People and Culture Specialist

Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Des Moines, IA

3 days ago

Job Description

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Blank Park Zoo

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The Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa is a non-profit organization and home to more than 2,800 animals representing nearly 240 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The mission of the Blank Park Zoo is to inspire an appreciation of the natural world through conservation, education, research and recreation.

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People and Culture Specialist

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Position Purpose:

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Under the direction of the VP/COO, supports the overall human resources function of the Zoo, including services, policies, and programs related to recruitment, performance management, employment and compliance, employee orientation and training, policy development and documentation, compensation, employee safety and wellness and diversity and inclusion. Additionally, the People & Culture Specialist supports our Zoo Mission.

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Essential Functions:

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Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

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Build and cultivate strong partnerships with all levels of the organization, utilizing people-focused strategy and execution to ensure a high-performing, engaged workforce.

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Provide advice and counsel to managers and employees on all conflict resolution, performance-related issues, performance management, and professional development. Conduct thorough investigations of complaints or concerns.

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Monitors and advises managers and supervisors in the progressive discipline system of the Zoo. Monitors the implementation of a performance improvement process with non-performing employees.

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Make recommendations for proactive measures/solutions to address opportunities and trends impacting operations and employee experience.

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Establish and lead recruiting and hiring efforts and establish relationships with external sources such as universities, professional organizations, and community resources to source candidates.

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Partners with management to communicate HR policies, procedures, programs, and laws.

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Administrator of the employee management system, including entering new employee information, updating information and developing programs to track data and utilize the system to its fullest potential.

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Foster an employee-oriented culture that emphasizes inclusion, continuous improvement, strong communication, a growth mindset and innovation.

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In conjunction with the VP/COO, develops and monitors an annual budget that includes HR services, employee recognition, and employee benefits.

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Establishes departmental measurements and produces reports that support the accomplishments of the Zoo's mission and strategic goals.

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Coordinates employee training and professional development programs including orientation, leadership development, HR policies, employee management techniques, and programs or activities to reinforce the Zoo's values.

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Reviews, guides and approves management recommendations for employee terminations.

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Leads the implementation of company safety and health programs. Monitors the tracking of OSHA-required data.

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In coordination with the CEO, VP/COO, and CFO, evaluate the Zoo's wage and salary structure, pay policies, and overall variable pay system. Researches compensation benchmarks for all positions.

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With the assistance of the CEO, VP/COO, and CFO, obtain cost-effective, employee-serving benefits annually. Leads the development of benefit orientations, training, and overall benefit administration.

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Leads company compliance with all existing governmental and labor legal and government reporting requirements including any related to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Department of Labor, worker compensation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and so forth. Maintains minimal company exposure to lawsuits.

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Directs the preparation of information requested or required for compliance with laws. Approves all information submitted. Serves as the primary contact with the company employment law attorney and outside government agencies.

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Manages employee communication and feedback through such avenues as company meetings, suggestion programs, employee satisfaction surveys, newsletters, employee focus groups, one-on-one meetings, and Intranet use.

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Participates on teams and committees and leads meetings as required.

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Adheres to and enforces Zoo's policies and procedures, as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

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Applies and exemplifies "green" (sustainable) practices whenever possible.

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Other duties as assigned.

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Competencies:

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Resourceful - Understanding of or ability to research all applicable topics as they relate to employment law and compliance, modern zoological management, operations of an attraction , and customer service.

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Flexible - Ability to handle a flexible workload with a variety of assignments while also maintaining composure in an environment that can be stressful.

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Independent - Must be able to operate independently, exercise initiative, and demonstrate a capacity for detail and follow-up.

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Positive - Must be a positive, effective team member and be able to establish professional working relationships.

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Supportive - Ability to maintain a supportive and open work environment.

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Communicator - Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbal and written, in a variety of settings and audiences. Effective listening skills.

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Confidential - Ability to exercise discretion and maintain the confidentiality of information such as personal employee information, guest credit card information, etc.

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Analytical - Ability to review and assess reports and other information to plan and assess progress in meeting goals, budgets, etc.

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Efficient - Ability to complete tasks in a thorough but quick manner with constant interruptions.

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Coach - Values a culture of positive mindset and serves as an advisor to employees on a wide variety of topics.

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Team Player - Collaborates with supervisor, leadership team and other departments to achieve common goals.

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Work Environment:

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While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to sit and work at a desk for extended periods of time, stand, walk, and utilize manual dexterity to use a computer mouse and keyboard and other office equipment. The incumbent may be required to travel to other locations and to meetings. The noise level is quiet to moderate. While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk on uneven terrain, climb, and utilize manual dexterity to use various tools, machines, and equipment. The incumbent may be exposed to all types of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, snow, hail, wind, and rain to travel to other areas of the facility or for meetings. Incumbents may occasionally be exposed to noisy environments such as mowers, motors, and music.

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Physical Requirements:

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The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to successfully perform essential functions.

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Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

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Never Occasionally Constantly

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\t\t\t\t\tMoving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.