Job Opportunities

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, creates connections with our guests while ensuring the safe operation of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s shuttle service. Works within a team to greet guests waiting in line, load and unload passengers, and operate a multi-trailer tram to provide efficient, fun and safe transport to and from the garden side of the zoo. Routinely performs and practices tasks such as inspections equipment, safe driving habits, and emergency procedures. Will effectively make judgement calls about the tram’s operation and communicate with the public about Riverbanks’ exhibits, attractions, services and policies. Will assist with other duties as assigned, including working evening tram events.  Reports to the Attractions Supervisor.

Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age with a HS diploma and demonstration of responsible job experience. Must be willing and able to interact with guests of all ages and abilities. Must demonstrate good decision-making and the ability to work well with a team and individually. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, be able to lift 50lbs. and be able to sit/stand for long periods of time. Must possess a valid SC driver’s license.

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, is responsible for general repair and maintenance to a variety of structures, equipment, vehicles, and facilities at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.  Duties will vary daily and can include assignments such as general repair, preventative maintenance, carpentry, minor plumbing/electrical/HVAC, welding, excavating, fence repair, etc.  May be required to operate medium to heavy equipment such as a forklift, backhoe, skid steer, snorkel lift, trencher, etc. as required to complete assignments. Also may participate in renovation or construction projects. Must be available to work occasional evenings when needed for special projects or zoo events. Must be available to work on weekends. Must be available for on-call duty after hours.

Education and Experience: High school graduate with vocational/technical training in equipment repair/trade or Associates Degree in related field, and three to five years of experience as a maintenance worker or tradesmen; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must possess or be eligible for a valid S.C. driver's license.

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 five to eleven months of experience in grounds maintenance, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.  Must possess a valid S.C. driver's license.

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.

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, creates connections with our guests while providing an outstanding experience and ensuring the safe operation of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s attractions. Works in a variety of locations throughout the park, including but not limited to: Carousel, Spots & Stripes Railroad, Waterfall Junction, Ropes Course, and Giraffe Feeding.  Routinely performs inspections and sanitizing of attractions. Handles cashless Point of Sale transactions. Communicates with the public about Riverbanks’ exhibits, attractions, services and policies. Reports to the Attractions Manager.

Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age with a HS Diploma; 6 months of guest service work experience (preferred).  Must be willing and able to interact with guests of all ages and abilities. Must demonstrate good decision-making and the ability to work well with a team and individually. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions while wearing a face mask, and must be able to stand for long periods of time

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

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 Guest Services Manager and the Director of Guest Services.  

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. Cashier experience, data entry and strong customer services skills are required. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions and be able to stand for long periods of time. Must be available weekdays and available to work evening and special events as needed.

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

Responsibilities:

As a member of Team Riverbanks, it is essential to understand that all areas of the Zoo and Garden are interlocked and dependent on one another. The Curator of Mammals directs and oversees the activities of the mammal department to ensure and promote effective and efficient care and welfare of the department’s animal collection. 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. As a member of Riverbanks’ leadership team, it is necessary to promote and maintain a positive working environment while effectively interacting and communicating with staff, employees, volunteers, and various external groups. 

Essential Functions:

• Oversees and ensures the proper care and welfare of the department's animal collection to include the preparation and administration of diets, medical care, and the design, development and maintenance of animal exhibits, building equipment and mechanical systems.
• Coordinates daily activities of the department through effective communication with the Director of Animal Care and Welfare, Assistant Curator, Animal Behavior Manager, Animal Supervisors, Keepers, and Volunteers.
• Assists in maintaining studbooks and Species Survival Plans (SSPs). Maintains complete and accurate animal records, etc.
• Initiates and oversees viable managed breeding, husbandry and conservation programs for species in the department's collection, in collaboration with relevant Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Conservation and Science (C&S) committees.
• Communicates with the Veterinarians to ensure optimal healthcare for the animal collection and assists with medical procedures and examinations, as necessary.
• Responsible for the acquisition and disposition of specimens and planning and implementing various projects.
• Supervises department personnel, hires and trains staff, responsible for scheduling, payroll/time keeping, and performance management.
• Develops a continuous improvement plan for the department as well as each staff member, focusing on enhancing team skill set and productivity. Ensures that keepers are given ample feedback and are rewarded for success and understand areas of needed improvement.
• Interacts with guests and provides informal and programmed educational information, relative to Zoo programs, husbandry, animal conservation, etc. Conducts tours and assists with public, media and interviews as requested.
• Writes both popular articles and peer-review technical articles for appropriate professional and popular publications.
• Participates in relevant Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs). Leadership role(s) in AZA conservation and science committees/activities is encouraged.
• Analyzes and prepares a variety of reports/forms, billing invoices, and general correspondence. Manages all departmental purchases and the department budget, and compiles budget data.
• Reports to the Director of Animal Care and Welfare.

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor's degree required (in one of the Biological Sciences preferred) with a minimum of five years of experience working with exotic animal husbandry at an accredited AZA institution or related facility. Minimum of three years of management/supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must have a broad range of experience managing mammal collections in a professional setting. 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.

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 animals in Riverbanks’ animal collection. Works with domestic and exotic animals including goats, pigs, rabbits, chickens, turkey, owls, alpaca, zebra, ostrich, native reptiles and amphibians and other animals as designated.  Duties include feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining habitats, works with veterinary staff to monitor and treat diseases, monitors animal behavior, and provides enrichment and training. Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records and reports. Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team to provide top quality animal care. Reports to the Senior Keeper, Assistant Mammal Curator and Mammal Curator.

Education and Experience: Associate's 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 domestic and/or exotic hoofed animals preferred.  Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver's license.

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:

• “Wrapping” trees with lights.
• Warehouse inventory.
• 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.

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 on an aerial lift at significant heights. Must be able to work in all weather conditions and be able to lift at least 30 pounds. Must possess or be eligible for a South Carolina driver’s license and certification to operate a golf cart, forklift, and aerial lift.

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 Senior Technician 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.  Days off subject to change but will be Thursdays and Fridays initially.  Work schedule includes Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and inclement weather days.

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, is responsible for supervising animal husbandry for domestic animal collection at the farmyard which includes, goats, chickens, turkey, ducks, owl, pigs, alpacas as well as our exotic collection of zebra and ostrich.  Supervises the work assigned to a team of three mammal keepers. Designs, maintains, and repairs animal enclosures; maintains aesthetically pleasing habitats; works with veterinary staff to monitor and treat animal diseases.  Monitors and reports animal behavior.  Plans and participates in animal training, transport, and medical procedures.  Instructs staff, interns, and volunteers ensuring that all animals receive top quality animal care.  Interacts with guests and provides informal and programmed educational information.  Reports to the Assistant Mammal Curator

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; Bachelor’s Degree preferred, and three to five years of experience working with animals, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities.   Experience working directly with both domestic and exotic animals in a zoological setting preferred.  Excellent supervisory, communication, and organizational skills. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver’s license. 

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 primarily with white rhinos, sea lions, seals, giraffe, tapir and babirusa and other animals as designated.  Feeds animals, cleans and maintains exhibits, works with veterinary staff to monitor, and treat diseases, monitors animal behavior, and provides enrichment and training. Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records and reports. Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team to provide top quality animal care. May have the opportunity to gain certification for and participate as a member of the Riverbanks’ dive team. Reports to the Senior Keeper, Assistant Mammal Curator, and Mammal Curator.

Education and Experience: Associates’ 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 hoof stock or sea lions preferred.  SCUBA and First Aid/CPR certifications are desirable. Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver's license.