Retail Floor Supervisor

Smithsonian; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Smithsonian in Washington, DC is seeking a Retail Floor Supervisor to assist the Area Manager in delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving sales, and ensuring optimal appearance and operation of the flagship store.

You will lead floor staff, manage daily tasks, coordinate coverage, handle cash processes, and support museum events while maintaining high standards of service, merchandising, and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 1–3 years related experience.
• High-volume retail or similar industry experience required.
• Cash management experience.
• Merchandising, inventory control, and loss prevention experience.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, and travel between business units as needed (evening, weekend, and holiday availability required).

Responsibilities

• Drive sales through strong merchandising and customer service.
• Lead by example, coach in the moment and provide real time feedback.
• Open/close the store and perform cash control operations.
• Maintain stock levels, signage and shop cleanliness.
• Lead retail team in Area Manager's absence and manage schedules.
• Train new retail associates and guide staff.
• Resolve visitor issues and escalate complex cases to management.
• Support inventory procedures and merchandising standards.
• Assist with museum events and daily operations.
• Operate POS and ticketing systems and report issues.

Skills

Cash management

Merchandising & inventory

Customer service

Crowd control

Communication skills

Flexible schedule

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Retail Floor Supervisor

Application Deadline: 5 October 2026

Department: Smithsonian Enterprises

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting To: Area Manager

Compensation: $50,000 / year

Description

OPEN DATE: September 29, 2026

CLOSING DATE: October 5, 2026

POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund

APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite

SCHEDULE: Full Time

DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC

Multiple vacancies may be hired from this announcement

Position sensitivity and risk: Low

Who May Apply: Unit Only

What are Trust Fund Positions?

Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).

Conditions of Employment

• Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated.
• Complete a Probationary Period.
• Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
• The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
• Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.

OVERVIEW

The Floor Supervisor assists the Area Manager with the operation of the business unit(s) to maximize the visitor experience by ensuring SE resources are dedicated to providing excellent products, services and experiences. The Floor Supervisor is responsible for the recovery, replenishment, and housekeeping of the business unit(s) as well as assist with monitoring coverage and shifting of staff as needed to adjust to visitor flow.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists store management team with driving sales to achieve sales goals through visibility, strong merchandising acumen and outstanding customer service.
• Models and provides courteous, professional and knowledgeable service to both internal and external customers. Leads by example, coaches in the moment and provides real time feedback.
• Assists in opening and closing the store, as well as cash control operations.
• Performs basic cleaning, ensures appropriate stock levels on the sales floor, and maintains appropriate signage.
• Leads team of retail associates in absence of Area Manager to ensure sales goals are met, assignments are completed in a timely and accurate manner, and schedules are followed.
• Participates in the training of new retail associates and provides guidance and information as necessary.
• Resolves visitor complaints and special needs situations, referring those of a more complex nature to higher-level management.
• Assists Area Manager to ensure merchandise presentation standards are maintained. Ensures proper inventory control procedures are followed and assists with Physical Inventory.
• Supports a variety of museum events and activities.
• Conducts daily staff meetings in the absence of Area Manager to motivate employees and exchange information.
• Operates and maintains business unit computer systems (POS cash registers, ticketing systems), maintains supplies, and reports any technical issues.
• Monitors sales, refunds and exchanges. Conducts returns, exchanges, voids and other ancillary cash handling functions.
• Suggests improvements that will enhance the security, appearance, and profitability of the business unit location.
• Assists in processing incoming merchandise to facilitate replenishment.
• Selectee may be required to work at other museum locations as needed.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree (BS) or equivalent; or 1 to 3 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. High Volume Retail or similar industry experience required.

• Cash management experience
• Merchandising, inventory control, and loss prevention experience
• Solid track record of modeling superior customer service
• Experience with high volume crowd control
• Keen attention to detail, with solid communication skills
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, and travel between business units as needed (evening, weekend, and holiday availability required).

Ability to read and interpret Smithsonian Institution and SE Museum Store policies and procedures and understand standard retail concepts and practices. Ability to accept written and oral instructions from the Management Team. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and will be standing and walking for long periods of time.

Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.

Any false statement in your application may result in rejection of your application and may also result in termination after employment begins.

Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."

Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.

What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.

Relocation expenses are not paid.

The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To review The Smithsonian's EEO program information, please click the following: https://www.si.edu/oeo