Human Resources Generalist

The Human Resources Generalist plays 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 timely and 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 administration, workers compensation, FMLA/ADA leave management, staff relations, records management, timesheets, unemployment claims, and HR related training opportunities.   

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a primary point of contact for staff regarding workplace concerns, conflicts, and/or grievances, 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. 
• Investigate and resolve staff complaints, conflicts, and grievances in a timely and confidential manner, ensuring adherence to company policies and applicable employment laws. 
• Conducts thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of misconduct, harassment, discrimination, or other policy violations, maintaining accurate documentation throughout the process. 
• Provides guidance and training for leaders on staff counseling and disciplinary actions and participates as necessary in disciplinary meetings related to all staff relations needs. 
• Urgently addresses and responds to staff inquiries in a timely manner.   
• Maintains and ensures employment compliance requirements (COBRA, DOL, EEOC, OSHA, workers’ compensation, Affordable Care Act, FMLA). 
• Responsible for FMLA/ADA administration, leave management, and addressing staff concerns.  
• Ensures workers’ compensation files are maintained and provides quarterly updates for OSHA reporting to the Safety Director.  
• Maintains data within HRIS and tracks events such as disciplinary actions, performance management, rewards, certifications, terminations, etc. Performs periodic audits of staff files to ensure compliance with organization, state, and federal regulations. 
• Complies and completes annual EEO-1 and other required federal/state reporting.  
• Maintains proficient knowledge of employment laws and compliance-related topics and applies as appropriate. 
• Maintains staff handbook and policies; reviews and makes recommendations for updates as needed/required. 
• Provides training and coaching to managers and staff on effective communication, conflict resolution, and best practices for promoting a respectful workplace culture. 
• Monitors trends in staff relations and proactively identifies areas for improvement or intervention to enhance staff engagement and retention. 
• Conducts organization exit interviews, reviewing and analyzing turnover metrics, identifying trends as directed and creating solutions for retention strategies.  
• 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. Brainstorm solutions to streamline efficiencies.   
• Collaborates with department leaders to address KPIs (dashboards), performance issues, and organizational changes ensuring alignment with organizational goals and core values.  
• Partners with HR Coordinator to facilitate and maintain a targeted onboarding program, immersing staff in the zoo’s culture, mission, core values, and strategic initiatives.  
• 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.    
• Collaborates with department leadership and Finance department to ensure timely bi-weekly payroll submissions including periodic audits of paid time off (PTO) management.  
• Coordinates with safety and/or training departments to ensure appropriate certifications/credentials are obtained relative to position requirements. 
• Participates as an active representative in the organization’s Safety Committee. 
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through the reduction of waste, water, and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife-protecting 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. 
• 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. 
• Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills. Highly organized and accurate. 
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and urgently complete tasks while paying attention to detail in a fast-paced environment. 
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office suite.  
• Proven ability to adapt and maintain focus in a consistently changing environment.  
• Operates with autonomy and maintains a high degree of confidentiality. works 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. 
• Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities.  Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer