Job Opportunities

Part-time
Salary: $14.00/hr
Posted: 9/4/2025

Available Shifts: 7:00am-2:00pm and/or 2:00pm-8:00pm

We are currently seeking Groundskeepers to join our team! In this essential role, you will maintain a high level of cleanliness of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden grounds. This position directly reports to the Environmental Services Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Performs routine cleaning and upkeep of Riverbanks’ grounds including guest areas, behind-the-scenes, and parking lots.
• Removes trash, debris, and animal waste.
• Monitors pathways, fences, picnic areas, signage, and benches.
• Responds promptly to non-routine cleaning issues as they arrive.
• Support special events and setups by preparing grounds and providing logistical assistance.
• Follows all zoo safety protocols and procedures.
• Operates trucks, golf carts, and various grounds maintenance tools to perform tasks.

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. You 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.

Full-time
Salary: $24.00-$28.00/hr; Commensurate with Experience
Posted: 9/4/2025

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.

Full-time
Salary: $15.00/hr
Posted: 8/29/2025

We are seeking a dependable Public Safety Officer to join our team! In this dynamic position, you will maintain the security of Riverbanks’ east and west campuses during evening hours while the park is closed to public use. This position works closely with the Public Safety Supervisor and Seniors and reports directly to the Public Safety Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Maintains a third shift schedule (Friday-Tuesday: 12:00am - 8:30am). 
• 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. 

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.

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, are 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! 

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 8/14/2025

We are currently seeking a dependable and proficient Dive Technician to join our team! In this exciting role, you will participate in daily dives as part of the dive team while ensuring a safe work environment. It is critical in this position to understand the operation and interpretation of technical dive equipment to include OTS Guardian Full Face Masks, compressors, fill stations, regulators, various communication control systems, etc. This position reports directly to the Dive Program Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Will be trained for necessary operation certifications (Fill Station Operator, Cylinder HAZMAT, Guardian Full Face Mask Technician, etc) and will maintain up-to-date training required of Dive Operations Team.
• Will be required to complete Riverbanks’ Dive Program onboarding training.
• Works in the role of diver, dive tender, or DPIC (Dive Person In-Charge) for daily and special dives. Frequency of dives may change, but the expectation will be for multiple dives per week, with the possibility of multiple dives/dive roles in a day. 
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment, while utilizing a wide array of carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, and dive repair tools and various types of machinery and equipment. 
• Completes preventative maintenance rounds and diagnostics on dive equipment.
• Repairs and maintains Riverbanks dive equipment and facilities to include: guardian full face masks, compressors, fill stations, regulators, umbilicals, communication boxes, cylinders, etc. 
• Prepares dive equipment maintenance reports, dive logs, certification status reports, dive schedules, diver recertification schedules, etc.
• Comprehends and follows the Riverbanks Dive Safe Practices Manual and contributes to content for revisions/updates.
• Assists in training and implementing dive safety policies and procedures.
• Prepares equipment for and participates in dive emergency exercises in various exhibits.
• Must be willing and able to perform emergency procedures in the case of an actual dive emergency, including but not limited to, diver extraction and resuscitation.
• Effectively interacts and communicates with the Dive Safety Officer and team, employees, volunteers, Riverbanks guests, and various external groups/individuals (e.g. sales representatives, contractors, etc.). 
• Collaborates with animal care and maintenance staff to ensure the integrated delivery of LSS operations/maintenance for the safety and welfare of the animal collection. May also assist LSS Technicians with projects, as needed.
• Follows USDA, DHEC, OSHA, AZA, etc. standards in all areas.
• Dive operations will sometimes require weekend or overtime impact as needed.  Professional development, certification, or conferences (ADPA, DEMA, etc.) may require travel.

Education and Experience: High school diploma required; associate's degree in Marine Science, Biological Sciences, or a related field preferred; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Dive certification from a nationally recognized certification agency accredited by the World Recreational Scuba Training Council. First Aid, CPR, and Emergency Oxygen Provider certifications and experience working at an AZA accredited institution preferred. Advanced Diver certification required; Rescue Diver certification preferred.

The ideal candidate will be a safety conscious diver who is mechanically inclined and feels comfortable working both as a team and alone. They will also enjoy working within a collaborative environment and be a team player. Must be organized, detail oriented, and have excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high standard for service while handling multiple projects simultaneously. This position will require passing a dive medical evaluation and lifting up to 70 lbs. repeatedly. Must possess or be eligible 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 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.

Part-time (Weekdays, Weekend, and Occasional Afterhours)
Salary: $12.00/hr
Posted: 8/14/2025

We are seeking a passionate and dependable Conservation Engagement Instructor to join our dynamic team! In this engaging role, you 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, this position will ensure that all programs create connections and inspire actions to impact wildlife and wild places. 

Essential Functions:

• Delivering on-site education programs and public engagement experiences to diverse audiences. 
• Working constructively within a team to deliver the highest quality educational experiences. 
• Supporting daily program logistics by preparing materials, setting up and cleaning program spaces, and maintaining program supplies. 
• Providing outstanding customer service by proactively engaging guests, answering questions, giving directions.  
• Assisting with record keeping, program attendance taking, and reporting as needed. 
• Upholding all safety protocols, animal welfare guidelines, and Riverbanks professional standards. 
• Participating in required trainings and ongoing professional development to build skills and knowledge. 
• Supporting special events and other public engagement activities as assigned. 
• Communicating challenges and opportunities identified in programming to Engagement leadership.
• Developing and maintaining productive, positive relationships with Riverbanks staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Other projects and duties as set forth by the Conservation Engagement Manager.

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. Will 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 and will have the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. They should demonstrate enthusiasm for working with diverse learners and collaborating with team members. Shifts are available weekdays, weekends, and after hours occasionally. This position will work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions. Must possess or be eligible 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 connecting people to nature, 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.

Full-time
Salary: $17.25/hr
Posted: 8/7/2025

We are currently seeking a Mammal Swing Keeper to join our team! In this wide-ranging role, you will work in a rotating and as needed basis with the following four Mammal Teams: Hoofstock/Rhino/Pinniped, Gorilla/Small Mammal, Farm/Ambassador, and Cat/Bear/Koala. This position works closely with the Mammal Supervisors and reports directly to the 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.
• 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. 
• Works cooperatively with other departments including Maintenance, Horticulture, Education, and Events. 
• Interacts with Riverbanks guests and cooperates within a team to provide top quality animal care.
• May be involved in various AZA, conservation, and other professional activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Education and Experience: Associate degree in Biology, Zoology or Wildlife Management; bachelor’s degree preferred. The ideal candidate will have 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. Must be available to work any days of the week, holidays, and occasional after-hours events.  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.