Come for the collections and content, consider DMV can be a expensive place to live - Team Lead Smithsonian Employee Review

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.

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

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