Job Opportunities

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 7/12/2024

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.

Full-time
Salary: $14.09/hr
Posted: 7/11/2024

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: $17.25/hr
Posted: 7/11/2024

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 proper care of mammals in Riverbanks’ animal collection. Works primarily with white rhinos, sea lions, seals, giraffe, and babirusa.  Duties include feeding animals, cleaning and maintaining habitats, working with veterinary staff to monitor and treat diseases, assessing animal behavior, and provide enrichment and training. Opportunities will be available to participate in Riverbanks’ dive program. Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical reports using ZIMS as the primary record keeping tool. Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team to provide top quality animal care. Reports to the Hoofstock/Rhino/Pinniped Supervisor and Mammal Curator.

Education and Experience: Associate’s degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; Bachelor’s degree preferred, 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 hoof stock or sea lions preferred. Must possess or qualify for a valid SC driver's license.

Full-time (Friday-Tuesday, 12:00am-8:30am)
Salary: $15.00/hr
Posted: 7/3/2024

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 the Zoo and Garden during evening hours while park is closed to public use.  Monitors gate entrances and exits and provides public assistance during evening programs.  Patrols and secures park, buildings, and surrounding areas. Completes security reports. Assists with various meter readings and the monitoring of after-hours systems. Answers incoming calls, provides information to callers, and takes messages. Assists in making sure all signage and staff parking for the following business day is accurate and in place. Provides excellent, efficient, and high-quality guest service experience and strives to achieve excellent public relations.  Must be dependably available and able to maintain third shift schedule (Friday-Tuesday: 12:00am - 8:30am). Reports to the Public Safety Manager.  

Education and Experience: High school graduate with one to two years experience as a security guard; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and a very high standard of service. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 7/3/2024

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

Responsibilities: Under general supervision, is responsible for the proper care of Riverbanks’ reptiles and amphibians.  Other responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conducts husbandry duties, according to departmental guidelines, including feeding animals, cleaning, maintaining, designing, and constructing exhibits. 
• Monitors and maintains life support and lighting systems. 
• Monitors animal health and behavior and uses proper enrichment and operant conditioning principles. 
• Maintains detailed behavioral, reproductive, and medical records. 
• Takes proper measures to ensure the security of animal enclosures. 
• Conducts tours of the Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center and presents educational programs for school groups, college-level classes, and Society members. 
• May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
• Will be trained to properly and safely care for all venomous reptiles in the collection.
• Works cooperatively with other departments including maintenance, horticulture, education, and events. 
• Works closely with the veterinary team to monitor health and treat animal health concerns.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 
• Reports to the Herpetology Supervisor and the Curator of Herpetology.

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; Bachelor’s degree preferred, with two to three years’ experience as a herpetology keeper; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Previous experience working directly with reptiles in a professional setting preferred. Must possess or be eligible for a valid SC driver's license.

Part-time
Salary: $14.00/hr
Posted: 7/3/2024

Available Shifts: 7:30am–2:00pm, 2:00pm–8:00pm

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 routine maintenance and upkeep of park grounds and facilities. Works to maintain a high level of cleanliness throughout Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Operates trucks, forklift, blowers, and various grounds maintenance tools to perform tasks. Reports to the Environmental Services Manager.

Education and Experience: High school graduate or equivalent, with three to six months of experience in grounds maintenance, housekeeping, 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. Maintains a flexible schedule and weekend availability preferred. Must possess a valid S.C. driver’s license.

Full-time
Salary: $23.00-$25.00/hr; Commensurate with Experience
Posted: 7/3/2024

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 troubleshooting and performing various electrical repairs and installations for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Prepares bids and requisitions for supplies and materials. Operates medium to heavy equipment. Analyzes problems with electrical systems and determines necessary repairs to electrical circuits and runs new electrical circuits as needed; determines wire sizes needed for the load on circuits and determines the number of conductors needed; determines the correct size conduit in accordance with wire size and number of conductors. Repairs sound and dialer systems. Runs conduits to IT specifications for fiber and cat 6 and pulls cable. Terminates cat 6, knowledge of fiber termination preferred. Assists maintenance team with other trades to get urgent work, emergencies completed in a timely manner. Through portable devices: documents issues, photographs issues and repairs, receives and completes work orders. Reports to the Director of Facilities Maintenance. 

Education and Experience: The ideal candidate will be a high school graduate with vocational/technical training in industrial electrical wiring, and one to two years of experience as an electrician; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must possess a valid S.C. driver's license.

Part-time (Weekdays, Weekends, and Afterhours (Occasionally))
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 6/26/2024

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). 

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 6/26/2024

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 proper care of Riverbanks' fish and aquatic invertebrates. Responsibilities included but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Reports to the Aquarist Supervisor and the Aquarium Curator.

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.

Part-time (Availability Monday – Friday mornings (20-25 hours per week), Position begins in July/August)
Salary: $12.62/hr
Posted: 6/13/2024

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.