People & Culture Specialist

Pay Range: To maintain internal equity, we have identified the starting range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $28.85 - $31.25 per hour. An offer within this range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer.

Note: This position is primarily an on-site position, with a hybrid schedule of 4 days on-site and 1 day remote (optional) per week after evaluation period has ended.

This is a temporary position lasting from January 1 - September 30, 2025, with potential for extension.

‍

The People & Culture team serves a key role at Oakland Zoo, providing dynamic support to our staff while empowering them to thrive throughout their journeys here. The People & Culture Specialist will serve as a subject-matter expert in managing specialized work streams outlined below, and partner closely with other team members to provide general compliance support to employees and managers. They will work both independently and collaboratively within a highly functioning and solution-focused team.

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.

• Act as the first line contact for employee relations and serve as an internal resource to employees on HR related questions.
• Manage recruitment by posting jobs, sending offer letters, and partner with managers to develop hiring strategies.
• Review candidates and sit in on interviews as needed.
• Run background checks and oversee the adverse actions process.
• Verify required certifications and vaccinations for finalists.
• Manage the Onboarding process for all new staff, including I-9 verification.
• Process Changes of Status and ensure Work Permits, Authorizations and Licenses are up to date for all staff.
• Ensure that processes and practices are legally compliant, and flag new legislation affecting HR practices.
• Identify and produce solutions for process gaps.  
• Contribute to policies and related forms, documents, or communications, as appropriate; administer implementation, coordination and roll out.
• Provide culturally relevant and responsive support to all employees while maintaining compliance with local, state and federal laws.
• 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.  

• Two or more years of experience in Human Resources.
• In-depth knowledge of California employment laws regarding recruitment & onboarding.
• 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.
• Experience working in Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS).
• 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

• Experience with UKG/UltiPro HRIS  

• 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 the 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.