Job Opportunities

Full-time (Sunday-Thursday)
Salary: $15.14/hr
Posted: 4/25/2024

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 and Zoo Education Manager, is directly responsible for the delivery of on and off-site education programs offered by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. As a direct report to the Zoo Education Manager, the Education Specialist will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact conservation. 

The Education Specialist is responsible for:

• On and off-site program delivery to school and non-school audiences of many ages.
• Lesson plan and program revisions as needed to meet department goals and state standards.
• Inclusive educational programs that encourage the meaningful participation of all learners.
• Communication of challenges and opportunities identified in programming.
• Program leadership of Zoocamp, Homeschool, and other areas as outlined by the Zoo Education Manager.
• Assist with training and mentoring seasonal camp staff.
• Working constructively within a team to deliver the highest quality educational experiences and model outstanding guest service.
• Animal ambassador handling and welfare monitoring throughout programming
• Other projects and duties as set forth by the Zoo Education Manager

Education and Experience: High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in an education 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 and/or experience working with special needs audiences. 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 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.

Part-time
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 4/25/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, is responsible for promoting a friendly environment and an efficient, high-quality guest service experience for our members and guests in person, by phone, and online. Answers incoming calls to Riverbanks’ Communications Center and acts as a receptionist for the 400 Rivermont Offices. Responds to phone and email inquiries about group reservations and troubleshoots guest issues with online ticket sales, donations, and member reservations. May also work in the Guest Relations Office to sell tickets, memberships, Explore More cards, as well as answer guest inquiries. Communicates with the public about Riverbanks’ exhibits, attractions, services, and policies. Performs accurate data entry. Works with various departments to maximize efficiency of internal and external communications. In collaboration with the Senior Admissions Representative, assists with training new staff and supporting the Admissions Team. Reports to the Admissions Supervisor and Admissions Manager. 

Education and Experience:  The ideal candidate has cashier experience and strong customer service skills plus experience using Microsoft Office Suite (including but not limited to proficiencies in Excel, Word, and Outlook). Candidates should have excellent communication and teamwork skills, and a very high standard for service. Knowledge of the point-of-sale system used in Riverbanks’ Admissions, memberships, and park operations is preferred. Must be available weekdays and weekends.

Part-time
Salary: $13.00/hr
Posted: 4/19/2024

Shift Availability: 

Weekdays and/or Weekends: 8:00am-4:00pm, 2:00-8:00pm 

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 routine maintenance and upkeep of Riverbanks facilities. Works to maintain a high level of cleanliness throughout Riverbanks Zoo and Garden by following cleaning routines and responding to non-routine cleaning issues. Reports to the Environmental Services Manager.

Education and Experience: High school graduate or equivalent, with three to six months of experience in grounds maintenance, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. The ideal candidate will enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions and be able to stand for long periods of time. Must possess a valid S.C. driver's license.

Part-time
Salary: $10.00/hr
Posted: 4/11/2024

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. Will work in a variety of locations throughout the park, including but not limited to: Sky High Safari, the Wild Adventures Climbing Wall, and other attractions as needed. Routinely performs and practices tasks such as daily safety inspections and equipping guests with harnesses. Will effectively make judgement calls about guest participation and communicate with the public about Riverbanks’ exhibits, attractions, services, and policies. Will assist with other duties as assigned. Reports to the Attractions Manager.

Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age. Must be willing and able to interact with guests of all ages and abilities. Must demonstrate good decision-making and the ability to work well with a team and individually. Must be comfortable working at heights of 30 ft or greater and outdoors in all weather conditions. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. and be able to stand for long periods of time.

Full-time
Salary: $58,000/yr
Posted: 4/11/2024

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

Responsibilities: As a member of Team Riverbanks, it is essential to understand that all areas of the Zoo and Garden are interlocked and dependent on one another. The Curator of Birds directs and oversees the activities of the bird department to ensure and promote effective and efficient care and welfare of the department’s animal collection. The ideal candidate will enjoy working within a collaborative environment and be a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority. As a member of Riverbanks’ leadership team, it is necessary to promote and maintain a positive working environment while effectively interacting and communicating with staff, employees, volunteers, and various external groups.

