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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 March 21, 2019)

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.

Maintenance/Events Technician

Full-time
Grade 10
Salary: $13.86/hr
Posted: 3/21/2019
Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, is responsible for working with a team to prepare the park for special events and for the general repair and maintenance to a variety of structures, equipment, vehicles, and facilities at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. This position will alternate between projects in the Events department and the Facilities Maintenance department. This position reports to the Director of Facilities Maintenance but will work under the direction of the Events management staff when performing events related tasks.

Events Department:
  • Constructs, assembles, and dismantles event components, including audio/visual equipment, and “wrapping” trees with lights.
  • Maintains proper lighting and audio for events and daytime operations, and warehouse inventory.
  • Ensures the safety of the public by preparing displays that are structurally sound and maintaining Riverbanks’ reputation for high quality events and aesthetics.

Facilities Maintenance Department:
  • Duties will vary daily and can include assignments such as general repair, preventative maintenance, carpentry, minor plumbing/electrical/HVAC, welding, excavating, fence repair, etc.
  • Assists with renovation or construction projects, as needed.
  • 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.  

Education and Experience: High school graduate with vocational/technical training in equipment repair/trade/electrical/construction or Associates Degree in a related field required. Three to five years of experience as a maintenance worker or tradesmen preferred; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. 

The ideal candidate will be able to work well independently and with a team on a variety of tasks and priorities. This role requires handling multiple projects at one time, while demonstrating good planning, organization, and communication skills. Must be available to work a flexible schedule to include evenings/weekends (depending on special event schedule) and for on-call duty after hours, as needed. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, be able to lift 50lbs., and be able to walk long distances repetitively. Must possess or be eligible for a valid S.C. driver's license.

Instructor

Seasonal (March-July. Part-time: schedule varies, availability Monday-Sunday)
Grade 5
Salary: $10.45/hr
Posted: 3/21/2019
Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation. 

Responsibilities: Given objectives set by the Director of Education, will deliver on and off-site education programs offered by Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. The Instructor will insure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact conservation. The instructor is responsible for:
  • On and off-site program delivery to school and non-school audiences of many ages.
  • Inclusive educational programs that encourage the meaningful participation of all learners.
  • Communication of challenges and opportunities identified in programming.
  • Working constructively within a team to deliver the highest quality educational experiences.
  • Animal welfare monitoring throughout programming.

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). 

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and interest in nature and science. Must demonstrate enthusiasm working with diverse learners.  Must be available to work weekends and evenings. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Horticulturist - Habitat Horticulture

Full-time
Grade 8
Salary: $12.62/hr
Posted: 3/21/2019
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. Works outdoors year-round in all weather conditions. Reports to the Director of Zoo Habitat Horticulture.

Education and Experience: Associates degree in Horticulture, bachelors 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.  Prefer professional horticulture experience and/or training.  Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver’s license.

Guest Engagement Guide

Part-time (Schedule varies, availability Monday - Sunday, weekend work required)
Grade 2
Salary: $8.18/hr
Posted: 3/21/2019
Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.  
 
Responsibilities: Delivers highly engaging and empowering interpretive programs to guests. Maintains a high level of enthusiasm while interacting with individuals and small groups at designated stations. Helps to maintain a positive work environment and works cooperatively and collaboratively in a team. Maintains a professional demeanor within the workplace. Provides outstanding customer service to guests, volunteers and staff. Reports to the Guest Engagement Supervisor.

Education and Experience: High school diploma and 6 months of presentation/guest service work experience preferred. Must be willing and able to interact with a diverse audience. Must be comfortable handling animal artifacts while demonstrating enthusiasm and a commitment to high quality programming and care for our guests. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, and be able to walk long distances repetitively.

Courier and Warehouse Clerk

Part-time
Grade 4
Salary: $10.08/hr
Posted: 3/21/2019
Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on conservation.

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, runs errands to pick-up items already ordered by various departments, takes packages for shipment, receives and inspects supply deliveries and delivers orders to departments per schedule. Makes daily mail run and transports packages for shipment; makes other pickups and deliveries as required.  Maintains warehouse and provides assistance and information to other departments regarding warehouse related matters. Utilizes and operates various types of equipment such as a company vehicle, fork lift, computer, etc. Completes other duties and tasks as required. Reports to the Director of Facilities Maintenance.

Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age with a HS diploma. Some college education is preferred. Must have exceptional communication and organizational skills and be self-motivated. Maintains a high standard for service and good communication with co-workers, guests, and vendors. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, lift up to 50lbs., and walk long distances repetitively. Maintains a flexible schedule. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC 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 March 21, 2019)

Catering and Event Server

Part-time (10–40 hours weekly depending on season)
Posted: 3/21/2019

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.Previous experience serving alcohol in an event setting is not required but is a plus.

Requirements

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

Concessions Associate

Part-time (Weekends, holidays, and special event evenings required)
Posted: 3/21/2019

Service Systems Associates at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is now hiring outgoing, customer service oriented individuals.Position is part-time seasonal, and include day, evening, and weekend hours. Scheduling is flexible within limits. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions. 

Compensation: Competitive wages based on experience.

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:

  • Customer service, food service, or waiter experience preferred, but not required.
  • 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: 3/21/2019

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.


Shift Leader

Part-time (15-40 ours weekly depending on the season)
Posted: 3/21/2019

Service Systems Associates at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is now hiring outgoing, customer service oriented individuals. The Shift Leader reports to the Food and Beverage Operations Manager and Assistant Managers. Position is part-time and include day, evening, weekend, and holiday hours. Scheduling is flexible within limits.

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 opening and closing of park and garden.
  • 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 in the park.
  • Maintain back of the house, front of the house and side work duties for overall productivity.
  • Seek council from management when needed.
  • Maintain clear and open communication between all staff membersWork well within a team and independently.
  • Must be able to take initiativeAbility to work well under pressure.
  • Follow Health and Safety practices at all times.
  • Ability to instruct, teach, and motivateAbility to multi-task and accomplish several tasks in one day.
  • Some understanding of fiscal responsibility.
  • Understands food safety rules.
  • Understands Merchandising.
  • Able to handle constructive feedback and will work hard to learn.
  • Complete all other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • A positive and professional attitude and appearance.
  • Customer Service experience.
  • Experience managing a small team.

If we determine that your experience and skills match the needs for this opening we will contact you directly.