Small Units need more Oversight. - Anonymous employee Smithsonian Employee Review

3.0
Dec 8, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Huge, well respected institution. Very competitive salaries and great benefits. You can accrue a generous amount of leave in your account annually. Improvements have been made for making flex time and remote work available.

Cons

Processes for communication and documentation are uneven across the institution. Some areas are very up-to-date on technology, some are antiquated and still stuck in using paper and pencil forms. If you work in a smaller unit with fewer levels of management and experience consistent problems with your supervisor or senior staff, it can be very difficult to effect change because you'd have to go outside the unit/museum and way over your director's head to effect any change.

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5.0
Jun 8, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

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

Cons

Things are sometimes slow due to bureaucracy.

4.0
Jun 6, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

There is a strong community and network in museum and natural science collections and support.

Cons

Working conditions have a standard of museum environment settings, not ideal for those that desire to be outside all day.

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