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

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. The Museum recently celebrated its 150th anniversary and completed a strategic plan focused on encouraging a love for nature, levering science and collections for conservation, and using our own voice to be here for nature.

The Botany Department at the San Diego Natural History Museum has an opening for a part-time, temporary Botany Intern.

Jacob’s Center of Science and Conservation DeBeer STEM Internship Program:  

The Nat is excited to offer this unique opportunity through the JCSC DeBeer STEM Intern Program for students or early professionals. 

This immersive program provides hands-on training and mentorship in the curation, imaging, databasing, and research of natural history collections. Interns will gain vital skills that support future career pathways in biological research, academia, and environmental consulting.  

BOTANY DEPARTMENT PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The intern will learn the steps from acquiring herbarium specimens through filing them into the collection. Interns will learn how to mount/prepare, accession, database, image, and file scientific specimens into the herbarium collection. Skills in pest management, taxonomic curation, and herbarium good practices will also be gained. Plus, depending upon the experience of the apprentice, the Curator may conduct specific collections-based research work with the successful candidate. Interns will receive daily instruction, guidance, and follow-up for all tasks assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• Interest in botany, natural history, and specimen collections research 
• Strong communication skills with attention to detail 
• Organizational skills 
• Technology skills 

Eligibility: 

Open to Biology/Botany/Museum-studies students or professionals, especially those looking to learn or build skills in collection management and curation. 

Time Commitment:

• Hours: Up to 225 hours total on site, flexible schedule. 
• Term: Starting August 2026 for a maximum of 6 months 

Pay: $20/hour. 

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Learn more about the Museum’s benefits here.