Explore a career with Reid Park Zoo! We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Coordinator to join our team! A minimum of three years of experience as an HR Coordinator or entry- to mid-level HR Generalist in a mid-sized organization (100+ employees) is required.
Schedule is Mon-Fri, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some weekend days, evenings, and holidays may be required on occasion. This is an onsite, in-office position. Remote work from home is available occasionally.
With a mission centered in conservation, the Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participates in over 50 Species Survival Plans for threatened and endangered species. Reid Park Zoo cares for over 200 exotic animal species from around the world, maintains a state-of-the-art elephant program, operates a cutting-edge veterinary clinic, serves as a teaching hospital for the University of Arizona veterinary program, and is a leader in the Monarch and Songbird Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) programs. With more than 600,000 visits annually, the Zoo is in the midst of an exciting expansion project, Pathway to Asia, that will add four acres to its campus, bringing new species such as red panda, Komodo dragon and Lar gibbons, as well as a breeding facility for critically endangered Malayan tigers when it opens in late 2026.
Reid Park Zoo’s mission is to connect people with animals, inspiring the protection of wild animals and wild places. Be a part of a vibrant, growing organization as Reid Park Zoo continues to support local and global conservation and the highest standards in animal care while providing educational opportunities and family fun.
No phone calls or visits, please. This position is open until filled. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff by creating an inclusive environment.
Pay Range: $21.63 to $25.42 per hour / DOE
Benefits: This is a fully benefited position, including group medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; paid holiday, vacation, and sick time; 401(k) with match; family zoo membership; employee assistance program, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on concession and gift shop purchases.
Overview: The Human Resources Coordinator supports the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources (HR) department by coordinating recruitment, onboarding, payroll and position changes, benefits administration, leaves, record keeping, and staff support. This role serves as a culture champion, ensuring that all HR interactions align with our core values, animal welfare and our conservation mission. Working closely with Zoo leadership, the Human Resources Coordinator fosters an inclusive, collaborative, safety-conscious workforce where all staff feel connected to and inspired by our mission.
Reports To: Human Resources Manager
General Duties
- Demonstrate and model the core values of the Reid Park Zoological Society (RPZS or the Zoo)
- Perform duties in accordance with RPZS policies and procedures
- Provide excellent internal and external customer service as a component of all job duties
- Follow Zoo safety protocols and procedures
- Participate in emergency and safety drills
- Respond to internal and external HR related inquiries or requests and assist so staff feel supported
- Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment by adhering to workplace etiquette and respecting diverse perspectives
- Maintain confidentiality of internal personnel matters, compensation details, and personal employee information
- Maintain accurate, confidential records and employee data within the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), and Human Resources file and data systems (personnel files, electronic records, documents, reports, etc.)
- In collaboration with the HR Manager, assist with preparing and distributing monthly HR reports, cyclical communications, updates, etc.
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Manage full-cycle recruitment for part-time, full-time, temporary, on-call positions and seasonal hiring needs
- Post job openings and manage the Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
- Assist with initial phone screenings and schedule interviews for hiring managers
- Prepare offer letters and job descriptions
- Maintain consistent communications and status updates with new hires and hiring managers throughout the hiring process to ensure an easy, positive, and welcoming hire experience and first day
- Coordinate pre-hire compliance requirements, including background checks, references, pre-employment drug screens, vaccine requirements, and onboarding documents
- Conduct in-person final onboarding and E-Verify
- Conduct New Employee Orientations (NEO), ensuring staff are properly trained on culture, values, policies, zoo-specific safety protocols and feel welcomed
- Enter new hires in the HRIS, benefits, timekeeping, training and related systems
Payroll & Benefits Administration
- Process pay and status changes, HR related payroll and benefit functions, and coordinate with accounting teams
- Process and track leaves of absence (LOA)
- Administer employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, and ancillary benefits
- Reconcile and provide the payroll deduction report to payroll each pay period
- Assist with open enrollment and benefit renewals in collaboration with the Human Resources Manager and Zoo leadership
Health & Safety
- Coordinate and oversee the on-site random drug testing process
- Coordinate and track vaccine and renewal requirements
- Coordinate periodic on-site vendor events for vaccines, renewals, and CPR training
- Provide back-up assistance as needed to process and track Employee Incident Reports and Workers' Compensation claims
Staff Engagement
- Cultivate positive employee relations by serving as a back-up to the department for staff inquiries regarding general HR policies and procedures
- Assist in distributing employee communications and event planning information (Heat Safety, SafeHotline, Employee Resources Flyers, Wellness Day, etc.)
- Assist the department as needed with creating Google Forms, RSVP’s and tracking of employee signatures (e.g., annual Employee Handbook updates, in-person training events, Wellness Day Attendees, etc.)
- Participate in employee committees (e.g., Festivities and DEAI committees) as an HR liaison if the HR Manager is unavailable
- Assist the department in distributing annual and quarterly online climate surveys
Minimum Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- Education Requirement: High school diploma or equivalent
- Experience Requirement: A minimum of three years’ experience in an HR Coordinator or entry- to mid-level HR Generalist role in a mid-sized organization (100+ employees) OR equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
- A valid, current, unrestricted driver's license
- Complete pre-hire background check and pre-employment drug screen (we do not test for THC)
- Comply with quarterly random drug testing if selected
- Proficient in using HRIS systems (Paychex Oasis preferred), and Benefits Administration Systems (Employee Navigator preferred)
- Excellent computer and data entry skills
- Proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, email applications, various online apps and systems
- Excellent verbal and written communication with a professional, friendly tone and proper grammar
- Ability to be organized, manage and oversee complex, multi-layer processes and follow up
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong ability to collaborate, employ creative thinking, and navigate areas of ambiguity appropriately
- Demonstrated ability to exercise good judgment, anticipate needs, and identify next steps
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to maintain positive, constructive relationships at all levels, with a diverse population of staff, guests, vendors, volunteers and the public
- Politely assertive, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced, public/guest attraction-focused environment
- Demonstrated ability to practice active listening, receive constructive feedback gracefully, and adapt communication styles to suit diverse needs
- Ability to take direction and change direction as needed
- Regular physical attendance at work
- Reliable and able to work to a schedule
- May occasionally be required to work a flexible schedule, including (rarely) weekend days or holidays
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift to 10 pounds occasionally
- Bend, stoop, kneel, reach moderately
- Stand and walk frequently
- Sit for extended periods of time frequently
- Repetitive motions with hands
Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- Associate Degree or higher in a related field (Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or Non-Profit Management)
- SHRM-CP or higher strongly preferred
- Additional years of experience in an HR Coordinator or entry- to mid-level Generalist role
- Experience working in an AZA-accredited zoo or aquarium facility
- Bilingual (any language including ASL)
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. It is intended to give a reasonable idea of what might be required.
Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Reid Park Zoological Society to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Human Resources Dept.
