Job Opportunities

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 ambassador program. Works with a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Feeds animals, cleans and maintains enclosures, and provides enrichment and training. Monitors animal behavior and works with veterinary staff to monitor and treat diseases. Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records and reports. Works in collaboration with the education department, conducts presentations with Riverbanks’ animal ambassadors. Interacts directly with guests during informal and formal programs, providing engaging and accurate educational information. Reports to the Senior Keeper, Assistant Mammal Curator, and Mammal Curator.

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; Bachelor’s Degree preferred, and one to two years of experience working with animals, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities.  Must demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in all activities. Base knowledge and experience with operant conditioning/training programs and presenting animal programs for public audiences required. 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: Given objectives set by the Director of Facilities Maintenance, is responsible for operating, repairing, and maintaining Riverbanks LSS equipment, structures and facilities. Will ensure a safe work environment, while understanding the operation and interpretation of technical LSS equipment. Follows USDA, DHEC, OSHA, AZA, etc. standards in all areas.

• Conducts daily rounds of all pump rooms to inspect filters, pumps, motors, compressors, lights, fans, protein fractionators, and ozone units.
• Completes regular preventative maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and repair to analytical instrumentation, probes, and mechanical equipment.
• 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.
• Builds, repairs, remodels, and/or replaces facilities and structures in the performance of duties. Assists in building new structures and renovating and repairing existing structures. Works with contractors on designing and retrofitting spaces for LSS.
• Routinely completes water quality diagnosing procedures and checkups using an array of analytical equipment, such as spectrophotometers, digital pH meters, gauges, etc.
• Coordinates LSS and water quality parameters with the animal care staff to establish and maintain an environment conducive to the health and well-being of the animal collection. Communicates any water quality concerns to the Curator and Veterinary Staff.
• Uses and maintains a centralized laboratory to perform water quality testing for the Penguin, Sea Lion, Grizzly, Otter, and Siamang exhibits. Prepares and maintains inventory, water quality logs and reports, and maintenance reports and requests.
• Determines necessary supplies/materials needed for tasks and to maintain inventory status. Receives bids, prepares requisitions, and orders stock.
• Serves as a member of the dive staff and participates in dive operations in positions of diver, tender, and DPIC (Dive Person In-Charge), as needed. Also participates in dive emergency exercises in various exhibits.
• Comprehends and follows the Riverbanks Dive Safe Practices Manual and contributes to content for revisions/updates.
• Maintains the Waterfall Junction Splash Pad and ensures all water quality parameters are within DHEC standards. Understands basic pool filtration and equipment.
• Effectively interacts and communicates with supervisor/team, employees, volunteers, Riverbanks guests, and various external groups/individuals (e.g. sales representatives, contractors, etc.). Collaborates with the animal care and maintenance staff to ensure the integrated delivery of LSS operation/maintenance for the safety and welfare of the animal collection.
• Must be available for on-call/weekend duty and for emergencies. Works beyond a 40/hour work week, as required. Some travel required to attend meetings, professional development opportunities or conferences (e.g. AALSO and AZA).

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Biological Sciences or a related field required. Experience with commercial LSS equipment, water quality testing equipment, and/or pool filtration and equipment preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. AALSO Operator Level 1 desired. Open Water Dive Certification from a nationally accredited organization desired. Experience working in an AZA accredited institution preferred.

The ideal candidate will 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 very high standard for service. Will be able to handle multiple projects simultaneously and possess thorough knowledge of current computer applications to include MS Office Suite. Must be able to pass a dive medical evaluation and be able to lift and carry up to 70 lbs. repeatedly. 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 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 a manlift/boom 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 be trained (or eligible for certification) to operate a golf cart, forklift, and manlift/boom.

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.

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision and is responsible for the proper care of animals in Riverbanks’ animal collection. Works with both 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: Assists in the overall operations of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s communications center. Responsibilities include but are not limited to answering various general and member-related inquiries, directing calls, emails and messages to the appropriate departments, processing, fulfilling and tracking ticket orders, donations and other requests, and performing accurate data entry. Maintains and promotes excellence in guest relations. Works with various departments to maximize efficiency of internal and external communications. Reports to the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Education and Experience: High school diploma, and one to two years of experience in customer service or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Experience using Microsoft Office Suite (including but not limited to proficiencies in Excel, Word and Outlook). The best candidate will be a highly motivated, courteous and professional individual who demonstrates excellent communication skills (both oral and written) and consistently provides the highest standards in customer service. Must be able to work some weekends, evenings and holidays. 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 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.