Student Museum Assistant I _Off-Campus FWS

The George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Federal Work Study

Job summary

The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History seeks a Q?rius Open Hours Assistant (Off-Campus FWS) to help facilitate public programs during open hours. You will assist on the floor, help with setup and cleanup, and engage visitors of all ages in exhibits and activities.

This entry-level role offers training, requires a Federal Work Study award, and supports weekend shifts (Fri-Sat 12:00 PM–4:30 PM). Background in science or education is preferred.

Qualifications

• Entry level position; all training will be provided.
• Preferred: interest in science and natural history; enthusiasm to work with people of all ages; good oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist during open hours in Q?rius; help with set-up and clean-up; interact with visitors on floor.
• Support educational activities and respond to inquiries to enhance visitor experience.

Skills

Oral communication

Interpersonal skills

Interest in science

Job description

Positions may close unexpectedly if they reach a high number of applicants. It is in your best interest to apply promptly to any positions that interest you.

If this position title includes the label On-Campus FWS or Off-Campus FWS, it is for students with a Federal Work Study (FWS) award for the current school year ONLY. Applicants to these positions will be required to verify this by attaching their FWS Program Student Statement as a required document. Do not apply unless you meet this criterion.

Position Title

Level of Support

Level of Support Student Support I

Position Type

Position Type Off-Campus FWS

Number of Openings

Number of Openings 3

Work Hours

Wage Per Hour

Wage Per Hour 18.40

Division/School

Division/School Division/School

Department Name

Department Name Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Department Bio

Our Mission: Understanding the natural world and our place in it.
Our Vision: A future-facing Smithsonian museum that confronts the big questions in nature, science, and society.

Position Specific Summary

Q?rius Open Hours Assistant — Are you looking to gain science communication experience? Join the Q?rius Programs team and help facilitate natural history learning experiences for audiences of all ages! Work-study students will aid in the facilitation of public open hours in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center. During open hours, Q?rius is open to the public and offers a variety of activities such as a play area, Collection Zone exploration, and self-guided activities covering topics like geology and anthropology. Students will assist with set-up, clean-up, and will be on the floor interacting with visitors during the open hours. Shifts are available Fri-Sat from 12:00pm-4:30pm. Alternate hours may be requested for special events. For more information about Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center, visit: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/exhibits/qrius-coralyn-w-whitney-science-education-center.

Standard Position Description

The student will assist with administrative and logistical operations in a Museum or Gallery. asks may include: preparation of exhibit installations, assisting with preliminary research for exhibitions, assist in editing and formatting documents, general maintenance of exhibit space, welcoming guest and explaining exhibits, and office administrative functions. Special projects or other duties may be assigned related to specific departmental needs.

Professional Outcomes

Required Qualifications

This is an entry level position, little to no experience required, all training will be provided.

Preferred Qualifications

Interest in science/natural history; enthusiasm to work with people of all ages; good oral communication skills; available 2 days (Fri-Sat) a week 12:00PM-4:30PM.

Background in education, anthropology, forensics, biology, geology, marine science,environmental studies or theater preferred.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/08/2026

Job Close Date

Job Close Date 11/20/2026

Campus Location

Campus Location Off-Campus FWS Partner - DC Location

Work Type Designation

Work Type Designation In-Person

Special Instructions Summary

EEO Statement

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action ( EEO /AA) employer committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory, harassment–free, diverse work and education environment. The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law in any of its programs, activities, or employment practices.

For more information on this policy and its purpose, please read the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement .

The student employee will: Off-Campus FWS position or a position with an external community partner - May or may not require a background check or work clearances external to GW.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you have a Federal Work Study (FWS) offer for the current school year? FWS positions require a FWS offer from the Office of Student Financial Aid. Please do not apply for FWS positions if you have not been offered a FWS award.
  • Yes
  • No

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• FWS Program Student Statement (Only Attach the Official Document)

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter