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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 Service Systems Associates offer a variety of full- and part-time job opportunities at the Zoo and Garden in an exciting and dynamic work environment.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden — Administration, Animal Care, Education, Guest Services, Grounds, Horticulture, Housekeeping, Maintenance and Public Safety

An exciting multi-million dollar major expansion is underway at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, promising a world-class guest experience at every turn. Come grow with us! Riverbanks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Benefits of Employment with Riverbanks

The following vary for full-time and part-time employees:

  • State health and life insurance plans.
  • State retirement plan.
  • State credit union eligibility.
  • Sick and vacation leave.
  • 50% discount in Riverbanks restaurants.
  • 20% discount in Riverbanks gift shops.
  • Employee of the month recognition program.
  • Employee activities and celebrations.
  • Employee membership.
  • Free guest passes each year.

Current Job Openings with Riverbanks (last updated on May 21, 2018)

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 by an electronic auto-response; 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.

Attractions Attendant - “FUN KEEPER”

Part-time (weekend availability required)
Grade 2
Salary: $8.18/hr
Posted: 5/14/2018
Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.

Responsibilities: Under direct supervision, provides an outstanding guest experience while ensuring safe operation of the Zoo’s attractions. Works in a variety of locations throughout the park including carousel, giraffe feeding platform, train, rockwall etc.  Handles purchase transactions and manages cash/tokens. Communicates with the public about Riverbanks exhibits, attractions, services and policies. Reports to the Attractions Supervisor.

Education and Experience: High school diploma and 6 months of guest service work experience (preferred). Must be willing and able to interact with guests of all ages. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, be able to lift 50lbs. and be able to walk long distances repetitively. Must be available week days and weekends.

Maintenance Technician (Part-time) - “UP KEEPER”

Part-time
Grade 7
Salary: $12.35/hr
Posted: 5/9/2018
Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.  

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, is responsible for the repair and maintenance of a variety of Riverbanks’ structures, facilities, and equipment.  Assists with maintenance duty assignments such as but not limited to; painting, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC and electrical.  May, based on experience, operate medium to heavy equipment such as a forklift, backhoe, skid steer, snorkel lift, trencher, pickup truck, etc.  Participates in renovating, building, and repairing structures for the containment of zoo animals and for public use.  Assists with maintenance requests, projects and work orders. Runs errands, retrieves parts and supplies from warehouse and delivers to job site. Based on experience or job knowledge growth, may be assigned to perform some work orders independently.

Education and Experience: High school graduate with vocational/technical training in construction technology/engineering and one to two years of experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be able to work well alone or with a team on a variety of tasks and priorities. Hands-on experience in any construction trade is a plus. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.  Must be available to work weekends and be available for emergency call in as needed.

Assistant Director of Facilities Maintenance

Full-time
Grade 15
Salary: $47,235 - $55,000 (commensurate with experience)/yr
Posted: 4/20/2018
Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.  

Responsibilities: Is responsible for the direction and management of the department maintenance technicians, life support system (LSS) technicians and divers, and the courier/warehouse clerk. Directs the daily operations of maintenance services and develops methods for improving departmental operations. Accomplishes this by mentoring, managing, and providing inspired, forward-thinking, leadership and guidance to direct reports.
  • Supervises maintenance personnel, hires and trains staff, responsible for scheduling, payroll/time keeping, and proactive management of employee relations.
  • Plans, organizes, and forecasts the efficient completion of maintenance requests and projects required to maintain and repair facilities and equipment. Manages all work orders through an electronic work order system. 
  • Evaluates maintenance problems, develops a diagnosis, and provides guidance for correction. Ensures that all work is being performed to industry standards.
  • Determines and prioritizes daily maintenance work. Adjusts staffing to accommodate maintenance coverage for all 24 hour emergency calls.
  • Responsible for developing, executing and maintaining all maintenance contracts and bid documents. Maintains all equipment records, drawings, licenses and certifications.
  • Assists in the management, planning and implementation follow up of in-house construction and renovation projects. Manages tram maintenance and all vehicle, equipment, and attraction maintenance. Coordinates work with contractors and zoo staff.
  • Responsible for communicating and coordinating exhibit/building closures for repairs and maintenance to minimize guest experience impact.
  • Operates medium to heavy equipment such as a forklift, vehicles, hand and small power tools, building systems, etc.
  • Cultivates and maintains a positive working environment. Effectively interacts and communicates with senior staff, employees, volunteers, and various groups including architects, engineers and design consultants.  
  • Develops a continuous improvement plan for the department as well as each staff member, focusing on enhancing team skill set and productivity. Ensures that technicians are given ample feedback and are rewarded for success and understand areas of needed improvement.
  • Analyzes and prepares a variety of reports/forms, billing invoices, engineering drawings, and general correspondence, manages all departmental purchases and the department budget, and compiles budget data.

Education and Experience: Associate's degree in Engineering or a related field with three to five years of general construction and maintenance experience required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Minimum of three years of management/supervisory experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.

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. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and a very high standard for service. 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.

Groundskeeper - “CLEAN KEEPER”

Part-time (weekend availability required)
Grade 3
Salary: $9.42/hr
Posted: 4/6/2018
Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.

Responsibilities: Under general supervision is responsible for the routine maintenance and upkeep of park grounds and facilities. Works to maintain a high level of cleanliness throughout Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Operates trucks, forklift, blowers and various grounds maintenance tools to perform tasks. Reports to the Environmental Services Manager.

Education and Experience: High school graduate or equivalent, with five to eleven months of experience in grounds maintenance, housekeeping, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.  Maintains a flexible schedule. Must possess a valid S.C. driver's license.

SSA — Food Service, Catering, and Retail

Service Systems Associates (SSA) 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.

Current Job Openings with SSA (last updated on April 16, 2018)

Catering and Event Server

Part-time (10–40 hours weekly depending on season)
Posted: 2/24/2018

Description: Service Systems Associates at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is now hiring outgoing, customer service oriented individuals. The Catering Operations Banquet and Event Servers report to the Catering Operations Manager and Assistant Manager. Position is part-time and include day, evening, and weekend hours. Scheduling is flexible within limits.

Compensation: Based on Experience.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Uphold the highest level of customer service.
  • Maintain a friendly and approachable attitude towards guests and staff.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and mannerism.
  • Assist with set-up of tables, linens, chairs, etc, for full service of events.
  • Provide excellent food and beverage service for events.
  • Ability to perform physical activities such as lifting 25–50 lbs, balancing, walking, and handling of delicate materials.
  • Maintain knowledge of policies and procedures.
  • Pay close attention to detail.
  • Maintain sense of urgency when on the service floor.
  • Maintain back of the house, front of the house and side work duties for overall productivity.
  • Maintain positive and professional attitude.
  • Seek council from management when needed.
  • Maintain clear and open communication between all staff members for overall event success.
  • Work well within a team and independently.
  • Must be able to take initiative, Ability to work well under pressure.
  • Follow Health and Safety practices at all times.
  • Complete all other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED certificate.
  • Customer Service or waiter experience.

Assistant Retail Operations Manager

Full-time
Posted: 4/16/2018
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:  Reports to the Retail Operations Manager, Assistant General Manager, and General Manager.

WORK SCHEDULE:  Flexible, includes weekends, holidays, and night events throughout the year. 

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  The Assistant Retail Operations Manager is responsible for partnering with the Retail Operations Manager to ensure the successful operation of the Gift store and locations within the Riverbanks  Zoo and Garden.  These responsibilities fall solely on the Assistant ROM when the ROM is not present. Training, Development, Recruiting, Hiring, and Coaching are essential duties in addition to all Merchandising and Retail responsibilities.  The AROM will be a role model for excellence in guest service and execute SSA and Client standards for Guest Experience at all times. Maintaining and building strong relationship with our Client is critical to the operation and the roles of AROM. 

 MANAGEMENT 
 ·       Assists the Retail Operations Manager in managing the day to day operations of all retail and stockroom locations at the Zoo and overseas operations during Retail Operations Manager’s absence.
 ·     Assists Operations Manager in scheduling adequate staff according to labor budget guidelines while being responsible for constructing daily schedules to effectively operate the store.
 ·      Responsible for staff providing each zoo visitor uncompromised hospitality and quality service.
 ·      Leads the daily successful operation of all retail and stock locations at the Zoo. Leads and Manages the Supervisory Team, and entire Associate staff in the day-to-day operation.
 ·      Accountable for all development and implementation of SSA customer services initiative and employee incentive programs
 ·      Directs the maintenance of all shops to be presented consistently in a clean, attractive, and highly marketable condition and coordinates with ROM, AGM, and/or GM in the repair and/or replacement of all fixtures and equipment.
 ·      Provides a solid relationship with all departments and builds client relations while maintaining business standards and expectations
 ·      Expected to be knowledgeable on Point-of-Sale software management in both front and back office settings as well as a working knowledge of maintenance and education of system operation management to entire staff. 

