The Zoo encompasses a 485-acre campus and is home to more than 5,300 animals with about 1.29 million guests visiting annually. The Zoo is a coordinator of international conservation and breeding programs and is the State’s largest environmental educator with over 400,000 participants annually. The Zoo’s conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems and its education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout our region, and around the world.

Working Title: Human Resources Technician 2
Job Class: Human Resources Technician 2
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/10/2024
• Closing Date: 01/31/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoo Gardens-Confidential
• Division/Unit: Operations / Human Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., may vary
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $21.10 - $29.74 / hourly; $44,056 - $62,097 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

• The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged, and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position exists to provide advanced administrative and technical support services for the Human Resources (HR) office in all areas of human resource functions for Minnesota Zoological Garden employees. This position will process employee/position transactions, advise on benefit administration, create HR reports, coordinate New Employee Orientation, and advise on limited contract administration.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Human Resources personnel/payroll transactions. Review, research, prepare, approve, and process employee and position transactions, using the SEMA4 system, to ensure that employee appointments are made in accordance with system and legal requirements and that actions occur within established time frames. Advise employees, supervisors and managers on HR data policies and processes, upcoming certifications, performance appraisals due, progression increases, seasonal layoffs, impending end dates for temporary/emergency /unclassified appointments and leaves of absence.
• Reporting – create monthly reports as well as any reports for data that the HR director or Zoo Managers and Supervisors request. Develop and use ad-hoc and standard reports to audit HR data to ensure accuracy of data and enter data corrections as needed. Prepare and distribute seniority rosters.
• Advise new and current employees of all benefit programs, open enrollment and Zoo specific benefits and assist with researching benefit issues or problems. Advise employees on eligibility for retirement and ensure appropriate information is received and completed in a timely manner. Can answer questions regarding benefits and retirement. Liaison with MMB’s SEGIP in the administration of the state employee group insurance program.
• Provide coordination and support for the agency’s New Employee Orientation Programming.
• Provide administrative support for human resources so office needs are met and can operate effectively and efficiently. Be responsible for maintaining files, including I-9, background check files and personnel files. Order supplies for HR and maintain a small stock of supplies for HR.
• Provide technical support to Human Resources activities as assigned or needed so that processes are efficient and timely.
• Perform other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of the organization as a viable business partner.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field OR Minimum of one (1) year experience working in a Human Resources Office providing services in at least two of the following
areas: HRIS systems, recruitment, staffing/talent acquisition, or data reporting.

Applicants who meet the above education/experience requirements will be further evaluated based on the following:

• Experience processing personnel transactions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Customer service skills sufficient to assist with and respond to requests from internal and external customers.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and accurately communicate rules, policies and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
• Ability to work semi-independently, without close supervision.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal employment laws, Minnesota statutes, personnel rules, and State of Minnesota bargaining agreements.
• Experience using Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition (OBIEE)
• Human resources experience within a State of Minnesota agency or another unionized environment.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

• Employment Verification Check
• Criminal Background Check including fingerprinting
• Driver's License Check

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Bobbie Donat at bobbie.donat@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Bobbie Donat at bobbie.donat@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.