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Love nature? Then you’re going to love The Nat.
The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by local naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role over the years in regional conversation efforts. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, leveraging science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.
The Operations Manager at the San Diego Natural History Museum bolsters our mission to preserve nature and biodiversity in this amazing place we call home.Â
This mid-level position plays a key role in driving organizational change and continuous improvement, and reports directly to the CFO/COO. It provides strategic, operational and administrative support to the CFO/COO and to the departments in his division: accounting, human resources, facilities management, admissions, bar and events. This position is a true utility player that will work closely with multiple department heads on a variety of tasks and projects. It is ideal for someone who enjoys a variety of challenges, working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and who has an interest in developing a career in analysis, project management, operations management, or even accounting.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Strategic CFO/COO Support (50%)
- Perform research and analysis on a variety of operational and financial topics
- Project manage moderate scale org-wide and division level initiatives
- Assist with preparing reports and presentations
- Quarterback annual insurance audit and related requirements
Purchasing Leadership (20%)
- Support oversight of bar inventory and related accounting
- Coordinate division purchasing and invoice entry
- Coordinate purchasing of office / break-room supplies, and vending machine inventory
Facility Operations Support (20%)
- Manage Museum vehicle fleet which includes driver applications, tracking insurance, registration and maintenance, scheduling vehicle check-out, and repairs
- Manage certificates of insurance for museum vendors
- Occasionally open or close the building, support facilities operations
Other Duties as Assigned (10%)
Qualifications:
Required:
- High school degree, BS/BA strongly preferred
- 2-4+ years of operations management experience
- Must have ability to take initiative and work independently
- Developing financial and business acumen
- Ability to handle sensitive information, requiring considerable use of tact, discretion and judgment
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines
- Developing project management and organizational skills
- Developing analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
- Grit. An ability to push through challenges and uncertainty to achieve outcomes
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software
Preferred:
- Basic accounting understanding or knowledge
- Familiarity with CRM/POS and Accounting systems
- Experience working within museums, non-profits, or other cultural institutions
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by museum programming and events.
- Ability to move throughout museum facilities and event spaces.
- Prolonged periods standing and walking
- Lift and/or carry up to 75 pounds
- Move objects weighing up to 75 pounds
- Prolonged Keyboard and computer use
- Maintain a valid California driver's license Â
Pay:Â $27.50/hour
This full-time, non-exempt position is eligible for benefits such as health insurance, vacation, sick-time,15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more.
Ready to apply?
Please include a resume and cover letter in your application. No phone calls or drop-ins.
Deadline to apply is 11/13/2026.
Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site
