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Applicants must be available evenings, weekends and holidays, have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and be able to stand for long periods of time.
Zoo employees work outside under varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions – both hot and cold, will be standing and walking for long periods of time over uneven and hilly terrain, and may work in a confined and limited spaces.
Applicants must be available evenings, weekends and holidays, have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and be able to stand for long periods of time.
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.
SI
Retail Floor Supervisor
Smithsonian Institution
$45,000 - $50,000 / year
Washington, DCFull-timeOn-siteIntermediate
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Description
OPEN DATE: October 21, 2026
CLOSING DATE: November 2, 2026
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE: Indefinite
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Washington, DC
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 Post-Employment Background Investigation for position designated as Low Risk.
- 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.
Key Responsibilities
The Smithsonian National Zoo Retail Stores in Washington DC seek enthusiastic, customer-focused individuals who love animals, enjoy working with people and creating memorable guest experiences at the Smithsonian National Zoo. The Floor Supervisor supports daily retail operations by leading staff, delivering exceptional customer service, maximizing sales opportunities, and ensuring business units are well-stocked, organized, and maintained. This role also assists the Area Manager with staffing adjustments and operational oversight to meet changing visitor needs.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Assist in driving sales growth by maximizing resources, maintaining strong merchandising standards, and delivering exceptional guest service.
- Analyze retail performance metrics and share daily, weekly, and monthly results with staff. Coach new and existing team members on strategies to improve sales, memberships, and key performance indicators.
- Support the onboarding, training, and development of retail associates. Provide leadership and guidance to ensure tasks are completed accurately and on schedule.
- Deliver ongoing coaching and real-time feedback on sales, customer service, cash handling, and inventory practices. Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and integrity.
- Maintain a visible presence on the sales floor by supporting staff, engaging with guests, and resolving issues. Lead by example and provide hands-on coaching to ensure exceptional service.
- Assist with daily workforce planning and scheduling to ensure adequate coverage and productivity. Adjust staffing assignments as needed to meet changing visitor traffic and operational demands.
- Model the Standards of Excellence and ensure compliance with operational policies and audit procedures. Address guest concerns promptly and escalate complex issues to management when appropriate.
- Maintain sales floor presentation through merchandise replenishment, recovery, pricing updates, and signage maintenance. Ensure visual merchandising standards are consistently met.
- Ensure cleanliness and housekeeping standards are maintained throughout all retail locations through regular inspections and cleaning activities.
- Support annual inventory preparation and execution. Help educate staff on inventory control, shrink reduction, and loss-prevention initiatives.
- Follow established cash handling and inventory control procedures. Assist with opening and closing operations, cash audits, safe management, and daily sales reconciliation.
- Support inventory management activities, including cycle counts, stock transfers, warehouse support, and merchandise distribution across retail locations.
- Operate and maintain POS systems, registers, and business unit technology. Process returns, exchanges, voids, and supply replenishment while addressing technical issues as needed.
- Support special events and retail programs, including staff communications and daily team briefings. Recommend operational improvements that enhance guest experience, security, and profitability.
- Safely operate Smithsonian vehicles, complete required inspections, maintain vehicle cleanliness, and promptly report accidents or equipment issues.
Benefits
Education and Experience: High School Diploma, and at least 1 year of supervisory, key holder, or management experience in a high-volume retail or similar environment
- Sales and Customer Service Leadership
- Visual Merchandising and Inventory Control
- Store Opening and Closing
- Loss Prevention, Cash & Asset Management
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, POS Cash Register Operations
- Professional Communication Skills, both oral and written
- Possess a valid US driver’s license and clean driving record
Zoo employees work outside under varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions – both hot and cold, will be standing and walking for long periods of time over uneven and hilly terrain, and may work in a confined and limited spaces.
Applicants must be available evenings, weekends and holidays, have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and be able to stand for long periods of time.
Zoo employees work outside under varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions – both hot and cold, will be standing and walking for long periods of time over uneven and hilly terrain, and may work in a confined and limited spaces.
Applicants must be available evenings, weekends and holidays, have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and be able to stand 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 SICareers@si.edu. 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 provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact SICareers@si.edu. 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
Benefits
- Education and Experience: High School Diploma, and at least 1 year of supervisory, key holder, or management experience in a high-volume retail or similar environment Sales and Customer Service Leadership Visual Merchandising and Inventory Control Store Opening and Closing Loss Prevention, Cash & Asset Management Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, POS Cash Register Operations Professional Communication Skills, both oral and written Possess a valid US driver’s license and clean driving record Zoo employees work outside under varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions – both hot and cold, will be standing and walking for long periods of time over uneven and hilly terrain, and may work in a confined and limited spaces. Applicants must be available evenings, weekends and holidays, have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and be able to stand for long periods of time. Zoo employees work outside under varying and sometimes extreme weather conditions – both hot and cold, will be standing and walking for long periods of time over uneven and hilly terrain, and may work in a confined and limited spaces. Applicants must be available evenings, weekends and holidays, have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds, and be able to stand 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 SICareers@si.edu. 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
About this role
At the Smithsonian National Zoo, this Retail Floor Supervisor role centers on leading a small team through daily retail operations while maintaining the high standards expected at one of the nation's most visited attractions. You'll balance hands-on floor presence with staff coaching, ensuring both exceptional guest experiences and strong sales performance across the zoo's retail locations. The work involves everything from real-time problem-solving with customers and staff to managing inventory, cash handling, visual merchandising, and the operational details that keep a high-volume retail environment running smoothly.
The role calls for someone with at least a year of supervisory or key holder experience in retail or a similar fast-paced setting, paired with solid skills in POS systems, cash management, and inventory control. You'll need to be comfortable with data—analyzing sales metrics and sharing results with your team—and skilled at coaching staff on sales strategies and customer service. A valid driver's license is required, as you'll occasionally operate Smithsonian vehicles.
This is a full-time Trust Fund position paying $45,000 to $50,000 annually, based in Washington, DC. Trust employees receive health, dental, and vision coverage, a 403(b) retirement plan, transit benefits, and access to Smithsonian perks. Be prepared for the physical demands: you'll spend significant time on your feet outdoors in varying weather, on uneven terrain, and you'll need to be available for evenings, weekends, and holidays. The position requires passing a background check and completing a probationary period.
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$45,000 to $50,000 per year
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