Worst employer ever; a new low - Visitor Services Smithsonian Employee Review

1.0
3 Aug 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

No pros in reality. I have nothing positive to say; except that I no longer work here.

Cons

Long hours in summer/ short or no hours in winter. Minimal pay.; no benefits until a certain number of hours is accrued ( and they make certain that that takes 3-4 years to occur) Incompetent , lazy,management; that treats employees with suspicion. HR is a joke. Little or no chance for promotion or job growth unless you meet the right "demographics" (under 30; preferably not a minority; or with a disability). Only bearable if you are a teen as a summer job that never makes it on your resume. You rarely even see an animal.

Explore other reviews about Smithsonian

5.0
8 June 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
6 June 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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