HR Business Partner

The HR Business Partner will play a key role in fostering a positive and supportive work environment by implementing strategies and initiatives to enhance staff relations, promote staff engagement, and resolve workplace issues effectively. This position requires a proactive and empathetic individual who is passionate about supporting the well-being and professional growth of our staff. This position is responsible for a variety of HR functions including but not limited to providing day-to-day support and guidance with policy development/implementation, employment law compliance/guidance, safety administrative, workers compensation, FMLA/ADA leave management, staff relations, records management, timesheets, unemployment claims, and HR related training opportunities.

Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a primary point of contact for staff regarding workplace concerns, conflicts, and/or grievances, investigation, resolving, and providing guidance and support in accordance with organization policies and applicable laws.
• Provides guidance and support to managers and staff on staff relations matters, including but not limited to performance management, disciplinary actions, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation.
• Collaborates with department leaders to address KPIs (dashboards), performance issues, and organizational changes ensuring alignment with organizational goals and core values.
• Provides training and coaching to department leaders and staff on effective communication, conflict resolution, and best practices for promoting a respectful workplace culture.
• Conducts regular assessments of staff satisfaction and engagement levels, identifying areas for improvement and implementing action plans to address issues and promote a positive work culture.
• Maintains and ensures employment compliance requirements (COBRA, DOL, EEOC, OSHA, workers’ compensation, Affordable Care Act, FMLA).
• Maintains FMLA/ADA administration, leave management, and addresses staff concerns.
• Ensures workers’ compensation files are maintained and provides quarterly updates for OSHA reporting to Safety Director.
• Collaborates with department leadership and the Finance department to ensure timely bi-weekly payroll submissions including periodic audits of paid time off (PTO) management. Recommends and maintains policy and procedure improvements and updates of the staff handbook.
• Maintains staff data within HRIS and tracks staff events such as disciplinary actions, performance management, rewards, certifications, terminations, etc.
• Complies and completes annual EEO-1 and other required federal/state reporting.
• Performs periodic audits of staff files to ensure compliance with organization, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintains knowledge of employment laws and compliance related topics and applies as appropriate.
• Provides monthly reports to HRD for organization KPIs and strategies to continuously improve and streamline processes.
• Coordinates with Talent Acquisition Partner to identify trends and data analytics of recruitment measurements. Brainstorms solutions to streamline efficiencies.
• Conducts organizations exit interviews, reviewing and analyzing turnover metrics, identifying trends as directed and creating solutions to retention strategies.
• Partners with HR Coordinator to facilitate and maintain a targeted on-boarding program, immersing staff in the zoo’s culture, mission, core values, and strategic initiatives.
• Assists with coordination and overall delivery of training to meet organizational needs of Zoo staff.
• Coordinates with safety and/or training departments to ensure appropriate certifications/credentials are obtained relative to position requirements.
• Participates as active representative in the organization’s Safety Committee.
• Facilitates effective communication and manages the internal communication strategies of the HR department, ensuring staff are always up to date with ongoing HR related matters.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• BA/BS degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ progressive experience in Human Resources with concentration in areas such as employment law, policy development, staff relation guidance and recruitment methods.
• Thorough understanding of employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to Title VII, FMLA, ADA, and FLSA.
• Demonstrated experience conducting investigations and resolving staff relations issues in a fair and equitable manner.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Skilled in establishing effective working relationships with zoo staff, members, and the public.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact clearly and effectively with both internal and external individuals.
• Highly organized and accurate.
• Ability to prioritize and effectively manage time and multiple projects.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and HRIS systems
• Proven ability to adapt and maintain focus in a consistently changing environment.
• Operates with autonomy and maintains a high degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under minimal supervision.

ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.

• Medical and Prescription Drug
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
• 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.

• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
• Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.