Write and project-manage an email newsletter focused on outdoor programs and science news.
• Plan and execute communications and marketing plans for outdoor programs and science events like the City Nature Challenge, Canyoneer hikes, and the State of Biodiversity Symposium.
• Serve as a key part of the Museum’s editorial team; assist with writing institutional materials like brochures and annual report stories and help copy edit materials written by other departments (fundraising appeals, exhibit scripts, etc.).  
• Occasionally report from the field with our scientists to tell unique stories about our research and to gather multimedia (photos and video footage) for various uses.
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and report on multiple projects, often under tight time constraints.
• Other projects as assigned/required.

What You Bring

You’ll need to be adept at taking complex scientific concepts and making them accessible to diverse audiences with varying levels of knowledge about natural history. You’ll love to dig deep, ask questions, look past the obvious, and find new ways to engage and connect with people and stimulate their curiosity, because that’s at the core of what we do. You’ll be a science pro with great communications chops, or a fabulous communicator/marketer with a robust understanding of science.

• Superior creative writing and storytelling skills, with a mastery of AP style; demonstrated success in writing materials that are equally compelling in long formats (e.g. a press release or blog) as they are in short formats (e.g. an Instagram post or short video).
• 2+ years of experience in science communications, environmental education, outreach, or a related field preferred. 
• Knowledge of our region’s unique biodiversity, wildlife conservation, and local environmental organizations.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms, trends, and opportunities.
• Experience developing and publishing web content using CMS systems and email marketing platforms; UI/UX knowledge and video editing experience a plus. Adept at Microsoft Office suite.
  • Collegial and able to communicate clearly, concisely, and diplomatically in written and spoken language with a wide range of people.
  • Able to prioritize, manage-up, and adhere to deadlines and keep track of multiple projects simultaneously, toggling between big picture strategic work and smaller projects with quick turnarounds.  
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred (e.g., B.S. in biology, environmental science, or geological sciences, or B.A. in communications, journalism, or marketing), or equivalent experience
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus in order to connect with our region’s diverse communities and our numerous colleagues on the Baja California Peninsula.

The Science Communications Manager will report to the Senior Director of Communications & Exhibits, collaborate closely with the Digital Communications Manager, and liaise with many internal departments, including Research, Education and Engagement, and Philanthropy.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 14 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more. Salary starts at $27/hour ($56,160 annually), commensurate with experience.

Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample that highlights relevant skills to rhandelsman@sdnhm.org.

A little more about us.

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. Having recently completed a strategic plan, The Nat is looking forward to an exciting new era as it approaches its 150th anniversary. We are evermore focused on innovative audience engagement and a strengthened role in conservation.

Founded as—and still officially named—the San Diego Society of Natural History, our organization traces its roots to an enthusiastic group of amateur naturalists who came together in 1874 to study the unique flora and fauna of our region. Now known as the San Diego Natural History Museum (and affectionately referred to as The Nat), the organization focuses on the natural history and unique biodiversity of our binational region of southern California and the Baja Peninsula. The Nat has more than eight million specimens, a $12M annual budget, 170 employees, and welcomes nearly 300,000 people to the Museum each year. In addition to our location in Balboa Park, The Nat hosts environmental education programs in the community, and we are engaged in scientific research throughout Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula. 

While many people know The Nat as a flagship institution in Balboa Park, we are much bigger than our building. The world we live in is an amazing place. We want everyone to understand it better, enjoy it more, and love it as much as we do, so we’ll all protect it for the future. Because we believe that nature is the biggest exhibition of all. For more information, please visit: sdnat.org.

As a member of the executive team, the VP of Conservation and Science will report to CEO, Judy Gradwohl, who joined the Museum in July 2016 as the organization’s first woman president and CEO, following more than 30 years at the Smithsonian Institution. Judy’s passion for and wide range of experience in natural history research, science communication, and museum management has taken the organization to new heights. Under her leadership, the Museum developed a new strategic plan focused on regional science, collections, education, and conservation. Culture is everything at The Nat, where we work hard to create an environment that gives team members a voice in the strategic direction of the institution. We celebrate innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and collaboration, without ever losing our sense of humor and camaraderie. The VP will join a convivial and dedicated Science department of 55 exceptionally talented staff, working collaboratively to help shape The Nat’s future as we head into our 150^th anniversary next year.

• Salary: $120,000 - $135,000.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health, Dependent and Transit.
• Life Insurance for annual salary up to $150,000.
• AD&D and Long-Term Disability.
• 401K with match.
• PTO: 10 paid days off, 10 paid sick days, 15 paid holidays.
• Park employee discounts at stores, coffee carts, and restaurants.
• Free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums and the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
• For more information on The Nat’s benefits please visit: https://www.sdnat.org/about-us/employment/why-work-here

This role will need to work primarily on-site in Balboa Park, there is some flexibility for remote work. Because the mission region includes Mexico travel to the Baja Peninsula or mainland Mexico will be required.

