Job Opportunities

Part-time (Weekday Availability Preferred)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 1/2/2025

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.

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 12/19/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, is responsible for the proper care of Riverbanks’ reptiles and amphibians. Reports to the Herpetology Supervisor and the Curator of Herpetology.

Essential Functions: 

• Conducts husbandry duties, according to departmental guidelines, including feeding animals, cleaning, maintaining, designing, and constructing exhibits. 
• Monitors and maintains life support and lighting systems. 
• Monitors animal health and behavior and uses proper enrichment and operant conditioning principles. 
• Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records. 
• Takes proper measures to ensure the security of animal enclosures. 
• Conducts tours of the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center and assists in educational programs for school groups, college-level classes, and Society members. 
• May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
• Will be trained to properly and safely care for all venomous reptiles in the collection.
• Works cooperatively with other departments including Maintenance, Horticulture, Education, and Events. 
• Works closely with the Veterinary Team to monitor health and treat animal health concerns.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; bachelor’s degree preferred, with two to three years’ experience as a herpetology keeper; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working directly with reptiles in a professional setting. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Full-time
Salary: $21.66/hr
Posted: 12/16/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision of the Curator of Mammals, is responsible for supervising husbandry, enrichment, guest engagement, and animal training for animals in Riverbanks’ Hoofstock/Rhino/Pinniped Team’s care. Works primarily with Southern White Rhinos, Sea Lions, Seals, Giraffe, Babirusa and other animals as designated.

Essential Functions:

• Supervises and leads the work of the area Keepers (6) and monitors their performance.
• Trains staff, interns, and volunteers in appropriate handling and transport of collection, and ensuring animal care and welfare are always maintained at the highest standards.
• Monitors and reports animal behavior. Plans, supervises, and participates in animal training/operant conditioning, transport, and medical procedures.
• In collaboration with Education departments, conducts presentations during Riverbanks’ Backstage Tours. Interacts directly with guests during informal and formal programs, providing engaging and accurate educational information.
• Delivers a preventative hoof care and maintenance program.
• Maintains regular communication across all departments.
• Designs, maintains, and repairs animal enclosures; maintains aesthetically pleasing enclosures.
• Works with veterinary staff to monitor and treat animal health concerns.

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; Bachelor’s Degree preferred, and three to five years of experience working directly with both exotic and domestic animals in a zoological setting or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Must demonstrate excellent supervisory and communication skills (written and verbal) in all activities.Knowledge and experience with animal training programs and presenting animal programs for public audiences required. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver’s license.