Job Opportunities

Full-time
Salary: $45,000-$50,000/yr; Commensurate with Experience
Posted: 3/20/2025

We are currently seeking an Accounting Analyst who will play an essential role in ensuring Accounts Payable functions are executed timely and accurately. In this position, you’ll work closely with our VP of Finance to ensure accuracy and integrity in our financial reporting.

Essential Functions: 

• Manage all accounts payable functions, ensuring invoices are paid within payment terms provided. Key functions include: Monitoring the Finance inbox to retrieve invoices emailed from vendors, entering payables in the accounting system, seeking approvals from zoo staff members who initiated purchases, and verifying corresponding purchase orders.
• Prepare and post journal entries to reallocate expenditures when initially coded incorrectly.
• Set up new vendors in the accounting system, and maintain vendor master file.
• Complete credit applications when required to establish the Zoo as a new customer
• Review vendors’ outstanding receivables statements and follow up with zoo personnel in instances invoices have not been received by Finance.
• Initiate weekly check runs and ACH payments.  Maintain paid Accounts Payable supporting documentation, electronically.
• Assist in monitoring bank balances to ensure the Zoo maintains sufficient funds to cover disbursements.
• Identify when purchases qualify as a prepaid expense. Track prepaids and amortize expense as the good or service is incurred.
• Prepare bank account reconciliations for both the Riverbanks Park District, as well as the Riverbanks Society, monthly. 
• Post assigned monthly journal entries to record transactional bank activity to the general ledger.
• Calculate the Use Tax liability each month, prepare and file the Use tax return electronically, and remit payment to the SC Dept. of Revenue.
• Assist the VP of Finance with analyzing budget vs. actuals to identify variance drivers.
• As part of a flexible and dynamic team, you’ll assist with other ad hoc financial reports as needed.

Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. We also welcome candidates who bring at least five years of relevant professional experience in accounting, auditing, finance, or banking.

The ideal candidate will have a detail-oriented mindset with a passion for accuracy, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. They will also have a collaborative attitude and strong communication skills. 

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 finance, 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.

Part-time
Salary: $11.00/hr
Posted: 3/19/2025

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, creates connections with our guests while ensuring the safe operation of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s free shuttle service. Works within a team to greet guests waiting in line, load and unload passengers, and operate a multi-trailer tram to provide efficient, fun, and safe transport between the east and west campus of the zoo. Routinely performs and practices tasks such as vehicle inspections, safe driving habits, radio communication, and lifting strollers and wheelchairs. Will assist with other duties as assigned, including working evening events. Reports to the Transportation Manager.

Education and Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid SC driver’s license. Willing and able to interact with guests of all ages and abilities. Demonstrate good decision-making skills and the ability to work well with a team and individually. Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, be able to lift 50 lbs. and be able to stand for long periods of time.

Temporary (May 27 - August 1, 2025 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 4:30pm, shifts may vary))
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 3/19/2025

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

Responsibilities: Leads summer camp educational programs.  Curriculum topics include, but are not limited to: zoology, botany, ecology, conservation, behavioral science, and other natural & physical sciences. Supervises and motivates groups of 16-20 children (between the ages of 5 and 12 years old) per week.  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: Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking education 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. Must have a good knowledge of natural science.  Must possess or be eligible for a valid S.C. driver's license.  Must have and be able to provide proof of current CPR/First Aid certification and a negative TB test by the first day of training.

Temporary (May 27 - August 1, 2025 (Monday - Friday, 7:45am - 5:30pm, shifts may vary))
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 3/19/2025

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

Responsibilities: Leads summer camp educational programs as needed.  Curriculum topics include, but are not limited to zoology, botany, ecology, conservation, behavioral science, and other natural & physical sciences. Supervises and motivates groups of 16-20 children. 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.  Days and times may vary.

Education and Experience: Must be enrolled in a degree-seeking education 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. Must have a good knowledge of natural science.  Must possess or be eligible for a valid S.C. driver's license.  Must have and be able to provide proof of current CPR/First Aid certification and a negative TB test by the first day of training.

Full-time
Salary: $25.00-$28.00/hr; Commensurate with Experience
Posted: 3/7/2025

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

We are currently seeking a Fleet Mechanic Technician who will play an essential role in ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of Riverbanks’ vehicle fleet. Under general supervision, is responsible for general repair and maintenance to a variety of structures, equipment, vehicles, and facilities at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.  Maintenance duties will vary daily and can include assignments such as general repair, general mechanic work, and preventative maintenance. 

Essential Functions:

• Use diagnostic equipment to evaluate mechanical problems in vehicles.
• Perform mechanical repairs.
• Service all vehicles according to an established preventive maintenance schedule. 
• Change oil and filters; lubricate vehicle parts; inspect and replace. hoses, belts, mirrors, lamps; and maintain all fluid levels.
• Maintain accurate, updated records of preventive maintenance.
• Inspect all vehicles and evaluate the condition of systems, equipment, accessories, and lights; service as needed.
• Assist with all aspects of fleet maintenance and fleet management to include staff training.
• General maintenance duties as needed unrelated to fleet maintenance as assigned by manager. 

