Job Opportunities

Full-time
Salary: $15.00/hr
Posted: 8/29/2025

We are seeking a dependable Public Safety Officer to join our team! In this dynamic position, you will maintain the security of Riverbanks’ east and west campuses during evening hours while the park is closed to public use. This position works closely with the Public Safety Supervisor and Seniors and reports directly to the Public Safety Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Maintains a third shift schedule (Friday-Tuesday: 12:00am - 8:30am). 
• Monitors gate entrances and exits and provides public assistance during evening programs.  
• Patrols and secures park, buildings, and surrounding areas.  
• Completes security reports.  
• Assists with various meter readings and the monitoring of after-hours systems. 
• Answers incoming calls, provides information to callers, and takes messages. 
• Assists in making sure all signage and staff parking for the following business day is accurate and in place. 
• Provides excellent, efficient, and high-quality guest service experience and strives to achieve excellent public relations. 

Education and Experience: High school graduate with one to two years' experience as a security guard; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and a very high standard of service. 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 guest services, 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! 

Full-time
Salary: $16.50/hr
Posted: 8/21/2025

We are currently seeking a Senior Environmental Services Technician to provide operational support to the Environmental Services team while carrying out routine duties. This hands-on role works closely with Groundskeeping and Housekeeping staff to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for guests and employees. Reports directly to the Environmental Services Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Promotes a high standard of cleanliness for guest and staff-only areas.
• Oversees and participates in routine maintenance and upkeep of park grounds and facilities.
• Ensure effective communication is maintained between other departments and interdepartmentally.
• Conduct inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Ensure routine tasks and projects are performed.
• Operates trucks, blowers, and various ground maintenance equipment.
• Provides training for new team members.
• Assist with supply inventory.
• Assists the Environmental Services Manager with administrative tasks as assigned.
• Ability to work flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department and to ensure all routine tasks are completed to satisfaction.

Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will be at least 21 years old with some college education and previous supervisory experience, or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Demonstration of professionalism, customer service, leadership, and strong communication skills are vital for this role. This position will work in all weather conditions, walk long distances repetitively, and lift supplies and equipment up to 50lbs. Must possess 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 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: $17.25/hr
Posted: 8/14/2025

We are currently seeking a dependable and proficient Dive Technician to join our team! In this exciting role, you will participate in daily dives as part of the dive team while ensuring a safe work environment. It is critical in this position to understand the operation and interpretation of technical dive equipment to include OTS Guardian Full Face Masks, compressors, fill stations, regulators, various communication control systems, etc. This position reports directly to the Dive Program Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Will be trained for necessary operation certifications (Fill Station Operator, Cylinder HAZMAT, Guardian Full Face Mask Technician, etc) and will maintain up-to-date training required of Dive Operations Team.
• Will be required to complete Riverbanks’ Dive Program onboarding training.
• Works in the role of diver, dive tender, or DPIC (Dive Person In-Charge) for daily and special dives. Frequency of dives may change, but the expectation will be for multiple dives per week, with the possibility of multiple dives/dive roles in a day. 
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment, while utilizing a wide array of carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, and dive repair tools and various types of machinery and equipment. 
• Completes preventative maintenance rounds and diagnostics on dive equipment.
• Repairs and maintains Riverbanks dive equipment and facilities to include: guardian full face masks, compressors, fill stations, regulators, umbilicals, communication boxes, cylinders, etc. 
• Prepares dive equipment maintenance reports, dive logs, certification status reports, dive schedules, diver recertification schedules, etc.
• Comprehends and follows the Riverbanks Dive Safe Practices Manual and contributes to content for revisions/updates.
• Assists in training and implementing dive safety policies and procedures.
• Prepares equipment for and participates in dive emergency exercises in various exhibits.
• Must be willing and able to perform emergency procedures in the case of an actual dive emergency, including but not limited to, diver extraction and resuscitation.
• Effectively interacts and communicates with the Dive Safety Officer and team, employees, volunteers, Riverbanks guests, and various external groups/individuals (e.g. sales representatives, contractors, etc.). 
• Collaborates with animal care and maintenance staff to ensure the integrated delivery of LSS operations/maintenance for the safety and welfare of the animal collection. May also assist LSS Technicians with projects, as needed.
• Follows USDA, DHEC, OSHA, AZA, etc. standards in all areas.
• Dive operations will sometimes require weekend or overtime impact as needed.  Professional development, certification, or conferences (ADPA, DEMA, etc.) may require travel.

