Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) or Senior HRBP

This position is hybrid, requiring on-site work at the zoo 3 days per week with the remainder remote. One opening is available; candidates may qualify for either the FLSA non-exempt Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) or the FLSA exempt Senior HRBP role.

About the Role

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives. As our new Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP/Senior HRBP), you will uphold our mission: “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.”

Who You Are

We know you will be successful in this role because you are:

• A People Person: You love connecting with people and building strong relationships. Whether coaching a manager, supporting an employee, or collaborating with a team, you thrive in a fun, mission-driven environment where people and purpose come together.
• An Employee & Labor Relations Partner: You confidently navigate employee and labor relations matters, partnering with leaders and union representatives to resolve workplace concerns, interpret agreements, and foster positive working relationships.
• A Trusted Advisor: You lead with empathy, sound judgment, and a balanced perspective, providing thoughtful guidance to leaders and employees.
• A Culture Champion: You are passionate about fostering employee engagement, inclusion, wellbeing, and a workplace culture that reflects our values and helps people feel connected to each other, our mission, and values.
• A Collaborative Problem Solver: You approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, working through complex situations to find practical, people-centered outcomes.
• A Strategic Thinker: You use workforce insights, feedback, and data to identify opportunities and support sound people decisions.
• Change & Continuous Improvement Mindset: You look for ways to enhance processes, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and support positive change.

Responsibilities

There are crossover responsibilities between the HRBP and Senior HRBP, with the Senior HRBP having additional organization development and union relations responsibilities.

• Partner with leaders and employees to foster a positive workplace culture, strengthen employee engagement, and support organizational success.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and managers by providing coaching and guidance on employee relations, performance management, leadership effectiveness, accountability, and employee development.
• Lead employee relations efforts, including workplace investigations, conflict resolution, policy interpretation, corrective action, and other complex employee matters.
• Support positive labor-management relationships by interpreting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs), partnering with union representatives and leaders, and helping resolve workplace concerns.
• Collaborate with leaders to identify workforce needs, support talent development and succession planning efforts, and implement strategies that attract, retain, and develop employees.
• Champion employee engagement, recognition, wellbeing, and belonging initiatives by leveraging employee feedback and workforce insights to strengthen culture and enhance employee experience.
• Analyze workforce data and trends to identify opportunities, develop recommendations, and support data-informed people decisions.
• Ensure consistent application of employment laws, People & Culture policies, CBAs, and organizational practices while contributing to programs, initiatives, and projects that advance organizational effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• HRBP: Minimum of four (4) years of progressive human resources experience, including employee relations, performance management, workplace investigations, manager coaching, and compliance.
• Senior HRBP: Minimum of six (6) years of progressive human resources experience and must have labor relations experience.
• Strong consultation, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build trust, influence others, and adapt communication to diverse audiences and situations.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution abilities, with the judgment and discretion to navigate complex and sensitive employee matters.
• Collaborative, customer-focused, and adaptable approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities, build effective partnerships, and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace.
• Successful applicants must live and work in Washington State to perform this role.

Preferred Qualifications

• SHRM-SCP, SHRM-CP, SPHR, PHR, or equivalent professional certification.
• Experience supporting collective bargaining and labor relations activities (required at the Senior HRBP level).
• Experience supporting organizational change, employee engagement, organizational development, or culture-building initiatives.
• Ability to speak a language in addition to English.

Pay

The zoo looks to extend offers between the minimum and midpoint of salary ranges. Amounts above the midpoint are reserved for future growth in the role.

• Human Resources Business Partner (hourly, non-exempt): Starting at $31.37, midpoint $39.21, maximum $47.05.
• Senior Human Resources Business Partner (salaried, exempt): Starting at $92,081.60, midpoint $115,107.20, maximum $138,132.80.

Benefits

The Woodland Park Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time staff, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision HMO and PPO plans for you and eligible dependents.
• 11 paid holidays and 4 personal holidays.
• 12 vacation days and 12 sick leave days accrued in your first year.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Free zoo membership that includes zoo admission and discounts after 90 days.
• 4 complimentary tickets per year plus other discounts and perks.
• Free staff parking.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan.