Job Description

OPENING DATE: 08/17/2026

CLOSING DATE: 08/31/2026 (This position may close early if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received)

JOB TYPE: Regular, Full-time

UNION: Non-Represented

OPENINGS: 1

LOCATION: Hybrid (on grounds 3 days/week and remainder work remotely)

DEPARTMENT: People & Culture

The zoo has one opening, candidates may qualify for either the FLSA non-exempt, Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) OR the FLSA Exempt, Senior HRBP.

HOW DO YOU ZOO?

More than 1.3 million people visit Woodland Park Zoo each year. We connect people with wildlife and remind them of what’s at stake in our changing world. Our job is to motivate people to take action and provide them with the tools needed to join us in saving endangered species. Working for the zoo means upholding our mission, “To save wildlife and inspire everyone to make conservation a priority in their lives.” Apply today and show us how you zoo.

WHO YOU ARE
As our new Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP/Senior HRBP), 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.
• A Change & Continuous Improvement Mindset: You look for ways to enhance processes, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and support positive change.

YOUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are crossover responsibilities between the HRBP and senior HRBP with the senior HRBP having more 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• HRBP needs a minimum of four (4) years of progressive human resources experience, including employee relations, performance management, workplace investigations, manager coaching, and compliance OR Senior HRBP needs a 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 (Note: this qualification is 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.

COMPENSATION

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.

The HR Business Partner is an hourly position, starting at $31.37, midpoint $39.21, maximum of $47.05.

The Senior HR Business Partner is a salaried position, starting at $92,081.60, midpoint at $115,107.20, and the maximum of $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
• Accrue 12 vacation days and another 12 days of sick leave 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

SELECTION PROCESS
Application Please include a resume and cover letter with your application through our Zoo Careers site at zoo.org/jobs Please be sure to list or upload copies of all relevant training and certifications on your application. The zoo may review existing application pools to fill this position or use this pool to fill future vacancies.

This opportunity is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Woodland Park Zoo values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The zoo encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, 2SLGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences. Woodland Park Zoo is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in all its services. If you need accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact our recruiting team at careers@zoo.org

Screening We will review applications and select some candidates for screening calls. Final candidates will be invited for virtual or in-person interviews.

Offer: Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process including the completion of a background check.