Essential Functions:

• Oversees and ensures the proper care and welfare of the department's animal collection to include the preparation and administration of diets, medical care, and the design, development, and maintenance of animal exhibits, building equipment, and mechanical systems.
• Coordinates daily activities of the department through effective communication with the Director of Animal Care, Animal Behavior Manager, Animal Supervisors, and Keepers.
• Initiates and oversees viable managed breeding, husbandry, and conservation programs for species in the department's collection, in collaboration with relevant Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and approved animal care facilities.   
• Communicates with the Veterinarians to ensure optimal healthcare for the animal collection and assists with medical procedures and examinations, as necessary. 
• Responsible for the acquisition and disposition of specimens following the riverbanks collection plan.  Will oversee the management of the department personnel through hiring, training, scheduling, performance feedback, and staff development, 
• Develops a continuous improvement plan for the department as well as each staff member, focusing on enhancing team skill set and productivity. Ensures that keepers are given ample feedback and are rewarded for success and understand areas of needed improvement.
• Interacts with guests and provides informal and programmed educational information, relative to Zoo programs, husbandry, animal conservation, etc. Conducts tours and assists with public, media, and interviews as requested.
• Writes both popular articles and peer-review technical articles for appropriate professional and popular publications when applicable.      
• Analyzes and prepares a variety of reports/forms, billing invoices, and general correspondence. Manages departmental purchases and budget, and compiles budget data for review.
• Reports to the Director of Animal Care.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree required (in one of the Biological Sciences preferred) with a minimum of five years of experience working with exotic animal husbandry at an accredited AZA institution or related facility. Minimum of three years of management/supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  Must have a broad range of experience managing mammal collections in a professional setting. Must be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and possess thorough knowledge of current computer applications to include MS Office Suite. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Part-time
Salary: $10.00/hr
Posted: 4/11/2024

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

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.

Part-time
Salary: $10.00/hr
Posted: 4/11/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under direct supervision, provides an outstanding experience to Riverbanks’ guests and Society members. Works in various point of sale areas throughout the park, including ticket booths, information booths and entrance gates. Handles ticket and membership purchase transactions. Communicates with the public about Riverbanks memberships, exhibits, attractions, services, and policies. Reports to the Admissions Supervisor and Admissions Manager.

Education and Experience: High school diploma and 4-6 months of work experience in customer service or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Cashier experience, data entry and strong customer services skills are required. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and be able to stand for long periods of time. Must be available weekdays and available to work in the evening and special events as needed.

Full-time
Salary: $21.66/hr
Posted: 4/4/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision by the Commissary Manager, the Commissary Supervisor is responsible for the daily oversight of the Animal Commissary Technicians to ensure proper preparation and timely delivery of approximately 270 prepared diets and feed products. This position is a working supervisor who will assist in the daily routine of food prep and clean up. The supervisor will coordinate scheduling, training, and coaching of the Commissary Technicians. Must have a working knowledge of safe food handling practices and procedures as well as proper cleanliness and sanitation protocols for the area. 

The Animal Commissary Supervisor will be responsible for the ordering, receiving, and quality control of a variety of food items such as produce, dry goods, pelleted feed, hay, commercial meat diet, fish/seafood, rodents, and live bugs. 

Essential Functions:

• Will have a primary role in implementing diet changes following established procedures
• Accurately determines appropriate order quantities of feed items and creates ordering schedules
• Sorting, storing, and rotation of feed items to ensure the highest quality of feed is available
• Maintains relationships with vendors and seeks new sources when necessary
• Generates purchase orders through Riverbank’s accounting software
• Directs, delegates, evaluates, and supervises the work of Commissary Technicians
• Serves as a liaison between other departments
• Provides assistance and information to co-workers, veterinary, and keeper staff as needed

Education and Experience: High School graduate with a minimum of one-year general work experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The ideal candidate will have an Associate’s degree in a related field of study and have a minimum of 18 months animal commissary experience at another AZA accredited zoo/aquarium.  Food service or prior supervisory experience is preferred. They will also be proficient in Microsoft Excel and able to construct spreadsheets and equations through an understanding of mathematical operations and computations. Must have demonstrated excellent ability to perform and coordinate standard Technician duties in a responsible and professional manner. Must demonstrate proficiency in applying the rules and procedures of the department. Must demonstrate effective decision-making aptitude. Five-day work week, 7:15am to 4:00pm, days off to be determined. Work week will include weekends and most holidays.Must be at least 18 years old and have or be eligible for a valid SC driver’s license and be able to obtain a forklift operator’s certification. 

Part-time (Start Date: May 1st, 2024)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 3/20/2024

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 evening availability). 

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 3/14/2024

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.