Generalist, People & Culture (HR)

Position Summary
The People & Culture team is looking for a new team member with a combination of skills, experience and potential to become our next compliance superstar. This person will collaborate with our team to oversee Leave of Absence requests, Worker's Compensation claims, and provide general compliance support to employees and managers. They will provide valuable, broad support while also growing their ability to provide subject-matter expertise in specialized work streams within the People & Culture Team. They will work both independently and collaboratively within a highly functioning and solution-focused team. If you are a solution-finder who sees the best in people and is eager to learn and grow, this might be the perfect role for you!
Essential Job Duties

• Oversees the leave program to ensure compliance with federal and state (California) regulations as well as company policies related to FMLA, CFRA, ADA, etc.
• Handles the life cycle of leave from initiation to end and engages with employees to support and facilitate their return to work
• Facilitates the ADA interactive process between employee and department as it relates to workplace accommodations including continuous leave of absence
• Manages administrative aspects of leave including tracking and working closely with payroll to ensure that leave time is accurate noted in the time keeping system
• Identifies and produces solutions for process gaps
• Acts as main point of contact with vendors related to leave practices
• Contributes to policies and related forms, documents, or communications, as appropriate; administers implementation, coordination and roll out
• Communicates culturally relevant and responsive support to all employees while maintaining compliance with local, state and federal laws
• Maintains Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and compiles reports on employee data
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned

Oakland Zoo does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here and will consider the combination of formal education, training, and practical experience of each applicant. We are committed to supporting the career development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications. If this is you, then we strongly encourage you to apply.
Who You Are

• Demonstrated ability to thoughtfully navigate complex conversations with both employees and management with awareness of bias and a focus on equitable and inclusive practices
• Maintain meticulous digital records with attention to confidentiality of sensitive information
• Able to work independently and proactively identify when additional support is needed to respond to inquiries outside the scope of this role
• Demonstrated ability to research complex problems and develop equitable solutions that center the needs of both employees and the organization
• Possess fluency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Able to work in confined space, use a computer for an 8-hour shift, and lift 25 lbs.
• Oakland Zoo requires full Covid vaccination (including up-to-date boosters)

Bonus If You Have

• Specific experience working within leave administration
• In-depth knowledge of California employment laws such as recruitment, benefits, compensation and training
• Experience working in and managing Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)
• Two or more years of experience in Human Resources

Knowledge/Skills/Qualities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• Communication - communicates respectfully and effectively with stakeholders across identities, both verbally and in writing
• Collaboration - builds trusting relationships with both internal and external stakeholders across our organization and community-wide and approaches differences of opinion with curiosity and humility
• Dependability - demonstrates trustworthiness and reliability, including while working with little or no direct supervision
• Flexibility - nimbly adapts to evolving priorities and urgent needs; handles intervals of high pressure while maintaining perspective and humor
• Organization - strong attention to details and able to build and/or maintain efficient systems
• Inclusive Culture - fosters a culture of mutual respect, transparency, collaboration and belonging which allows all employees to feel appreciated, included, and valued
• Passion - wholeheartedly believes in, represents, and models Oakland Zoo's mission and PRIDE values at all times
• Relationship-Building - able to build and maintain trusting relationships and mutually beneficial partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
• Solution-oriented - utilizes an open-minded and strengths-based approach to finding solutions for complex challenges
• Sustainability - oriented toward the mission and values of Oakland Zoo and able to put those into practice by finding creative and resourceful ways to develop sustainable practices within your role and department
• Technological Aptitude - able to quickly understand, develop and maintain functional digital systems
• Time management - strong capabilities with a demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple commitments
• Wildlife Aware - understands mission to support the conservation and welfare of animals at the Zoo, locally and globally. This is demonstrated by a willingness/passion to reflect this mission in all actions and to continue to learn how to take action for wildlife.

Benefits: Oakland Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package, including Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, Flexible spending account, Retirement plan, Paid time off, Employee Assistance Program, and A Family Zoo Membership.
Who We Are
The Oakland Zoo (managed by The Conservation Society of California) is an award-winning facility stretching 100 acres and overlooking the city of Oakland atop the hills of beautiful Knowland Park. Our mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), The Zoo is part of the largest conservation organization in the nation. Our employees take PRIDE in our values of being Positive, Respectful, Inquisitive, Driven and Effective members of a team who places the care of our animals, stewardship of the natural environment, and the experience of our guests at the forefront of all that we do.
Oakland Zoo's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Access
We believe that all people should have safe access to the Zoo and culturally relevant and responsive experiences with our staff, programs, and curriculum. The Oakland Zoo is also striving to create an equitable and inclusive internal culture where all staff members feel represented and valued for their identities and lived experiences. We examine how power, bias, race, and other aspects of identity impact our organization. We work to build a culture of continuous learning and improvement toward a vision of equity and belonging for all staff. We are looking for team members who can actively join us in this process. We are committed to reflecting the diverse community in which we exist and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ identifying folks, and women to apply.
The Conservation Society of California is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. The Conservation Society of California also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics.