COME JOIN OUR TEAM
Located along the pristine harbor in the heart of historic Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium has been inspiring visitors for over twenty years. From our over 5,000 animals to our award-winning education team, from the Sea Turtle Care Center™ to our conservation programs protecting local species, visitors are struck with awe and inspiration as they journey through all our exhibits, representing the mountains to the sea of South Carolina.
About the South Carolina Aquarium
We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums with a mission to inspire conservation of the natural world by exhibiting and caring for animals, by excelling in education and research and by providing an exceptional visitor experience. We invite you to join the #1 visitor attraction located in one of the Top Cities in the World (Conde Nast, 2021).
At the South Carolina Aquarium, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. Our culture is built on having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together to increase our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. It brings us together in ways that help us stand out. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Job Summary:
Aglow Custodial Associates work in multiple locations at the Aquarium including event set up, restrooms, galleries, loading dock area and event area break down.
This seasonal position will primarily work during Aquarium Aglow, a holiday themed evening event that features lights, sounds and more. Aglow events run from 5:30pm - 10:00pm on select nights (29 total nights) in November and December 2024. Exact shift times may vary each night. Weekends are required. Full availability between December 16 and December 29 is required. Guaranteed days off on Thanksgiving (November 28th), Christmas Eve (December 24th) and Christmas (December 25th).
Essential Functions:
- Perform pre-and post-cleaning for set-ups and takedowns for Aglow Events.
- Cleans restrooms, policing for trash, spills, debris and trash removal when requested.
- Move tables, chairs, boxes, supplies and other items for event set-up and takedown.
- Maintain the safety, cleanliness and organization of all work and break areas, both in view of the general public and behind the scenes.
- Provide information to guests about the Aquarium, our exhibits, animals and conservation practices.
- Greet guests with enthusiasm and provide directional wayfinding for gallery exhibits.
- Notify management of equipment needing repair, supplies needed and fixture repair needs. Report all safety hazards to management immediately.
- Return unused or unsoiled supplies to appropriate areas at the end of shift. Keep work areas neat and orderly at all times.
- Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies & Procedures.
Other Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support the team structure of the organization by remaining responsive to the needs of the management and supervisors, filling in when and where needed as directed.
- Assist special needs visitors from the building in the event of an emergency.
- Maintain all safety and security procedures, ensuring a positive environment for all who enter the aquarium, staff, volunteer and guest alike.
- Other Duties as required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Experience of employment in hospitality, tourism, event or janitorial environment, preferably in high-volume events or facilities.
- Must be available weekends during evening hours.
- Will possess the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
- Perform any other assigned duties related to custodial services.
- Must work in a team-oriented environment while maintaining flexibility and adaptability, especially under pressure.
- Must be able to work all areas including inside the aquarium lobby and exhibit areas and outdoors areas such as the admissions area, entry ramp and loading dock area where there may be temperature variants.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Willingness to learn about Aquarium animals and programs.
- Knowledge of the Charleston community.
- Ability to lift items 20 to 40 lbs. which could include trash bags, tables, chairs, boxes, stanchions, and other janitorial or event related items.
Education and Experience Required:
- Must be at least 18 years of age and have a High School Diploma or GED.
Physical Requirements:
- Often requires walking, standing, bending, crouching, carrying up to 40 lbs., pushing and pulling
Hazardous Requirements:
- Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) on a regular basis with regular exposure to cleaning products. PPE may include gloves, facial coverings (masks and/or eye covering).
Working Conditions:
- Often requires working outdoors, contact with public, rotating shifts, working weekends and required to carry a two-way radio.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not construed to be an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel classified.
The Aquarium is an "at-will" employer, and as such, employment with the Aquarium is not for a fixed term, or definite period and may be terminated at the will of either party, with or without cause, and without prior notice.
The South Carolina Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.