General Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Director of Human Resources, the Human Resources (HR) Generalist plays a critical role on the HR team by performing a wide variety of duties toward achieving Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s (FCZ) strategic goals. The HR Generalist provides exceptional customer service and is responsible for the ongoing administration of services and programs offered through the Human Resources department in a high-performance, employee-oriented culture while meeting quality standards and productivity expectations.

Our comprehensive compensation package includes 100% employer paid Medical/Dental/Vision, Employee Assistance Program, 401k, 10 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick and Paid Vacation time on an accrued basis. The pay range for this position is $28.50 - $31.50 per hour. Offers will be based on the successful candidate's experience.

Essential Accountabilities

Employee Life Cycle and Talent Management

• The Human Resource Generalist will perform the daily functions of the HR department, including, but not limited to, benefits administration, leave administration, workers' compensation, performance management, training and development, employment verifications, and other duties related to the employee life cycle.
• Provide employee relations support to all FCZ departments by answering Human Resources procedural questions and requests in a timely, customer service-oriented manner within the HR Generalist’s scope of authority. Refer all complex or sensitive matters to the Director of Human Resources and assist the Director in disciplinary matters, disputes, and investigations, as needed.
• Oversees and tracks FCZ’s performance management program by sending out notifications to supervisors, ensuring due dates are met, checking all documents for accuracy, entering data into UKG, and scanning evaluations into employees’ electronic personnel files. Works with the HRIS Analyst to ensure the performance reviews are entered into the HRIS system accurately.
• Support the HR Assistant as needed by verifying all employee exit packets are prepared accurately for both voluntary and involuntary separations. Participate in exit interviews to obtain critical information to improve or correct any problems. Responsible for responding to all unemployment claims.
• Oversee the FCZ Uniform Program including inventory, ordering, and working with the HR Assistant for distribution.
• Responsible for processing Tuition Reimbursement program requests and verifying employees meet the qualifications for reimbursement according to FCZ policy and procedures.
• Maintains employee confidence and protects the organization by ensuring personnel data and all other employment-related documents and information are secured and kept confidential. Responsible for maintaining and organizing the Human Resource server drive and the HR Teams page.
• Oversees labor law poster administration ensuring the most current postings are displayed at all times.

Employee Benefits Program

• The HR Generalist is responsible for the administration of all benefits and retirement programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and the 401(k) plan.
• Coordinates with the HR Assistant for new-hire orientations by presenting FCZ’s benefits and assisting new employees with enrollment options and form completion.
• Works with the Director of HR during the open enrollment process.
• Assists employees regarding benefits claim issues and plan changes.
• Distributes all benefits enrollment materials and determines eligibility.
• Enroll employees with carriers and process life status changes.
• Responds to benefits inquiries on plan provisions, benefits enrollments, status changes, and other general inquiries.
• Responds to 401(k) inquiries from managers and employees relating to enrollments, plan changes and contribution amounts. Manages the annual catch-up contribution enrollment.

Protected Leave Administration and Workers’ Compensation

• Oversees the FCZ’s leave-of-absence programs, including Pregnancy Disability Leave, the California Family Rights Act, the Family Medical Leave Act, and the American Disability Act.
• Accurately qualifies and designates leaves, prepares relevant documents, gathers appropriate medical documentation, tracks employees’ consecutive and intermittent leave, and maintains up-to-date documentation of all employee interactions.
• Responsible for completing all disability and paid family leave benefit forms for employees.
• Oversees the timecards for employees on consecutive protected leave or workers compensation.
• Acts as the first point of contact for all first aid and workers' compensation claims. Ensures incidents reports and DWC-1 forms are completed accurately within the required time frame. Process workers’ compensation claims, monitor timelines, noticing requirements, and ensure updates on job restrictions are communicated to supervisors.
• Authorizes medical visits and communicates with FCZ’s workers' compensation carrier.
• Communicates all leave information to the employee’s direct supervision chain of command while maintaining medical confidentiality for the employee.
• Coordinates and participates in the interactive process pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) / Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).
• Conduct Ergonomic Assessments and occupational safety assessments, make recommendations, and educate employees/supervisors.

HR Generalist Departmental Expectations

• Make recommendations to improve organizational effectiveness, identify inefficiencies, and improve the department’s processes by assisting in the creation of FCZ human resource’s policy and procedures to maintain a fair, objective standardized HR process.
• Cultivates confidence and establishes effective collaboration with the
  the Director of Human Resources. Effectively communicates with the Director of HR the status of ongoing responsibilities and projects. Prioritizes projects and work duties depending on the needs of the department, the organization, and other stakeholders.
• Identifies inefficiencies and provides process improvement recommendations to improve organization effectiveness.
• As approved by the Director of Human Resources, enhance professional and technical knowledge by attending workshops and seminars related to human resources’ best practices.
• Attend and actively participate in all meetings (e.g., 1:1 meetings, department meetings, employee staff meetings) and other activities as required or assigned.
• Prepares reports as designated by the Director of HR by compiling and analyzing data to obtain accurate and objective measurements of HR metrics such as LOA, OSHA data, exit surveys.
• Complies with federal, state, and local employment laws and requirements. Ensures FCZ’s corporate policies and procedures are current and follow the best practices of human resources.
• Works flexible or extended hours where necessary. Travel is considered a necessary component of this position.
• Completes various other work-related duties as assigned by the Director of Human Resources. These duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities

• Advanced proficiency with HRIS software, Microsoft Office suite. Ability to learn and integrate new computer applications into existing HR functions.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills. Serves as a department role model regarding customer service and responsiveness, confidentiality, quality, and accuracy of work and exhibits the highest level of professional ethics and integrity in all interactions within the HR department as well as with internal and external stakeholders.
• High-level time management and organizational skills to balance ongoing workload as well as incoming requests to ensure the Human Resources department remains a reliable resource for all stakeholders.
• Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, and employment law. Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations and recommends best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Ability to analyze and summarize data and information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field preferred.
• Three to four (3-4) years prior Human Resource experience required, preferably in an organization with over 100 employees.
• SHRM-CP or PHR is preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

These are physical and mental requirements of the position as it is typically performed. Inability to meet one or more of these physical or mental requirements will not automatically disqualify a candidate or employee from the position. Upon request for a reasonable accommodation, the Zoo may be able to adjust or excuse one or more of these requirements, depending on the requirement, the essential functions to which it relates, and the proposed accommodation.

• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, viewing a computer terminal, and extensive reading. Color perception is also required.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication (in person and via telephone), at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken information to others in individual and small group settings.
• Hand and finger dexterity sufficient for typing and other administrative tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The position primarily functions indoors with occasional exposure to heat, cold, and inclement weather.
• The position may work in close proximity to Zoo animals.
• Occasional local travel may be required.

Mission

We inspire people to care for animals, create connections, build community, and save wildlife.

Vision

A just future that begins with us and makes possible a world where people and wildlife thrive together.

Organizational Pillars

WILDLIFE SCIENCE – Creating environments for animals to thrive

• Outstanding animal care
• Research-driven animal wellness
• Meaningful connections
• Transformative exhibits
• Effective global and regional conservation

COMPANY CULTURE– Promoting personal and professional staff fulfillment

• Collective success
• Career growth and development
• Commitment to staff well-being and happiness

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS – Fostering a sense of belonging and connection to our mission

• Premier cultural destination
• A sense of belonging for all
• Equitable access
• Environmental and social justice
• Trusted leader in conservation and sustainability
• Rooted in the Central Valley

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS – Striving for sustainability in our business and operations

• Sustainable business model
• Continued community support (Measure Z)
• Compelling brand
• Modeling green practices