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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 September 12, 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.

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.

Public Safety Officer (Reception 3rd Shift)

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! 

Dive Technician

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.

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.