Education and Experience: High school diploma required; associate's degree in Marine Science, Biological Sciences, or a related field preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Dive certification from a nationally recognized certification agency accredited by the World Recreational Scuba Training Council. First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen Provider certifications and experience working at an AZA accredited institution preferred. Advanced Diver certification required; Rescue Diver certification preferred.

The ideal candidate will be a safety conscious diver who is mechanically inclined and feels comfortable working both as a team and alone. They will also enjoy working within a collaborative environment and be a team player. Must be organized, detail oriented, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high standard for service while handling multiple projects simultaneously. This position will require passing a dive medical evaluation and lifting up to 70 lbs. repeatedly. 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 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 (Weekdays, Weekend, and Occasional Afterhours)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 8/14/2025

We are seeking a passionate and dependable Conservation Engagement Instructor to join our dynamic team! In this engaging role, you 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, this position will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact wildlife and wild places. 

Essential Functions:

• Delivering on-site education programs and public engagement experiences to diverse audiences. 
• Working constructively within a team to deliver the highest quality educational experiences. 
• Supporting daily program logistics by preparing materials, setting up and cleaning program spaces, and maintaining program supplies. 
• Providing outstanding customer service by proactively engaging guests, answering questions, giving directions.  
• Assisting with record keeping, program attendance taking, and reporting as needed. 
• Upholding all safety protocols, animal welfare guidelines, and Riverbanks professional standards. 
• Participating in required trainings and ongoing professional development to build skills and knowledge. 
• Supporting special events and other public engagement activities as assigned. 
• Communicating challenges and opportunities identified in programming to Engagement leadership.
• Developing and maintaining productive, positive relationships with Riverbanks staff, volunteers, and interns.
• 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. Previous experience delivering formal/informal education preferred. Will 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 and will have the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. They should demonstrate enthusiasm for working with diverse learners and collaborating with team members. Shifts are available weekdays, weekends, and after hours occasionally. This position will work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions. 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 connecting people to nature, 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: $10.00/hr
Posted: 8/14/2025

We are currently seeking dependable and enthusiastic Admissions Attendants to provide an outstanding experience to Riverbanks’ guests and Society members. In this role, you’ll welcome guests at the front gates, answer guest questions at information outposts, and assist with ticket and membership sales at our ticket booths. Reports to the Admissions Supervisor and Admissions Manager

Essential Functions:

• 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. 

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. 

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 creating a memorable guest experience, 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: 8/7/2025

We are currently seeking a Mammal Swing Keeper to join our team! In this wide-ranging role, you will work in a rotating and as needed basis with the following four Mammal Teams: Hoofstock/Rhino/Pinniped, Gorilla/Small Mammal, Farm/Ambassador, and Cat/Bear/Koala. This position works closely with the Mammal Supervisors and reports directly to the 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.
• 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. 
• Works cooperatively with other departments including Maintenance, Horticulture, Education, and Events. 
• Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team to provide top quality animal care.
• May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; bachelor’s degree preferred. The ideal candidate will have 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. Must be available to work any days of the week, holidays, and occasional after-hours events.  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
Salary: $13.00/hr
Posted: 7/3/2025

We are currently seeking Transportation Operators to monitor and operate our Saluda Skyride Gondola and our Tram Service. As a Transportation Operator, you are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of our guests. While you're focused on keeping things running safely, your responsibility extends beyond just the mechanics. You're also the eyes and ears for safety, staying alert to any concerns that might arise and quickly addressing them to keep the environment safe for both guests and team members. Ultimately, you’ll be creating memorable experiences for every guest. 

Essential Functions:

• Perform and document pre-shift inspections of Saluda Skyride and/or Riverbanks’ Tram Shuttle, including equipment, safety systems, and emergency procedures.
• Ensure all safety standards and protocols are followed by participants during operation, including checking safety equipment. 
• Provide exceptional guest service, communicate effectively, provide assistance with boarding and disembarking, answer questions, enforce safety policies, and ensure an overall positive guest experience. 
• Adapt efficiently. In the event of a Skyride shutdown, Transportation Operators will transition to operating Riverbanks’ Tram Shuttle to ensure minimal disruption to transportation needs. 

Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid SC driver’s license. Prior guest service experience is preferred, as it will help set you up for success in this role.  You should be willing and able to interact with guests of all ages and abilities, creating a welcoming and positive experience for everyone. Good decision-making skills are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The role also requires physical capabilities, including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., works outdoors and at heights, in various weather conditions, and stands for extended periods of time. 

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 creating memorable guest experiences, 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!