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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 November 27, 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.

Swing Keeper (Hospital & Mammal)

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 11/27/2024

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 the proper care of Riverbanks’ animal collection in the area of assignment. This position will split time between the Mammal Team and Animal Health Team. A predetermined schedule will indicate which team is the primary focus for each workday. Reports to the Director of Animal Health and Curator of Mammals.

Essential Functions:

  • Proper care of animals in quarantine or under medical care at the Animal Hospital and in the four Mammal Department teams: Hoofstock/Rhino/Pinniped, Gorilla/Small Mammal, Farm/Ambassador, and Cat/Bear/Koala.
  • Conducts husbandry duties, according to departmental guidelines, including feeding animals, cleaning, and maintaining exhibits.
  • Assists with upkeep of the hospital and will participate in medical procedures where appropriate.
  • Monitors animal health and behavior and uses proper enrichment and animal training principles.
  • Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records. 
  • Take proper measures to ensure the security of animal enclosures.
  • Completes tasks and priorities that require attention-to-detail, sound decision making, and effective communication.
  • May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
  • Works cooperatively with other departments including Maintenance, Horticulture, Education, and Events. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience: Associate’s degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; Bachelor’s degree preferred, and one to two years of 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. The ideal candidate will be dependable and able to work with a variety of co-workers and supervisors on a rotating basis. This position will have weekly tasks in areas that include bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing ladders and lifting/moving up to 50 lbs. Must possess or qualify for a valid S.C. driver’s license.

Hoofstock/Rhino/Pinniped Supervisor

Full-time
Salary: $21.66/hr
Posted: 11/27/2024

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. 

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.