Human Resources Manager

Job Summary

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for all Human Resources activities for the Lehigh Valley Zoo and its employees, including staffing, payroll, benefits management, performance management, employee relations and other administrative duties. The role also supports the President & CEO as an Executive Assistant and works closely with other Zoo leaders to advance strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Human Resources: Maintain complete and accurate payroll, benefits and personnel files; administer benefits for all employees, including tracking new employee eligibility, distributing benefits documentation, and ensuring proper enrollment; act as liaison between employees and benefits providers; assist with the establishment, monitoring, and enhancement of performance management, rewards and recognition systems; work with the Finance team to administer the annual benefits open enrollment; manage employee time‑off balances and annual rollover/payout of accrued, unused paid time off; ensure compliance with unemployment, workers’ compensation, FMLA, and other state or federal labor laws; facilitate the Zoo’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Recruiting, Hiring, Onboarding & Departing Employees: Provide job posting and pre‑screening assistance as requested by hiring managers; collaborate with the Marketing team to ensure jobs are properly advertised; send offer letters and facilitate onboarding; coordinate background checks and clearances; assist department managers/supervisors with onboarding plans, schedules, and communication with new hires; attend guest services orientation sessions at least biannually; standardize internship processes across departments; witness or assist with termination meetings as needed; conduct exit interviews; ensure completion of all departing employee paperwork and processes, including benefits and IT.
• Payroll: Keep the Paylocity HRIS system up‑to‑date with all employee information required for payroll; process bi‑weekly payroll in partnership with the Finance Manager, who reviews and approves payroll and posts related accounting entries; serve as primary user of Paylocity, enrolling and terminating employees in the payroll system; provide system support to staff and supervisors; offer ongoing tips and training on Paylocity to department managers; support year‑end W‑2 and health‑care reporting.
• Executive Assistant: Assist the Zoo Leadership team with scheduling appointments and arranging meetings; support the Board of Directors through communications, scheduling, and updating the Boardable application; help the President & CEO coordinate and host quarterly Board meetings; work with the Development team to arrange outreach opportunities for the President & CEO; support the “Lehigh Valley Zoo 4 All” (LVZ4A) program to foster an inclusive culture; periodically serve as Manager in Charge (MIC) during Zoo open hours; adjust schedule to accommodate 7‑day/week Zoo operations, ensuring all employees have access to HR support; provide ideas and feedback to continuously improve HR practices and system utilization; assist other departments as needed.

Requirements

• Skills & Competencies: Knowledge of employment law and general HR practices; excellent organizational, multi‑tasking and communication skills; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships; works well independently and within a group setting; ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality; high proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Qualifications & Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent (associate’s degree in Human Resources or related business preferred); 1–3 years’ experience in a similar HR role (payroll exposure preferred); experience with HRIS systems, preferably Paylocity.

Schedule

Willingness to adjust working hours to accommodate attendance at signature events, special promotions, and the Winter Light Spectacular, which may require availability on weekends, holidays, and evenings.