Job Opportunities

Part-time (Weekend Availability Preferred)
Salary: $10.00/hr
Posted: 6/5/2025

We are currently seeking dependable and enthusiastic Sky-High Safari Ropes Course Attendants to join our team! In this thrilling role, you'll guide and support guests as they challenge themselves on the Sky-High Safari and Sky Tykes ropes courses—encouraging confidence, adventure, and fun every step of the way. You may also have the opportunity to train at and assist with other attractions as needed. This position reports directly to the Attractions Manager.

Essential Functions: 

• Guest Experience: Clearly and confidently communicate with guests while guiding them through the ropes course experience. Maintain a positive and welcoming atmosphere.
• Safety: Perform daily inspections of equipment and course structures. Appropriately determine participation eligibility based on safety requirements and ensure all guests are adhering to guidelines throughout their experience. Routinely practice emergency procedures as required by Ropes Courses, Inc.
• Professional Appearance: Wear the assigned uniform and nametag with pride. Promote an approachable environment to support our award-winning guest experience. Maintain cleanliness around attraction areas, ensuring they are always free of clutter, hazards, and debris.

Education and Experience: Strong communication and good decision-making skills. Ability to remain calm and confident while assisting participants of all ages collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. This position will have duties standing for extended periods of time, lifting 25 lbs., and heights over 30 feet in all outdoor weather conditions. The ideal candidate will have previous customer service and challenge course experience with flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Must be at least 18 years old.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're ready to take adventure to new heights, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 6/5/2025

We are currently seeking a Mammal Keeper (Gorilla/Small Mammals) to join our team! In this role, you’ll be responsible for the proper care of mammals in Riverbanks’ animal collection. Works primarily with gorillas, various small primates, small felids, and other small mammals. This position reports directly to the Gorilla/Small Mammals Supervisor and Curator of Mammals.

Essential Functions:

• Conducts husbandry duties, according to departmental guidelines, including feeding animals, cleaning, maintaining, designing, and constructing exhibits.
• Works closely with the Veterinary Team to monitor health and treat animal health concerns.
• Works cooperatively with other departments including Maintenance, Horticulture, Education, and Events. 
• May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 
• Monitors animal behavior and provides enrichment and training. 
• Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records and reports.
• Take proper measures to ensure the security of animal enclosures. 
• Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team to provide top quality animal care.

Education and Experience: Associate degree, Bachelors preferred, in biology, zoology or wildlife management and one to two years’ experience working with zoo/exotic animals in a professional setting, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Experience working directly with gorillas and other primates preferred. Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver's license.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about animal conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Part-time (Weekend Availability Preferred)
Salary: $10.00/hr
Posted: 6/5/2025

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dependable Attractions Attendant to join our dynamic team! In this exciting role, you'll help bring smiles to guests of all ages by safely operating and facilitating some of our most beloved attractions — including the Endangered Species Carousel, Giraffe Feeding, Lorikeet Feeding, Farmyard Experience, and the Riverbanks Express Train. The position is under the direct supervision of the Attractions Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Guest Experience: Ensure a positive, safe, and enjoyable experience for guests of all ages and abilities. Clearly communicate guidelines, proactively manage crowds, and maintain efficient queue lines to create a positive, welcoming atmosphere at all attractions.
• Safety: Conduct daily inspections on attractions. Monitor and enforce safety protocols, ensuring that all guests are adhering to requirements. Stay alert and responsive in fast-paced settings while maintaining focus on guest and team safety.
• Professional Appearance: Wear the assigned uniform and nametag with pride. Promote an approachable environment to support our award-winning guest experience. Maintain cleanliness around attraction areas, ensuring they are always free of clutter, hazards, and debris.

Education and Experience: Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to remain calm and confident while managing large groups both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. This position will have duties standing for extended periods of time and in all outdoor weather conditions. The ideal candidate will have previous customer service and point-of-sale experience with flexible availability, including weekends, holidays, and evenings. Valid driver’s license required.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about guest services, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Full-time
Salary: $19.00/hr
Posted: 5/13/2025

We are currently seeking a Maintenance Technician that is responsible for general repair and maintenance of a variety of structures, equipment, vehicles, and facilities at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. 

Essential Functions:

• Duties will vary daily and can include assignments such as general repair, preventative maintenance, carpentry, minor plumbing/electrical/HVAC, welding, excavating, fence repair, etc.
• May be required to operate medium to heavy equipment such as a forklift, backhoe, skid steer, snorkel lift, trencher, etc. as required to complete assignments.
• May participate in renovation or construction projects.
• Available to work occasional evenings when needed for special projects or zoo events.
• Available to work on weekends.
• Available for on-call duty after hours.

Education and Experience: High school graduate with vocational/technical training in equipment repair/trade or Associates Degree in related field, and three to five years of experience as a maintenance worker or tradesmen; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must possess or be eligible for a valid S.C. driver's license.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about maintenance, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Part-time (Availability Monday – Friday mornings (20-25 hours per week))
Salary: $12.62/hr
Posted: 5/8/2025

We are currently seeking a Nature Preschool Instructor that has a passion for education and nature. Riverbanks’ Nature Preschool runs from August through May, with the possibility of two additional summer months, in one of our outdoor classrooms. The instructor will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact wildlife and wild places. 

