Human Resources Manager - full time - REID PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Are you passionate about?

…Creating memories for guests that will last a lifetime?

…Saving wildlife and wild places?

…Inspiring guests to connect with nature and take action to impact the future of our world?

…Being part of a dynamic, growing zoo that welcomes diversity, equity, inclusion and personal contribution?

Reid Park Zoological Society is seeking a Human Resources Manager to lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of Human Resource programs and policies for Reid Park Zoological Society. Major areas of responsibility include employee relations, compensation, benefits, recruiting/staffing, onboarding, training and development, compliance with all employment-related legal and regulatory requirements, and employee communications associated with the Human Resource area and volunteer management.

Reid Park Zoo, located in beautiful Tucson, Arizona is a mid-sized, regional zoological garden caring for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world in lush, naturalistic habitats. With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in nearly 100 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, a cutting-edge veterinary clinic that serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is the co-leader of the Flamingo SAFE program. Attracting over 600,000 guests this past year, the Zoo is the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbon, as well as a breeding facility for critically-endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in 2025. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo implements a master plan that will be investing over $60M in new exhibits over the next five years.

Tucson features stunning high desert valley vistas surrounded by four mountain ranges that offer a year-round paradise for cyclists, hikers, bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts.  Named the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy dedicated in the United States, the City is a delight for foodies with a lively and developing dining, arts and cultural scene, and a lovely wine country just thirty minutes away. With the University of Arizona and its championship sports, top-notch medical facilities, and affordable housing, Tucson is a great place to bring the family and put down roots– a big city, yet with a comfortable, small-town feel.

No phone calls or visits please.  This position is open until filled.  We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.  We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Supervises:  Volunteer Program Supervisor and HR Recruiter (part-time)

Overview:      

The Human Resources Manager has the lead responsibility for development and implementation of the Zoo’s human resources (HR) initiatives and functions, with a goal of positioning Reid Park Zoological Society as an employer and volunteer opportunity of choice. The HR Manager ensures integration of HR-specific strategies with the broader organizational goals and strategic plan, and oversees the areas of recruitment, screening, compensation, HR-related legal and regulatory compliance, staff training, employee benefits, and other key HR functions. This position also serves as the back-up for processing payroll. Additionally, the HR Manager supervises the Volunteer Program Supervisor and supports them in their oversight of volunteer/docent programs.

Responsibilities:

 Compliance

• In conjunction with the CEO and COO, ensures regulatory and legal compliance relating to all aspects of employment.
• Enhances, develops, implements, and enforces policies and procedures. Serves as primary liaison with departments and external agencies that provide regulations and guidelines for HR practices.
• Responsible for all compliance-related reporting as it relates to HR and benefits administration.
• In cooperation with Animal Care team, oversees annual staff vaccination program and testing in alignment with CDC, OSHA and Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) standards and requirements.
• Responsible for monitoring employment-related legal and regulatory updates, and conducts basic employment law research as needed.
• Reviews HR policies and procedures annually, and as needed, to identify opportunities for improvement and alignment with best practices. Recommends revisions/ enhancements to current policies and procedures as necessary.  Updates Employee Handbook as needed.
• Processes Workers Compensation claims in a timely manner, and works with claim adjusters accordingly. Updates COO and employee’s supervisor of any work restrictions associated with workers compensation-eligible injury or illness.

 Compensation Management

• Assists CEO, CFO and COO in the annual review, preparation and administration of the organization’s compensation program.

Payroll

• Serves as the back-up for the Senior Accountant/payroll specialist related to processing biweekly payroll, and works with that position and a 3^rd party payroll vendor on a regular basis by providing benefits deduction information, pay-related changes for existing employees, adding/removing employees from the payroll system, etc.

Recruitment and Onboarding

• Responsible for oversight of all aspects of recruiting, including but not limited to: job description creation/revisions, job postings, managing Applicant Tracking System, communication with applicants as needed, coordinating interviews, and pre-employment screenings.
• Oversees the onboarding process for new hires including, but not limited to: completion of all new hire paperwork, presenting New Employee Orientation, facilitating set-up in timesheet/payroll/benefits systems, supporting with access to uniforms and keys, and ensuring IT needs are met.
• Engages part-time HR Recruiter to support with recruitment and onboarding as needed.

Performance Management

• Oversees HR-related training programs and maintains awareness of current trends and practices in training and development. Ensures accurate records of training activities and staff participation, and monitors effectiveness of training programs.
• In partnership with supervisors across the organization, provides leadership and coordination of annual performance evaluations for all Zoo employees. Provides supervisor training and support, and assists in the development of Performance Development Plans, as needed.