Fleet Mechanic Technician will be required to operate medium to heavy equipment such as a forklift, backhoe, skid steer, trencher, etc. as necessary to complete maintenance work assignments and for service and repair of vehicles. Must be available for on-call duty after hours and be available some weekends. 

Education and Experience: High school graduate with vocational/technical training in vehicle and industrial equipment repair. ASE certification(s) preferred. Three to five years of experience as a maintenance mechanic or technician 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 finance, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming a 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.

Part-time
Salary: $17.50-$19.00/hr; Commensurate with Experience
Posted: 3/7/2025

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

Responsibilities: We are currently seeking a Finance Assistant who will play an essential role in ensuring the smooth financial operations of our business. In this position, you’ll work closely with our VP of Finance to ensure accuracy and integrity in our financial reporting, all while gaining hands-on experience across a variety of primary financial functions.

Essential Functions: 

• Under the guidance of the VP of Finance, you’ll assist with reconciling transactional ledger details, ensuring every posting is accurate.
• You’ll support the reconciliation of daily accounting exports from our point-of-sale system, matching them against cash collections and credit card sales reports.
• Assist with Accounts Payable functions, and step in as a back-up to execute our weekly check runs, ensuring we stay on track and meet deadlines.
• You’ll help keep our team informed of guest attendance by updating daily records.
• Be involved in the establishment of customer credit accounts and assist with adjusting credit limits as needed to ensure smooth customer transactions.
• Process Receivables in our point-of-sale system and work on customer billing.
• You’ll monitor the open order report.
• As part of a flexible and dynamic team, you’ll assist with other ad hoc financial reports as needed.

Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. We also welcome candidates who bring at least two years of relevant professional experience in accounting, auditing, finance, or banking. The ideal candidate will have a detail-oriented mindset with a passion for accuracy, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. They will also have a collaborative attitude and strong communication skills. 

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 finance, eager to contribute, and excited about becoming a 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.

Part-time (Availability Monday – Friday mornings (20-25 hours per week))
Salary: $12.62/hr
Posted: 3/6/2025

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

             
Responsibilities: This position will be an instructor in Riverbanks Nature Preschool that runs from September through May, with the possibility of 2 additional summer months, in one of our outdoor classrooms. The instructor will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact wildlife and wild places. The instructor is responsible for: 

• Cooperatively creating child-emergent curriculum and engaging lessons for preschool participants, using nature as the catalyst and reflecting the changing environment through the seasons.
• Designing weekly preschool learning themes and activities that encourage fine and gross motor skills as well as academic success.
• Helping with academic assessments on each child to ensure we are providing the activities needed to foster growth in various developmental areas.
• Assessing behavioral needs and finding innovative ways to address those needs to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.
• Daily parent communications and interactions.
• Basic first aid response is required. CPR and First Aid training will be provided.
• Selection and preparation of a healthy, balanced snack each day.
• Classroom prep and clean-up for each preschool day.
• 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.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather.

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. Experience delivering formal/informal education. Must demonstrate excellent communication skills (written and verbal).  

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and interest in nature and science. Must demonstrate enthusiasm for working with diverse learners and early childhood education.  Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Full-time
Salary: $14.09/hr
Posted: 2/28/2025

Ambassador Commitment: Create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will 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.  Utilizes proper cleaning techniques using approved dishwashing equipment and techniques.  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 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. Work schedule will include weekends, holidays, and inclement weather days.

Full-time
Salary: $24.00-$28.00/hr; Commensurate with Experience
Posted: 2/13/2025

We are looking for four dedicated team members for this position.

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

Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Gondola Maintenance Manager, the Gondola Maintenance Technician will perform inspections, maintenance, and repair of Riverbanks’ Gondola System (Saluda Skyride), including fixed and detachable carriages, conveyors and their related systems. 

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.

Part-time
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 1/16/2025

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, maintains security of Riverbanks east and west campus, picnic areas, and parking lots. Patrols and monitors gate entrances and exits. Assists with operation of Waterfall Junction, Provides security services during non-public hours for special events. Maintains good customer service and strives to achieve excellent public relations. Assists visitors by providing directions, locating missing persons, assisting stranded motorists, locating lost personal property, handling complaints or inquiries, providing first aid, etc. Prepares and maintains required reports.  Controls keys and locks for all Riverbanks facilities and property. Must also be available to work evenings and special events as needed. Reports to the Public Safety Manager.

Education and Experience: High school graduate with one to two years’ experience as a security officer; or any equivalent combination of training and experience, which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  The ideal candidate will demonstrate professionalism, strong customer service skills, and effective communication. Must possess or be eligible for a valid South Carolina driver's license. 

Part-time (Weekday Availability Preferred)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 1/2/2025

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.