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 3, 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.

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 (Volunteer Programs)

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:

  • Displaying excellent customer service to park guests
  • On and off-site program delivery to audiences of many ages
  • Lesson plan and program revisions as needed
  • Inclusive educational programs that encourage the meaningful participation of all learners
  • Communication of challenges and opportunities identified in programming
  • Recruiting, supervising, training, mentoring, and assessing a diverse group of Riverbanks Education Volunteers
  • Developing and maintaining productive, positive relationships with Riverbanks staff, volunteers, and interns
  • Program leadership in areas outlined by Conservation Engagement Manager

-Education Volunteer Program

-Conservation Engagement

-Backstage Experiences

  • 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 and/or experience in volunteer management. 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 and volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. Must have prior experience working with animal ambassadors. Must be available to work weekends, evenings, and holidays. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Admissions Attendant

Part-time (Weekend and Evening Availability Preferred)
Salary: $10.00/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: 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. The ideal candidate will have cashier and data entry experience with strong customer service skills. This position will work outdoors in all weather conditions and stand for long periods of time. Availability on weekends and evening special events preferred. 

Conservation Engagement Instructor

Part-time (Part-time- weekdays, weekend, and afterhours (occasionally))
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 9/19/2024

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). 

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.

 

Director of Construction & Planning

Full-time
Posted: 9/6/2024

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 Executive Team at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, is responsible for directing and managing the construction project team, to include contractors, in the construction of new facilities, exhibits, capital, and supporting bond projects. The ideal candidate will have a proven record in managing large-scale construction projects, a deep understanding of construction processes, and the ability to convene and lead stakeholders at every level and every department at Riverbanks. This position is part of Riverbanks leadership team and helps build a culture of collaboration that supports the interdependence of all areas of the Zoo and Garden. This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Essential Functions:

  • Responsible for oversight and management of capital construction, renovation, and repairs from inception to completion
  • Leads and implements organizational strategic priorities, advances Riverbanks’ mission and goals, and communicates a broad vision to others
  • Evaluates the effect of both internal and external forces on the zoo. Tracks changing industry trends and legislation that could impact projects
  • Develop and implement project management strategies to ensure timely and cost-effective project delivery
  • Coordinates with Riverbanks’ leadership, contractors, architects, vendors, and engineers to ensure project specifications and quality control are met
  • Monitor schedules and project budgets
  • Ensure projects are completed within scope and financial targets and works closely with the VP of Finance to ensure procurement policies are followed.
  • Manages selection process and the relationship with vendors once a contract is executed
  • Develops various budget recommendations, monitors and controls assigned budget lines and authorizes appropriate expenditures
  • Works closely with other departments to include Safety, Animal, and Operations to ensure compliance with all OSHA, USDA, AZA, and Riverbanks industry standards, building codes, and emergency plans
  • Review, maintain, and enhance written and electronic systems and protocols to effectively track, plan, and manage campus facilities, including construction and renewal/replacement projects

Education and Experience: A bachelor’s degree in project construction management, engineering, architecture or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.

The ideal candidate will have worked in the project construction management field for at least 10 years and preferably prior applicable experience working in a Zoo, Aquarium, or other Entertainment environment. They must have the ability to read and interpret design and construction plans. They will also have a traceable history of being collaborative and be recognized for clear communication and exceptional organizational, written, and oral skills. Additionally, they will thrive working in an environment where they manage multiple projects simultaneously. Must have a thorough understanding of current computer applications to include MS Office Suite and AutoCAD. Must also possess or be eligible for a South Carolina driver’s license. 

Housekeeper

Part-time
Salary: $13.00/hr
Posted: 8/22/2024

Shift Availability: Weekdays and/or Weekends: 8:00am–4:00pm, 2:00–11:00pm 

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.

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.