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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 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 June 19, 2025)

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.

Housekeeper

Part-time
Salary: $13.00/hr
Posted: 6/19/2025

Shift Availability:

Weekdays and/or Weekends: 8:00am-4:00pm, 2:00-8:00pm

We are currently seeking a Housekeeper who will play an essential role in maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout Riverbanks. Reports to the Environmental Services Manager.

Essential Functions:

  • Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of Riverbanks facilities under general supervision.
  • Maintains a high level of cleanliness throughout Riverbanks Zoo and Garden by following cleaning routines.
  • Responds promptly to non-routine cleaning issues as they arrive.

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.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about guest services, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Aquarist

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 6/18/2025

We are currently seeking an Aquarist to join our team! In this role, you will be responsible for the proper care of Riverbanks' fish and aquatic invertebrates. This position reports directly to the Aquarist Supervisor and the Aquarium Curator.

Essential Functions:

  • Conducts husbandry duties according to departmental guidelines, including diet preparation, feeding aquarium life, cleaning, and maintaining exhibits, and working with veterinary staff to ensure the health and wellbeing of the living collection. 
  • Conducts water testing to ensure appropriate water quality is maintained and adjusts as required. 
  • Inspects and evaluates the condition of exhibits and life support to determine and/or execute necessary repairs and modifications. 
  • Performs diving duties and demonstrations as a member of the dive team. 
  • Conducts tours of the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center and presents educational programs for school groups, college-level classes, and Society members as needed.
  • Provides assistance and guidance to volunteers and interns assigned to the department. 
  • May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Biological Sciences required. Bachelors’ Degree preferred. Two to three years of experience as an Aquarist or Animal Keeper required; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must hold valid SCUBA certification. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

The ideal candidate will have previous professional experience working with Cnidarians and enjoy working both independently and with a team on a variety of tasks and priorities including some that require basic computer skills. This position will have weekly tasks in areas that include bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing ladders and lifting/moving up to 60 lbs.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about animal conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

Mammal Keeper (Gorilla/Small Mammals)

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 6/5/2025

We are currently seeking a Mammal Keeper (Gorilla/Small Mammals) to join our team! In this role, you’ll be responsible for the proper care of mammals in Riverbanks’ animal collection. Works primarily with gorillas, various small primates, small felids, and other small mammals. This position reports directly to the Gorilla/Small Mammals Supervisor and Curator of Mammals.

Essential Functions:

  • Conducts husbandry duties, according to departmental guidelines, including feeding animals, cleaning, maintaining, designing, and constructing exhibits.
  • Works closely with the Veterinary Team to monitor health and treat animal health concerns.
  • Works cooperatively with other departments including Maintenance, Horticulture, Education, and Events. 
  • May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned. 
  • Monitors animal behavior and provides enrichment and training. 
  • Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records and reports.
  • Take proper measures to ensure the security of animal enclosures. 
  • Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team to provide top quality animal care.

Education and Experience: Associate degree, Bachelors preferred, in biology, zoology or wildlife management 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. Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver's license.

We’re not just looking for someone to fill a role. We’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us, be challenged, and take pride in the work they do. If you're passionate about animal conservation, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming part of a team that values creating connections and inspiring action to positively impact wildlife and wild places, we’d love to hear from you.

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.