Our leadership team took the opportunity to reimagine the VP of Conservation & Science position, significantly expanding the scope to focus on broader organizational development and scientific advancement. The new VP will focus in 5 critical areas:

1. Leadership: refine and drive the Science Department’s mission, research, conservation activities, operations and business strategy. Oversee collections policy and ensure the quality and integrity of research.
2. Advocacy: serve as an ambassador, spokesperson and subject matter expert for The Nat through panels, public speaking, accompanying and leading tours and stewardship events, and through publishing research, white papers and position pieces.
3. Convene: develop and expand the Museum’s ability to serve as a recognized leader in the field of science and conservation.
4. Advancement: support efforts to expand and diversify revenue through grants, contracts, and other new and innovative sources, including our extremely successful Paleo Sciences and Bio Sciences divisions.
5. Management: coach, mentor, and develop the Science Department team working in the Museum and in the field on both sides of the Border.

As a member of the executive team, the VP of Conservation & Science will report to the CEO and serve as head of our Conservation and Science Division They will have wide latitude to shape their role, including strategy and tactics in the areas listed above, as well as integrating science and conservation across Museum activities, and developing the overall culture across the organization. The VP will also oversee The Nat’s business services division, which includes our well-established Paleo Services and Bio Services, with a combined budget of nearly $3M annually.

What does success look like for the new VP of Conservation & Science? Looking out over a 3–5-year time horizon, we would envisage the following achievements:

1. Vision: play a key role in the creation of a Natural History Museum that remains extremely relevant now, and into the future; establish The Nat as the leading authority in all areas of conservation science and biodiversity in the San Diego-Baja California region.
2. Strategy: create a strategic plan for The Nat’s Research Department, as well as individual plans for the Paleo Services, Bio Services, and other potential new businesses added to our portfolio.
3. Talent: lead a proactive succession planning strategy to prepare the department ahead of future retirements and enable us to attract and retain talented and diverse new team members.
4. Advancement: grow and diversify The Nat’s consulting practices/business services, identifying other potential earned revenue opportunities to support our research agenda, including NSF funding and other grant sources.
5. Leadership: ensure that the Conservation and Science division is well-integrated into the Museum as a whole, and significantly contributes to the well-being and functioning of the Museum and its full range of staff.

• Develop and manage a $3.5M annual budget, comprised of grant-funded and fee-for-service revenue.
• Serve as a conservation and scientific spokesperson, speaking to current and potential partners, the Board of Directors, elected officials, donors, media, and other Museum stakeholders.
• Participate in the Museum’s overall strategy planning, policy and advocacy activities, priority setting, and budget development.
• Serve as an ambassador from the department to the rest of the Museum.
• Monitor relevant scientific literature and conservation activities to ensure the Museum remains up-to-date with current trends and findings in the field.

• Demonstrated experience successfully leading a scientific research or science-based conservation organization. Ideally has experience working with natural history research and collections, and field studies.
• Familiarity with scientific contracting or consulting work.
• Strong leadership and business skills with an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to develop strategy, multi-task, motivate, set objectives, and manage the performance of a multi-disciplinary science and conservation staff.
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, staff, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including experience with major donors, foundations, corporations, and government funders, and ability to identify new funding streams.
• Committed to the Museum’s mission, maintaining perspective, a professional demeanor, and a sense of humor.  
• An advanced degree in natural sciences, biological conservation or a related field.  A Ph.D. is preferred, but not required.
• Spanish-speaking is a plus.

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.

Sarah Thompson, Director, Blair Search Partners
1855 1st Avenue, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101
sarah@blairsearchpartners.com

Position Summary:
The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Department of Conservation Biology.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will contribute to two related initiatives: (1) Urban Nature Alliance, and (2) Healthy Canyons.

Urban Nature Alliance– Los Angeles, the Bay Area, and San Diego are California’s major urban areas. These areas also have significant amounts of urban green space which creates a major opportunity to engage communities in scientific monitoring and conservation. The Urban Nature Alliance is a network of institutions in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego that will come together to share and unite ideas and best practices for research and community engagement focused on urban biodiversity.

Healthy Canyons– San Diego canyons are a primary type of greenspace throughout the county and provide important benefits for people and nature. This project aims to conduct multidisciplinary biological surveys to determine the current state of biodiversity in canyons, engage local communities to build conservation capacity and connect people with nature, increase the accessibility of data on canyons to researchers, decision makers, and local communities, and contribute to urban greenspace conservation policy and action.