 Benefits Management

• Researches and monitors employee benefit plans and options for various health and wellness insurances, workers’ compensation, retirement plans, etc. Oversees annual renewal process with insurance broker, and provides renewal information and recommendations to the CEO, CFO and COO. Ensures timely and accurate processing of selected plans/contracts. Ensures compliance with applicable legislation including HIPPA, COBRA, ACA & ERISA.
• Coordinates annual open enrollment process, including information sessions, and supports employees with mid-plan changes based on qualifying life events.
• Schedules annual 401K information session for employees.
• Ensures paycheck deductions for employee benefits are timely and accurate.
• Downloads monthly insurance invoices, checks for accuracy, and processes for authorization and payment.
• Responds to employee questions regarding benefits and connects employees with benefits vendor representatives as appropriate.

Employee and Volunteer Recognition

• Recommends, develops, and maintains existing and new organizational employee and volunteer recognition programs and incentives. Works with Staff Festivities Committee to coordinates employee appreciation events and Wellness Day activities.
• Facilitates employee and volunteer appreciation upon various life events (birthdays, work anniversaries, births, illness, death).

 Employee Relations

• Ensures strong employee and volunteer communications program, including internal employee newsletter and other communications networks.
• Works with COO and other members of the leadership team to provide cultural leadership in shaping the organization’s culture to reflect its values and mission.
• Supports managers and supervisors with conflict/dispute resolution with employees, as requested.
• Ensures timely response and guidance to employees and managers seeking assistance with employment-related issues. Keeps the Zoo’s executive team apprised of potential risks and legal concerns.
• In conjunction with COO, supervisors and others, participates in HR-related investigations as needed.
• Plays an integral part in maintaining an atmosphere of open communication by being available to employees who have questions or concerns, and connects employees to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as appropriate.

Off-boarding

• In conjunction with COO, supervisors and others, participates in all voluntary and involuntary employment separations.
• Works with COO and others in responding to unemployment insurance claims and reference check requests for former employees.
• Ensures protection of organizational assets during separation.
• Coordinates and conducts exit interviews
• Ensures exiting employees are removed from payroll and benefits systems, internal employee tracking lists and systems are updated, and all other Termination Checklist tasks are completed in a timely and accurate manner.

 Internal Reporting

• Provides CEO and COO with compiled information from exit interviews, monthly “New Hires and Terminations” report, annual report on labor turnover rates and other reports as needed for compliance, management information or for governance committees.

Volunteer Services

• Supervises the Volunteer Program Supervisor who is responsible for oversight of docents, interns, office volunteers, and event volunteers.
• Ensures programs are in place for the recruitment, screening, training, scheduling, oversight, evaluation and recognition of volunteers in coordination with the respective departments in which they work.
• Works with department managers to ensure department needs for volunteers are met and programs are effectively managed.

 Other

• Actively participates as a member of the Zoo’s Management Team.
• Participates in the Zoo’s Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion Committee and Safety Committee

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers, volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors, and others.
• Prepares for emergency response drills and true emergent situations.
• Complies with all USDA, OSHA, AZA, and City of Tucson regulations.
• Completes all trainings as required.
• Performs all tasks that are essential to the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Other duties as assigned

Please note that this document is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

•  Associate's degree in related field preferred
• Minimum of three to five years of Human Resources experience
• Commitment to continued education and professional development (PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP certification is beneficial but not required)
• Proven ability to effectively manage varied and complex HR functions
• Experience with payroll administration and processing
• Demonstrated ability to bring people together and get results through others
• Experience in managing employee benefit programs.
• Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills using a collaborative approach
• Ability to directly link HR goals to organizational strategies
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints, and utilize the utmost discretion with confidential information
• Must exhibit excellent organizational skills and be able to manage competing priorities
• Must be self-motivated and goal-oriented 
• Capacity to anticipate future organizational needs and plan ahead over a multi-year time span
• Excellent customer services skills with both internal and external customers, and strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including coworkers, volunteers, guests, donors, community partners, vendors and others.
• Ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, develop consensus and resolve conflicts
• Ability to work effectively in and promote a team environment that emphasizes uplifting and supporting coworkers.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback for program improvement
• Ability to read, review and interpret complex documents
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office and be able to adapt well to various other computer programs, with prior Applicant Tracking System experience a plus
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, and use hand-held radio, telephone and computer to communicate with others
• Possession of or ability to acquire a valid US driver's license
• Ability to sit for long periods of time performing computer work
• Ability to operate a variety of office equipment

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Dept.