People & Culture Specialist (Human Resources)

Build a high-performing, people-first workplace at Blank Park Zoo. Reporting to the VP/COO, the People & Culture Specialist supports the Zoo’s overall human resources function across recruiting, performance management, compliance, orientation and training, compensation, safety and wellness, and diversity and inclusion. This onsite role in Des Moines, IA helps strengthen manager effectiveness, employee experience, and day-to-day HR operations.

How you’ll support the organization

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships across all levels of the organization using people-focused strategy and execution to support an engaged, high-performing workforce.
• Advise and counsel managers and employees on conflict resolution, performance-related matters, performance management, and professional development. Conduct thorough investigations of complaints or concerns.
• Monitor and guide progressive discipline and oversee implementation of performance improvement processes for non-performing employees.
• Identify opportunities and trends impacting operations and employee experience, then recommend proactive measures and solutions.
• Lead recruiting and hiring efforts and build relationships with external sources such as universities, professional organizations, and community resources to support candidate sourcing.
• Partner with management to communicate HR policies, procedures, programs, and applicable laws.

Core HR programs and employee systems

• Administer the employee management system, including entering new employee information, updating records, and creating data-tracking programs to maximize system use.
• Foster an employee-oriented culture that emphasizes inclusion, continuous improvement, strong communication, a growth mindset, and innovation.
• Support annual HR planning by developing and monitoring an HR budget that includes HR services, employee recognition, and employee benefits.
• Establish departmental measurements and produce reports that support the Zoo’s mission and strategic goals.
• Coordinate training and professional development programs, including orientation, leadership development, HR policies, employee management techniques, and activities that reinforce Zoo values.

Compensation, benefits, safety, and compliance

• Review, guide, and approve management recommendations for employee terminations.
• Lead implementation of company safety and health programs, including monitoring tracking of OSHA-required data.
• In coordination with the CEO, VP/COO, and CFO, evaluate wage and salary structure, pay policies, and overall variable pay system. Research compensation benchmarks for all positions.
• With the CEO, VP/COO, and CFO, obtain cost-effective employee-serving benefits annually. Lead benefit orientations, training, and overall benefit administration.
• Lead company compliance with governmental and labor legal requirements and reporting obligations, including EEO, ADA, FMLA, ERISA, the Department of Labor, worker compensation, OSHA, and more. Aim to maintain minimal company exposure to lawsuits.
• Prepare and approve compliance information submissions and serve as primary contact with the employment law attorney and outside government agencies.

Communication, tools, and professional leadership

• Manage employee communication and feedback through company meetings, suggestion programs, employee satisfaction surveys, newsletters, employee focus groups, one-on-one meetings, and Intranet use.
• Participate on teams and committees and lead meetings as required.
• Adhere to and enforce Zoo policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Apply and exemplify green (sustainable) practices whenever possible.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you bring

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business, or Organizational Development.
• Three years of Human Resources experience preferred.
• Specialized training in employment law, compensation, organizational planning, organization development, employee relations, safety, training, and preventative labor relations preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Suite (or ability to obtain).
• Previous HR/Payroll systems experience (or ability to obtain).
• Must be insurable to drive Zoo vehicle/carts.
• Must be able to maintain work hours that serve the needs of Blank Park Zoo.
• Ability to complete risk assessment reports, incident reports, and other security- and operations-related communication.
• Ability to remain calm and act professionally in all situations, including emergencies.
• Membership in the local SHRM chapter preferred.

Technology and environment

• Technologies: Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Intranet
• Work environment: Regular desk work and computer use, with occasional travel to other locations and meetings. Noise level is quiet to moderate, and outdoor work may include uneven terrain and exposure to extreme heat and cold, snow, hail, wind, and rain. Occasional exposure to noisy environments such as mowers, motors, and music.
• Physical requirements: Stand, walk, climb, ascend and descend stairs, ladders, scaffolding, ramps and poles; operate machinery and power tools; operate motor vehicles or heavy equipment; lift up to more than 50 pounds (with additional lifting ranges listed). Range includes reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and sustained vision demands.

Licenses and certifications

• Valid Iowa motor vehicle license
• First Aid/CPR Training or ability to obtain

Equal opportunity

Blank Park Zoo is an equal opportunity employer and provides employment and promotional consideration without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam era, or any other protected class as required by local, state, or federal law.

Blank Park Zoo offers competitive income, benefits, and an excellent working environment.