Job Opportunities

Join us because Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a great place to work and grow!

It takes an incredible team of talented people to operate one of America’s best zoos. Be a part of what makes Riverbanks Zoo and Garden so remarkable! Riverbanks and SSA Group offer a variety of full- and part-time job opportunities at the Zoo and Garden in an exciting and dynamic work environment.

Riverbanks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden — Administration, Animal Care, Education, Guest Services, Grounds, Horticulture, Housekeeping, Maintenance, and Public Safety

Benefits of Employment with Riverbanks

The following vary for full-time and part-time employees:

  • State health and life insurance plans.
  • State retirement plan.
  • Sick and vacation leave.
  • 50% discount in Riverbanks restaurants.
  • 20% discount in Riverbanks gift shops.
  • Employee recognition programs.
  • Employee activities and celebrations.
  • Employee membership.
  • Free guest passes each year.

Current Job Openings with Riverbanks (last updated on October 31, 2024)

Riverbanks accepts applications via an online submission process only for current open positions; walk-in applications are not accepted. To apply, click on the online application button for the position you are interested in below. All applicants will receive notice of receipt of their application after submission; however, only the top candidates for each position will be contacted via telephone. If you are not contacted for an interview, please be assured that your resume will be kept on file for one year should a similar opportunity arise.

Conservation Engagement Instructor

Part-time (Part-time- weekdays, weekend, and afterhours (occasionally))
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 10/31/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: Given objectives set by the VP of Mission Engagement, will deliver on and off-site education programs and public engagement offered by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. As a direct report to the Conservation Engagement Manager, the Instructor will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact conservation. 

Essential Functions:

  • On-site program delivery to audiences of various ages.
  • Conservation engagement of public visitors within the park during scheduled and unscheduled interpretive encounters.
  • Inclusive educational programs that encourage the meaningful participation of all learners.
  • Communication of challenges and opportunities identified in programming with management team.
  • Working constructively within a team to deliver the highest quality educational experiences.
  • Assist with other program delivery for the education team as needed.

Education and Experience: High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in an education or science related field preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Previous experience delivering formal/informal education preferred. Must demonstrate excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to talk in front of large crowds. 

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and interest in nature, science, and conservation. Must demonstrate enthusiasm working with diverse learners and other team members. Must be available to work weekends, some weekdays, and afterhours occasionally. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license. Strong preferences will be given to those with experience and/or interest in public speaking, customer service, and those with high flexibility (weekday, weekend, and occasional afterhours availability). 

Attractions Attendant

Part-time (Evening Availability Preferred)
Salary: $10.00/hr
Posted: 10/31/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, creates connections with our guests while ensuring the safe operation of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s attractions. Works in a variety of locations throughout the park, including but not limited to: Carousel, Train, Climbing Wall, and Giraffe Feeding. Routinely performs inspections and engages with guests to provide a safe and fun experience. Handles cashless Point of Sale transactions. Communicates with the public about Riverbanks’ exhibits, attractions, services, and policies. Reports to the Attractions Manager.

Education and Experience: High School diploma and 6 months of guest service work experience are preferred. Valid driver’s license preferred. Must be willing and able to interact with guests of all ages and abilities. Must demonstrate good decision-making skills and the ability to work well both with a team and individually. Must be able to lift 25 lbs., work outdoors in all weather conditions, and must be able to stand for extended periods of time.

Hospital Keeper/Veterinary Assistant

Part-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 10/24/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden's Hospital Keepers work in a dynamic, team-oriented environment to provide proper care for various members Riverbanks’ animal collection in both quarantine and during medical care. We are actively recruiting a Hospital Keeper who has previous experience working with a variety of species in a professional setting.  The Hospital Keeper is responsible for the husbandry and care of hospitalized and quarantined animals. Performs duties related to the care of a variety of exotic animal species as well as native wildlife and some domestic animals, including preparing diets and feeding, preparing enclosures for the arrival of new animals, providing appropriate environments for the species, observing animal behavior, and providing for the physical and psychological wellbeing of the animals. Responsible for basic husbandry and care of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals including carnivores, primates and hoof stock. Aids veterinarians in the administration of medication, surgical treatment of animals, preventive medical care, etc. Properly restrains and handles animals.  Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive and medical records and reports. Responsible for the overall organization of the Truist Medical Clinic for Raptors and Endangered Species including record keeping, building maintenance, protocol development and animal care. Reports to the Director of Animal Health.                                                                 

Education and Experience: Associate degree in biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; bachelor’s degree preferred, with one to two years of experience in animal care, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.  Prior experience in a veterinary hospital or a zoological setting required.  Experience with a variety of species preferred. Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver's license.

Bird Keeper

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 10/24/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden's Bird Department seeks a motivated team member to care for over 300 birds spanning approximately 70 species. Working under the guidance of the Curator of Birds, this position ensures the proper welfare of animals within their assigned area.

Proficiency in animal care techniques, effective communication skills, and the ability to thrive in both independent and collaborative settings within a dynamic environment and diverse range of bird species is critical in this role. 

Essential Functions:

  • Cleans and maintains animal enclosures per guidelines.
  • Safely operate tools and equipment necessary for animal and enclosure maintenance.
  • Execute dietary plans tailored to various bird species.
  • Maintain accurate records on animal behavior and produce detailed reports.
  • Build productive relationships and communicate across departments.
  • Knowledge and execution of enrichment and training programs, zoo animal program operations, handling techniques for diverse animal species, feeding protocols, safety protocols in animal environments, and principles of record keeping.

Role Specific Opportunities Include:

  • Training on all 5 avian runs.
  • Participation in artificial incubation, hand rearing, and parent-assist rearing for Lorikeets, Flamingos, Penguins, and more.
  • Opportunity to become certified in open water and dry suit diving and join the Riverbanks Dive Team.
  • Schedule rotation providing periodic weekends off.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences preferred, along with two to three years of animal care experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities. SCUBA and First Aid/CPR certifications are advantageous. Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver's license.

The ideal candidate will have previous professional experience working with Avian species and enjoy working both independently and with a team on a variety of tasks and priorities that require attention-to-detail, sound decision making, and effective communication. This position will have weekly tasks in areas that include bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing ladders and lifting/moving up to 60 lbs.

Horticulturist

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 10/18/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, performs horticultural duties for the purpose of beautifying and maintaining gardens, exhibits, animal habitats, plant collections, and/or public displays. Must be eager to learn about our collection. The best candidate will demonstrate creativity and be able to work both independently and with a team on a variety of tasks and priorities including some computer work (database). Works outdoors year-round in all weather conditions. Reports to the Horticulture Operations Supervisor

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Horticulture, bachelor’s degree preferred, with two years’ experience in a horticultural area; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. The ideal candidate will have professional horticulture experience and be comfortable operating power equipment and machinery. Scheduled working hours begin between 6:00am-7:00am, Monday-Friday, 40-hour work week. Must be able to lift/move up to 50 pounds. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver’s license.

Zoo Education Instructor (Formal Programs)

Part-time (Weekday Availability Preferred)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 9/26/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.  

Responsibilities:  Given objectives set by the VP of Mission Engagement, will deliver on and off-site education programs and public engagement offered by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. As a direct report to the Zoo Education Manager, the Instructor will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact conservation. 

Essential Functions:

  • On and off-site program delivery to school and non-school audiences of various ages.
  • Inclusive educational programs that encourage the meaningful participation of all learners.
  • Communication of challenges and opportunities identified in programming.
  • Working constructively within a team to deliver the highest quality educational experiences.
  • Assist with other program delivery for the education team as needed.
  • Willingness to handle a variety of animal ambassadors and monitor animal welfare during programming.

Education and Experience: High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in an education or science related field preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Previous experience delivering formal/informal education preferred. Must demonstrate excellent communication skills (written and verbal). 

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and interest in nature and science. Must demonstrate enthusiasm working with diverse learners. Must be available to work weekdays. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Conservation Engagement Specialist (Interpretive Programming Focus)

Full-time
Salary: $15.14/hr
Posted: 9/26/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. 

Responsibilities: Given objectives set by the VP of Mission Engagement, is directly responsible for the delivery of on and off-site education programs offered by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. As a direct report to the Conservation Engagement Manager, the Conservation Engagement Specialist will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact conservation. 

The Conservation Engagement Specialist is responsible for:

  • Program leadership in areas outlined by Conservation Engagement Manager
    • Conservation Engagement Programs
    • Backstage Experiences
    • Select Animal Ambassador Experiences
  • Displaying excellent customer service to park guests
  • Developing and leading inclusive interpretive educational programming that encourages the meaningful participation of all learners
  • Assisting with the development of new volunteer and staff trainings
  • Assisting in the development and delivery of staff training and resources
  • Participating in data collection and evaluation to assess and improve programmatic impact
  • Working collaboratively across departments to identify opportunities to improve the guest experience
  • Supporting the development and delivery of programming for special events 
  • Actively seeking up-to-date information on informal education methodologies and trends
  • Communication of challenges and opportunities identified in programming
  • Developing and maintaining productive, positive relationships with Riverbanks staff, volunteers, and interns
  • Animal welfare monitoring throughout programming
  • Other projects and duties as set forth by the Conservation Engagement Manager

Education and Experience: High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in an education or science-related field preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Minimum of 1 year experience delivering formal/informal education. Experience working with animal ambassadors is preferred. 

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and interest in nature and science. Must demonstrate excellent communication skills (written and verbal). Must demonstrate enthusiasm working with diverse learners and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Public Safety Supervisor

Full-time
Salary: $17.32/hr
Posted: 9/12/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: The Public Safety Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the security of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.  Demonstrates the highest level of guest service, maintains strong relationships with all Riverbanks Team members and guests, and provides leadership and supervision to the Public Safety Department. Ensures the Riverbanks Public Safety Team follows all safety policies and procedures. Reports to the Public Safety Manager.

Essential Functions:

  • Assist the Public Safety Manager in coordinating department schedules, information sharing, and payroll.
  • Provide guidance, training, and day to day supervision of Public Safety staff.
  • Responsible for park operations, public safety, and security in the absence of the Public Safety Manager.
  • Efficiently and appropriately responds to all guest and Riverbanks team concerns.
  • Assist the Public Safety Manager in carrying out personnel-related duties for the department.
  • Acts as a role model for all Public Safety team members.
  • Ability to work rotating schedules as assigned by Public Safety Manager.
  • Available to work any after-hours events and cover all Public Safety positions, including second and third shifts as occasionally needed.
  • Able to lift or move a maximum of 60 pounds on an occasional basis.
  • Responsible for supervision and coordination of the onboarding process for new members of the Public Safety Department.

Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, with an Associates or college degree preferred. A minimum of two years of supervisory experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is desired.  The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in security or public safety and will possess or be eligible for a valid South Carolina driver's license.

 

SSA Group — Food Service, Catering, and Retail

SSA Group is the on-site provider of culinary and retail experiences at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. SSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a variety of full- and part-time positions at Riverbanks throughout the year. Benefits will vary.

Search for current job openings with SSA.