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 March 18, 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.

Horticulturist

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

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

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.

Mammal Keeper – Gorillas/Small Mammals

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 3/7/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision is responsible for the proper care of mammals in Riverbanks’ animal collection. Works with gorillas, various small primates, small felids, kangaroos, wallabies, and other small mammals. Main responsibilities include feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining habitats, working with veterinary staff to monitor and treat diseases, and monitoring animal behavior. Duties also include providing daily enrichment and daily training of animals. Candidate must be able to maintain detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records using ZIMS as the primary record keeping tool. Candidate must be able to cooperate within a team to provide top quality animal care, communicate and work cohesively with other departments, and interact with Riverbanks guests. Reports to the Supervisor and Curator of Mammals.

Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will have an associate degree in biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; Bachelor’s degree preferred, and 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. Experience working directly with gorillas and other primates preferred.

Summer Camp Counselor

Full-time (Full-time Temporary: May 28 - August 2, 2024 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm, shifts may vary)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 2/29/2024

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

Responsibilities: Leads summer camp educational programs.  Curriculum topics include, but are not limited to: zoology, botany, ecology, conservation, behavioral science, and other natural & physical sciences. Supervises and motivates groups of 16-20 children (between the ages of 5 and 12 years old) per week.  Enthusiastically presents planned activities and leads zoo and garden tours in an age-appropriate manner that is fun and engaging.  Manages group behavior and demonstrates a passion for nature and children. Acts as a positive role model for campers, parents, and fellow staff, inspiring progressive conservation actions throughout activities and lessons.

Education and Experience: Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking education program, with one to two years experience working with children in an educational or instructional setting (formal or informal teaching, camp staffing, tutoring, coaching, lessons, etc.) or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. Must have a good knowledge of natural science.  Must possess or be eligible for a valid S.C. driver's license.  Must have and be able to provide proof of current CPR/First Aid certification and a negative TB test by the first day of training.

 

 

Staff Veterinarian

Full-time
Salary: $80,000-$90,000/yr; Commensurate with Experience
Posted: 2/15/2024

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

Responsibilities: Given objectives set by the Director of Animal Health, is responsible for diagnosing and treating illness and injuries and administering preventive medicine programs for Riverbanks Zoo & Garden’s animal collection and birds presented to the Truist Raptor Center. Exercises skill and responsibility in anesthesia, surgery, quarantine protocols, radiology, nutrition, parasite management, and necropsy. 

  • Manages medical records using Zoological Information Management Software. 
  • Communicates with animal care staff to ensure optimal health care for the collection and works with them to monitor and treat animal diseases.
  • Works with the animal care staff to develop necessary modifications in animal habitat, diet, training, and enrichment. Remains well informed of changes in policies, animal care, supply needs and equipment and ensures compliance with established policies.
  • Cultivates and maintains a positive working environment. Effectively interacts and communicates with senior staff, employees, interns, volunteers, and other zoo and garden departments.
  • Contributes to various organization-wide initiatives and projects. Participates in dangerous animal escape procedures and drills.
  • Participates in relevant AZA conservation and science committees/activities. Some travel required to attend meetings, professional development opportunities or conferences.

Education and Experience: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from an accredited university, with a minimum of one year of post-graduate training required. At least one year of veterinary experience within a zoological institution preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Residency training preferred.

The ideal candidate will be able to work independently without close oversight, but also be a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority. Strong communication, interpersonal, and supervisory skills are required in this role. Must maintain a flexible schedule for weekend, holiday, and after-hours assignments. Must be dedicated to excellence with a strong desire to promote and provide top quality animal care in a zoological setting. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC State Veterinary license and SC driver’s license.

 

Commissary Technician

Full-time (Tuesday & Wednesday days-off)
Salary: $14.09/hr
Posted: 2/2/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision is responsible for the timely preparation and delivery of animal diets and feeds according to precise instructions and fixed schedules. Proficiently uses knives and other kitchen equipment to produce animal diets with correct weights, measures, and ingredient sizes. Handles produce, meat, fish, and a variety of other animal food items.  Ensures acceptable condition of items and rotates stock. Capable of meeting work deadlines when short-staffed.  Unloads feed deliveries, delivers completed diets to animal areas in vehicles/on foot, maintains a clean and sanitary work environment.  Provides assistance and information to co-workers and keeper staff.  Reports to the Commissary Supervisor and the Commissary Manager. 

Education and Experience: High School graduate who is at least 18 years old and possesses a valid driver’s license.  Previous kitchen/food prep experience is a plus.  Requires standing for long periods of time performing repetitive food chopping and ingredient weighing.  Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, must be willing to learn and follow instructions.  Must be a team player who can manage a large workload in a fast-paced, detail-oriented, deadline-driven work environment.  Must be able to employ basic math skills on a regular basis. Must be dependable, punctual, organized, and conscientious. Five-day work week: 7:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday days-off. Work schedule will include weekends, holidays, and inclement weather days.

Public Safety Officer (1st Shift)

Part-time (Shift Availability: 8:15am-5:30pm)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 2/1/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, maintains security of Riverbanks east and west campus, picnic areas, and parking lots. Patrols and monitors gate entrances and exits. Assists with operation of Waterfall Junction, Provides security services during non-public hours for special events. Maintains good customer service and strives to achieve excellent public relations. Assists visitors by providing directions, locating missing persons, assisting stranded motorists, locating lost personal property, handling complaints or inquiries, providing first aid, etc. Prepares and maintains required reports.  Controls keys and locks for all Riverbanks facilities and property. Must also be available to work evenings and special events as needed. Reports to the Public Safety Manager.

Education and Experience: High school graduate with one to two years’ experience as a security officer; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  Must demonstrate professionalism, customer service experience and strong communication skills.  Must possess or be eligible for a valid South Carolina driver's license. 

Events Technician

Full-time
Salary: $14.14/hr
Posted: 1/31/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Events Manager, will be responsible for helping to ensure high quality special events and positive guest experiences through hands-on, detail-oriented tasks including:

  • Ability to communicate and work effectively with Events team, guests, and other departments at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden.
  • Provide personalized assistance, resolving guest needs for events; providing fast and accurate responses to guest requests, ensuring high standards of customer service.
  • Proactively handles and troubleshoots any technical issues that arise prior to, during, and after the event.
  • Oversees and inventories stock and maintenance of supplies for specific programs and events as needed, alerting the Events Manager when supplies are low or damaged.
  • Maintaining proper lighting and audio for special events and daytime operations.
  • Constructing, assembling, and dismantling event components and audio/visual equipment.
  • Preparing displays that are structurally sound and safe.
  • Operating golf carts, forklifts, and aerial lifts.
  • Must be available to work occasional evenings when needed for special projects or zoo events.

Education and Experience: High school diploma with some electrical or construction experience required, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate good planning, organization, and teamwork skills. Must be comfortable working from a ladder and aerial lifts at significant heights. Must be able to work in all weather conditions and be able to lift at least 50 pounds. Must possess or be eligible for a South Carolina driver’s license.

 

 

Housekeeper

Part-time (Weekend and Evening Availability Preferred)
Salary: $13.00/hr
Posted: 1/2/2024

Shift Availability: 

Weekends- 8:00am-4:00pm, 2:00-8:00pm 

Weekdays- 2:00pm-8:00pm

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 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.