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 28, 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.

Herpetology Keeper

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 3/20/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, is responsible for the proper care of Riverbanks’ reptiles and amphibians.  Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Conducts husbandry duties, according to departmental guidelines, including feeding animals, cleaning, maintaining, designing, and constructing exhibits.
  • Monitors and maintains life support and lighting systems.
  • Monitors animal health and behavior and uses proper enrichment and operant conditioning principles.
  • Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records.
  • Takes proper measures to ensure the security of animal enclosures.
  • Conducts tours of the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center and presents educational programs for school groups, college-level classes, and Society members.
  • May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
  • Works cooperatively with other departments including maintenance, horticulture, education, and events.
  • Works closely with the veterinary team to monitor health and treat animal health concerns.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Reports to the Herpetology Supervisor and the Curator of Herpetology.

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; Bachelor’s degree preferred, with two to three years’ experience as a herpetology keeper; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Previous experience working directly with reptiles in a professional setting preferred. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Conservation Engagement Instructor

Part-time (Start Date: May 1st, 2024)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 3/20/2024

Ambassador Commitment:  Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

Responsibilities: Given objectives set by the VP of Mission Engagement, will deliver on and off-site education programs and public engagement offered by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. As a direct report to the Conservation Engagement Manager, the Instructor will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact conservation. 

Essential Functions:

  • On-site program delivery to audiences of various ages.
  • Conservation engagement of public visitors within the park during scheduled and unscheduled interpretive encounters.
  • Inclusive educational programs that encourage the meaningful participation of all learners.
  • Communication of challenges and opportunities identified in programming with management team.
  • Working constructively within a team to deliver the highest quality educational experiences.
  • Assist with other program delivery for the education team as needed.

Education and Experience: High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in an education or science related field preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Previous experience delivering formal/informal education preferred. Must demonstrate excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to talk in front of large crowds. 

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and interest in nature, science, and conservation. Must demonstrate enthusiasm working with diverse learners and other team members. Must be available to work weekends, some weekdays, and afterhours occasionally. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license. Strong preferences will be given to those with experience and/or interest in public speaking, customer service, and those with high flexibility (weekday, weekend, and occasional evening availability). 

Horticulturist

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

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

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 have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

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.

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 have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

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 have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places.

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.

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.