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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 November 15, 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.

Conservation Engagement Instructor

Part-time (Part-time- weekdays, weekend, and afterhours (occasionally))
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 10/31/2024

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 afterhours availability). 

Bird Keeper

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 10/24/2024

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

Responsibilities: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden's Bird Department seeks a motivated team member to care for over 300 birds spanning approximately 70 species. Working under the guidance of the Curator of Birds, this position ensures the proper welfare of animals within their assigned area.

Proficiency in animal care techniques, effective communication skills, and the ability to thrive in both independent and collaborative settings within a dynamic environment and diverse range of bird species is critical in this role. 

Essential Functions:

  • Cleans and maintains animal enclosures per guidelines.
  • Safely operate tools and equipment necessary for animal and enclosure maintenance.
  • Execute dietary plans tailored to various bird species.
  • Maintain accurate records on animal behavior and produce detailed reports.
  • Build productive relationships and communicate across departments.
  • Knowledge and execution of enrichment and training programs, zoo animal program operations, handling techniques for diverse animal species, feeding protocols, safety protocols in animal environments, and principles of record keeping.

Role Specific Opportunities Include:

  • Training on all 5 avian runs.
  • Participation in artificial incubation, hand rearing, and parent-assist rearing for Lorikeets, Flamingos, Penguins, and more.
  • Opportunity to become certified in open water and dry suit diving and join the Riverbanks Dive Team.
  • Schedule rotation providing periodic weekends off.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences preferred, along with two to three years of animal care experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and abilities. SCUBA and First Aid/CPR certifications are advantageous. Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver's license.

The ideal candidate will have previous professional experience working with Avian species and enjoy working both independently and with a team on a variety of tasks and priorities that require attention-to-detail, sound decision making, and effective communication. This position will have weekly tasks in areas that include bending, stooping, crouching, crawling, climbing ladders and lifting/moving up to 60 lbs.

Zoo Education Instructor (Formal Programs)

Part-time (Weekday Availability Preferred)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 9/26/2024

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will 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 Zoo Education Manager, the Instructor will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact conservation. 

Essential Functions:

  • On and off-site program delivery to school and non-school audiences of various 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.
  • Assist with other program delivery for the education team as needed.
  • Willingness to handle a variety of animal ambassadors and monitor animal welfare during 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 weekdays. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

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.