Essential Functions:

• Cooperatively creating child-emergent curriculum and engaging lessons for preschool participants, using nature as the catalyst and reflecting the changing environment through the seasons.
• Designing weekly preschool learning themes and activities that encourage fine and gross motor skills as well as academic success.
• Helping with academic assessments on each child to ensure we are providing the activities needed to foster growth in various developmental areas.
• Assessing behavioral needs and finding innovative ways to address those needs to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.
• Daily parent communications and interactions.
• Basic first aid response is required. CPR and First Aid training will be provided.
• Selection and preparation of a healthy, balanced snack each day.
• Classroom prep and clean-up for each preschool day.
• 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.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather.

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. Experience delivering formal/informal education. Must demonstrate excellent communication skills (written and verbal).  

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

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about education, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Full-time
Salary: $72,000-$78,000/yr; Commensurate with Experience
Posted: 3/28/2025

We are currently seeking a Director of Development who, in collaboration with the Vice President of Advancement & Director of Riverbanks Society, will develop, manage, and execute a comprehensive strategy to increase individual and corporate philanthropic giving. This will be a key part of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s overall strategic plan, including but not limited to overseeing a $5 million capital campaign, major gift initiatives, and the annual fund plan. The Director of Development will be responsible for the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of a diverse portfolio of current and prospective major and capital donors; oversee a dedicated donor relations team; proactively build and maintain dynamic donor, partner and cross-departmental relationships; monitor internal and external giving trends; and adhere to best practices as a representative of the fundraising arm of Riverbanks Society. The ideal candidate will be an experienced fundraising professional with a passion for building relationships and the ability to tell compelling stories that connect a donor’s passions or values with the needs of Riverbanks.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, manage and facilitate a capital campaign strategy and annual giving plan that will achieve fundraising goals and promote Riverbanks’ long-term sustainability, ensuring forward progress throughout the process.
• Manage a mixed and diverse portfolio of current and new members, donors and partners.
• Work strategically with senior leadership to identify and solicit prospects for major gifts as well as annual program and project support.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gift donors and partners.
• Create and implement a strategic moves management plan for current and prospective donors.
• Manage, develop and work collaboratively with a passionate team focused on the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of members, donors and corporate sponsors.
• Create and maintain a work environment that reflects an upbeat, positive and professional atmosphere and demonstrates strong evidence of teamwork.
• Collaborate with and build rapport within and across internal departments to develop major gift opportunities and communications, ensure impactful donor experiences, and fulfill benefits and deliverables seamlessly.
• Prepare compelling solicitations, proposals and presentations for current and potential donors and partners.
• Host and attend internal and external events for donor cultivation and stewardship, effectively communicating Riverbanks’ greatest needs and mission.
• Oversee details of capital and annual campaign implementation including but not limited to making arrangements for meetings and tours, timely correspondence, monitoring gift and pledge records and conducting prospect research.
• Prepare and deliver status reports for the senior leadership team, as well as periodic reports for the Riverbanks Society Board of Directors.
• Ensure thorough and timely delivery of acknowledgements, correspondence, and impact reports for donors and partners.
• Serve as an integral member of Riverbanks’ senior leadership team, participating in information sharing, planning, and culture.
• Maintain detailed and accurate donor and contributor records, lists, accounts, communication, and recognition; manage data with accuracy and respect.
• Write, submit, and manage proposals and impact reports as required.
• Responsible for fiscal budget related to fundraising programs including but not limited to capital campaign and annual fund.
• Some evenings and weekends may be required.

Requirements

• Must be a strategic and dynamic relationship builder with demonstrated success in major gift fundraising and development strategy.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising processes, tools and techniques.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills.
• Must thrive in a fast-paced, complex environment and be passionate about developing resources and people.
• Goal oriented; ability to prioritize and delegate when appropriate.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to lead multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to easily collaborate with all levels of staff/donors.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Working knowledge of Raisers Edge, RE NXT or other fundraising databases.
• Commitment to maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in nonprofit/business administration, public relations, or a related field is preferred. The ideal candidate will have three to five years of experience in direct major gift solicitation, specifically with five- and six-figure gifts. Additionally, a minimum of five years in a leadership role, with experience managing teams, is preferred. Familiarity with the Midlands of South Carolina community is a plus. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is also a plus.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about community investment, are eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you! 

Part-time
Salary: $11.00/hr
Posted: 3/19/2025

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 free shuttle service. Works within a team to greet guests waiting in line, load and unload passengers, and operate a multi-trailer tram to provide efficient, fun, and safe transport between the east and west campus of the zoo. Routinely performs and practices tasks such as vehicle inspections, safe driving habits, radio communication, and lifting strollers and wheelchairs. Will assist with other duties as assigned, including working evening events. Reports to the Transportation Manager.

Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid SC driver’s license. Willing and able to interact with guests of all ages and abilities. Demonstrate good decision-making skills and the ability to work well with a team and individually. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, be able to lift 50 lbs. and be able to stand for long periods of time.