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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 October 2, 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.

Camp Counselor (Winter Break)

Temporary (December 29th, 2025 – January 2nd, 2026 (7:45am - 4:30pm))
Salary: $12.62/hr
Posted: 10/2/2025

We are currently seeking Camp Counselors (Winter Break) who will lead day and seasonal camp educational programs. Curriculum topics include, but are not limited to: zoology, botany, ecology, conservation, behavioral science, and other natural & physical sciences. This position reports directly to the Zoo Education Manager.

Essential Functions:

  • Supervises and motivates groups of 16 children (between the ages of 5 and 12 years old) over the winter break.  
  • Enthusiastically presents planned activities and leads zoo and garden tours in an age-appropriate manner that is fun and engaging.  
  • Manages group behavior and demonstrates a passion for nature and children.
  • Acts as a positive role model for campers, parents, and fellow staff, inspiring progressive conservation actions throughout activities and lessons.

Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will have previous Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Camp experience/training and be enrolled in a degree-seeking education or science program, with one to two years experience working with children in an educational or instructional setting (formal or informal teaching, camp staffing, tutoring, coaching, lessons, etc.) or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Proof of current CPR/First Aid certification and a negative TB test within the last year. 

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 creating memorable educational experiences, 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.

Admissions Attendant

Part-time (Evening Availability Preferred)
Salary: $10.00/hr
Posted: 10/2/2025

We are currently seeking dependable and enthusiastic Admissions Attendants to provide an outstanding experience to Riverbanks’ guests and Society members. In this role, you’ll welcome guests at the front gates, answer guest questions at information outposts, and assist with ticket and membership sales at our ticket booths. Reports to the Admissions Supervisor and Admissions Manager

Essential Functions:

  • Works in various point of sale areas throughout the park, including ticket booths, information booths and entrance gates.
  • Handles ticket and membership purchase transactions.
  • Communicates with the public about Riverbanks memberships, exhibits, attractions, services, and policies.

Education and Experience: High school diploma and 4-6 months of work experience in customer service or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities. The ideal candidate will have cashier and data entry experience with strong customer service skills. This position will work outdoors in all weather conditions and stand for long periods of time. Availability on weekends and evening special events preferred. 

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 creating a memorable guest experience, 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.

Gondola Maintenance Technician

Full-time
Salary: $24.00-$28.00/hr; Commensurate with Experience
Posted: 9/18/2025

We are currently seeking a Gondola Maintenance Technician who will perform inspections, maintenance, and repair of Riverbanks’ Gondola System (Saluda Skyride), including fixed and detachable carriages, conveyors and their related systems. Reports to the Gondola Maintenance Manager.

Essential Functions:

  • Performs lift start-up and shut down procedures on Saluda Skyride.
  • Performs regular maintenance checks, troubleshoots technical issues, and repairs malfunctions which may include low voltage electrical systems, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.
  • Completes proper documentation and records as required.  
  • Applies information from manufacturer’s manuals and blueprints for service, repairs and replacement component (mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic).  
  • Participates in all maintenance needs and respond to calls from Saluda Skyride Operations Staff.  

Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will be a high school graduate with vocational/technical training in a related field. Comfort with performing duties 10-60+ feet from the ground will be critical in this role. Several years of experience in machinery maintenance/repair or a related field with transferable skills is preferred. Candidates with a solutions-oriented mindset will stand out in the applicant pool. Individuals applying must possess or qualify for 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 maintenance, 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.

 

Maintenance Technician

Full-time
Salary: $19.00/hr
Posted: 9/11/2025

We are currently seeking a Maintenance Technician that is responsible for general repair and maintenance of a variety of structures, equipment, vehicles, and facilities at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. 

Essential Functions:

  • Duties will vary daily and can include assignments such as general repair, preventative maintenance, carpentry, minor plumbing/electrical/HVAC, welding, excavating, fence repair, etc.
  • 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.
  • May participate in renovation or construction projects.
  • Available to work occasional evenings when needed for special projects or zoo events.
  • Available to work on weekends.
  • Available for on-call duty after hours.

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