MERCHANDISING / INVENTORY MANAGEMENT
 ·      Responsible for all inventory on Zoo premises
 ·      Responsible for evaluating and maintaining inventory levels in the stores in partnership with Supervisory, Associate, and Warehouse Teams
 ·      Coordinates with the Head Buyer and ROM to effectively merchandise and display product  
 ·      Directs management team in the handling of MOS, Damages, and Interdepartmental Purchases.
 ·      Oversees the completion of cycle counts as well as a bi-annual physical inventory.     

HUMAN RESOURCES
 ·       Coordinates with ROM to execute detailed and thorough recruiting, interviewing, and following through of all required hiring procedures. Attends and participates in job fairs as well as other types of recruiting functions.  
 ·       Coordinates with ROM and SSA HR Department in execution of effective completion of all aspects of human resources including, but not limited to: employee counseling, evaluations, payroll functions, uniform management, time-keeping management, and attendance record keeping.  
 ·       Coordinates with ROM and SSA HR Department in assuring all hiring, promotion, and termination processes comply with applicable local, state, and federal laws.  Remains knowledgeable in all applicable safety regulations.
 ·      Assists ROM on instructing the proper training of all new hires. This includes a thorough review of all RBZ and SSA policies and procedures relating to their position.  Provides new hires with information regarding benefits, rate of pay, and other related information.
 ·      Coordinates with ROM in conducting customer service, sales, and product knowledge training sessions to assure that each employee is properly and thoroughly prepared to perform his/her duties. 

FINANCIAL 
 ·      Coordinates with GM, AGM, and ROM to set and exceed monthly and yearly sales goals.
 ·      Directs management team on daily, weekly, and period reporting, according to the corporate policies andProcedures, as well as those of the branch.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job description.  The General Manager reserves the right to revise the job description or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs or technological developments). 

JOB REQUIREMENTS
 ·      Should have 2 (two) years or more total retail management experience
 ·      Experience in managing over 30 employees at one time is required
 ·      Must have retail point-of-sale operating system experience as well as other related computer experience such as Excel, Word, and Power Point
 ·      Store financial analysis and budget creation and review is required
 ·      Experience in providing customer service training classes 
 ·      Hiring, training and staff development experience required
 ·      Must have flexible availability – seven days a week – early mornings and late nights are possible 
 ·      Holiday’s, weekends, and other times will be required
 ·      Experience in working with all levels of management and clients

Concessions Associate

Part-time (Weekends, holidays, and special event evenings required)
Posted: 4/16/2018
Service Systems Associates at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is now hiring outgoing, customer service oriented individuals.Position is part-time seasonal, and include weekday, evening, and weekend hours. Scheduling is flexible within limits. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.


Responsibilities:
- Uphold the highest level of customer service.
- Maintain a friendly and approachable attitude towards guests and staff.
- Uphold a professional appearance and mannerism at all times.
- Provide excellent food and beverage service for zoo guests.
- Maintain knowledge of policies and procedures.
- Maintain sense of urgency when on the service floor.
- Maintain back of the house, front of the house, and side work duties for overall productivity.
- Maintain positive and professional attitude at all times.
- Seek council from management when needed.
- Maintain clear and open communication between all staff members for overall positive guest experience.
- Work well within a team and independently.
- Must be able to take initiative.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Follow Health and Safety practices at all times.
- Complete all other duties as assigned.


Education and Experience:
- High school diploma, working towards diploma, or GED certificate.
- Customer service, food service, or waiter experience preferred.
- Some areas require service of alcohol to guests. Previous experience serving alcohol in a concessions like setting is not required but preferred.
- Be willing to interact with guests of all ages.
- Must be able to work weekends and weekdays, and some nights for special events. 
- Ability to perform physical activities such as lifting 25-50 lbs, balancing, walking, and handling of delicate materials

Retail Sales Associates

Part-time (Weekday and weekend availability)
Posted: 4/16/2018
Service Systems Associates, is currently hiring for sales associates, at the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Gift shop. Candidate  should displays a high level of energy and enthusiasm on the sales floor. Duties include, but not limited to: 
-Greeting Guests entering the Associate's zone. 
-Guests focused. 
-Actively smiling and is approachable.  
-Crossing paths and proactively engaging Guests. 
-Suggestively Sells, Offers add-ons with every purchase. 
-Consistently demonstrates the ability to transition from store maintenance to Guest Service smoothly and with a sense of urgency.


The Associate is quickly and accurately counting and checking in merchandise; follows the standards and expectations set forth in the Visual Presentation binder. Actively stocking and cleaning (including detailed areas); keeps busy when Guest traffic is slow. Teamwork by assisting their peers; assists peers with Guest questions and needs.