What are perks and other benefits like at Smithsonian?

-The people are (for the most part) really cool and care a lot about what they do -The collections themselves are incredible

The Smithsonian's dependence on contract labor turns what could be incredible jobs and a positive working environment into one where everyone wants to leave, especially those who work for the Natural History Museum, for some reason. When an employee leaves, they are usually replaced by a contractor, who can't fulfill all the same duties as an employee, and those duties are shifted onto other employees, making them more likely to seek employment elsewhere. I've seen this cycle many times in my years of contracting. Also, contracting is tough because of the lack of benefits and job security.

Great mission. Strong benefits including health insurance and 403b contribution. Many people stick around for 5, 10, 15+ years.

Things are sometimes slow due to bureaucracy.

Good benefits and culture. Easygoing environment.

Government bureaucracy and red tape.

Good benefits and bear transit

Not very diverse or advancement

Great work, decent benefits, very fulfilling

Long hours and very administrative at times

Metro benefits, flexible schedule, overall easy job.

Too much political correctness in the organization and too many Democrats.

Everyone is very nice the government benefits are pretty good

Current administration (2025) is creating anxiety Depending on your department and supervisor, you're experience might be bad

Great museum benefits, resume name recognition

Salary, staff discontent, managers who are dictators vs. treating you respectfully. Your experience really depends on what department you work for, and there are so many you will never know until you are in the job.

Smithsonian has pretty good benefits

Smithsonian is understaffed and not modern

I can genuinely say I have nothing to good to relate about working here.

This is an institution that is falling apart. There is high turnover, the pay and benefits are terrible, very little transparency in decision making, and an extremely toxic culture of fear. Institutional policies are weaponized for personal vendettas, and completely ignored when it comes to employee rights. This all results in high levels of anxiety, incompetence, fear, and aggression among staff. Administration has also pushed a heavy anti-union/union busting regime against Trust employees. This is coupled with deplorable attacks on academic freedom. Be warned, academic freedom does not exist at the Smithsonian Institution. Research is only acceptable for work that aligns with the interest of donors and upper management. My recommendation for anyone coming to Smithsonian for a research based position: RUN!