The Postdoctoral Researcher will lead the Urban Nature Alliance and work closely with the Research Project Manager to coordinate the Healthy Canyons Initiative. They will collaborate closely with external partners and The Nat’s science and education staff.

Location:
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be based at The Nat in San Diego and work under the supervision of the Director of Conservation Biology. There is some flexibility for remote work. The position will involve some travel within California.

Responsibilities:
• Organize and lead quarterly Urban Nature Alliance meetings.
• Make significant contributions to Urban Nature Alliance goal development and tracking.
• Lead communications with Urban Nature Alliance partners.
• Develop and conduct research compatible with the goals of the Urban Nature Alliance and/or Healthy Canyons Initiative.
• In collaboration with the Research Project Manager, lead biological and/or socio-ecological surveys in San Diego urban greenspaces.
• Develop and conduct outreach efforts.
• Spearhead the dissemination of results to a diverse range of audiences.
• Lead data management, assuring reproducibility and open data practices.
• Lead manuscript and technical document writing, data analysis, and visualization.
• Mentor student interns.

Qualifications:
• A PhD degree obtained within the past six years focused on Ecology, Evolution (especially in Urban systems), Conservation, Environmental Studies, Environmental GIS , Environmental Justice, Human Dimensions of Conservation or a related biology or social science field. Soon-to-graduate PhDs may apply, but all formal requirements for a PhD must be completed before the start of the appointment.
• Demonstration of excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstration of excellent organizational and project management skills
• Experience working with local communities and other stakeholders (e.g., land managers, policy makers), especially in relation to research and conservation projects.
• Ability to lead collaborative efforts.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is not a requirement but is preferred.
• In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits:
Annual compensation is $66,560.

The appointment will be made for three years contingent on satisfactory progress in year one.

This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, reciprocal free admission to all of Balboa Park’s museums, as well as to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

To apply:
Applicants should submit a cover letter (1-2 pages), research statement (1-2 pages) detailing current work and research interests, curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and the names and contact information for three professional references.

Please submit materials to hr@sdnhm.org.

Position summary:

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) is seeking a Research Project Manager to join the Department of Conservation Biology.

The Research Project Manager will primarily work on the Nat’s Healthy Canyons initiative. However, there may also be opportunities to contribute to another related initiative, the Urban Nature Alliance.

Healthy Canyons– San Diego canyons are a primary type of greenspace throughout the county and provide important benefits for people and nature. This project aims to conduct multidisciplinary biological surveys to determine the current state of biodiversity in canyons, engage local communities to build conservation capacity and connect people with nature, increase the accessibility of data on canyons to researchers, decision makers, and local communities, and contribute to urban greenspace conservation policy and action.

Urban Nature Alliance– Los Angeles, the Bay Area , and San Diego are California’s major urban areas. These areas also have significant amounts of urban green space which creates a major opportunity to engage communities in scientific monitoring and conservation of local green spaces. The Urban Nature Alliance is a network of institutions in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego that come together to share and unite ideas and best practices for research and community engagement focused on urban biodiversity.

The Research Project Manager will be based at The Nat in San Diego and report to the Director of Conservation Biology. They will collaborate closely with external partners and The Nat’s science and education staff. The position will involve some travel within California.

Responsibilities:
• Manage relationships with partners and community groups and help establish new partnerships that advance project goals.
• In collaboration with the Postdoctoral Researcher and museum scientists, co-lead surveys of flora and fauna in urban greenspaces.
• In collaboration with the Community Engagement Manager, develop and conduct community outreach efforts.
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings.
• Provide project-related logistics and administrative support.
• Coordinate volunteers and student interns.
• Support dissemination of results to a diverse range of audiences.
• Track and report on progress of project goals.
• Track project budget.
• Responsible for data management and data quality reviews.
• Contribute to data analysis and visualization.
• Contribute to writing and preparation of manuscripts and technical documents.

Qualifications :
• A Bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience or a Master’s degree focused on Ecology, Evolution, Conservation, Environmental Justice, Environmental Studies, Environmental Social Science, Environmental GIS or a related field.
• Experience working with stakeholders and local communities.
• Demonstration of excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstration of excellent organizational skills.
• Knowledge of California or Southwestern flora and/or fauna preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish) is not a requirement but is preferred.
• In compliance with the San Diego Natural History Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.

Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation is $25/hour.

This is a three-year term position.

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, reciprocal free admission to all of Balboa Park’s museums, as well as to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

To APPLY:
Applicants should submit a cover letter (1-2 pages), curriculum vitae/resume, a writing sample, and the names and contact information for three professional references.

Please submit materials to hr@sdnhm.org.