Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP)

The Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) serves as a strategic partner to leaders and a trusted resource for staff, with primary focus on staff relations investigations and documentation, leadership coaching and training for prevention, and overall staff engagement and culture. This role leads fair, consistent, and timely staff relations investigations; equips leaders with tools and skills to proactively address issues; and supports initiatives that strengthen staff experience and reinforce the organization’s mission, core values, and culture. The HRBP also provides guidance in employment law, HR policies, leave administration, and HR operations to ensure compliance and organizational effectiveness.

Our Mission: The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision:  To be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Staff Relations and Investigations:

• Serves as a primary point of contact for staff and leaders regarding workplace concerns, conflicts, and/or grievances. Conducts timely, thorough, and well-documented investigations in accordance with organization policies and applicable laws.
• Provides guidance to managers on staff relations matters, performance management, corrective action, conflict resolution, and policy interpretation with an emphasis on fairness, consistency, and risk mitigation.
• Maintains organized, confidential documentation of investigations, findings, and follow-up actions.
• Identifies patterns and root causes of recurring staff relations issues and partner with leaders to implement preventative strategies and action plans.
• Consults with HRB on termination decisions and other high-risk actions to ensure legal compliance and alignment with organizational values.

Manager Coaching, Training & Prevention:

• Coaches’ managers on day-to-day people leadership, including feedback, documentation, performance conversations, recognition, and accountability.
• Collaborates with HR and Training/Safety teams to design and deliver practical training for leaders on topics such as performance management, documentation, conflict resolution, and respectful workplace expectations.
• Partners with leaders to develop preventative plans (e.g., early intervention plans, follow-up plans after investigations, team reset plans) that reduce the likelihood and severity of future ER issues.
• Supports change management by preparing leaders to communicate and implement organizational changes in ways that maintain trust, engagement, and clarity for staff.

Staff Engagement and Culture:

• Supports staff engagement efforts by coordinating surveys, focus groups, and ongoing feedback mechanisms.
• Analyzes engagement, exit interview, and turnover data to identify trends; partner with leaders to create practical, time-bound action plans.
• Partners with HR Coordinator and Talent Acquisition to ensure onboarding immerses staff in the zoo’s culture, mission, core values, and strategic initiatives.
• Reinforces organizational core values through HR programs, recognition efforts, and leader coaching.

HR Operations, Compliance, and Leave Administration:

• Maintains current knowledge of employment laws and regulations (e.g., FMLA, ADA, FLSA, Title VII) and advise leaders on practical implications.
• Oversees FMLA/ADA and other leave management cases, ensuring consistent application, documentation, and communication with staff and leaders.
• Ensures workers’ compensation documentation and OSHA logs are accurate, timely, and coordinated with Safety and other stakeholders as required.
• Supports policy development, implementation, and updates, ensuring policies are clear, practical, and aligned with organizational values.

Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement:

• Prepares and interprets HR metrics and analytics related to investigations, turnover, engagement, and other key indicators; share insights with leaders and recommend actions.
• Partners with Talent Acquisition to review hiring, time-to-fill, and retention trends and co-create strategies that improve staff experience and outcomes.
• Participates in HR process improvement efforts, helping to streamline workflows, improve responsiveness, and reduce administrative burden for staff and leaders.

Collaboration, Communication & Organizational Contribution:

• Collaborates with HR colleagues (Talent Acquisition, HR Coordinator, Safety, Training, etc.) to deliver seamless HR support to staff and leaders.
• Participates as an active representative in the organization’s Safety Committee and other cross-functional initiatives, as assigned.
• Facilitates effective internal HR communications, ensuring staff and leaders are informed about HR programs, policies, and changes.
• Contributes to saving animals in the wild through reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
• Assumes other responsibilities consistent with the role, as assigned

Education and Experience

• BA/BS degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ progressive experience in Human Resources with concentration in areas such as employment law, policy development, staff relation guidance and recruitment methods.
• Demonstrated experience conducting complex, sensitive investigations and resolving staff relations issues in a fair and equitable manner.
• Experience designing, delivering, or facilitating manager training, workshops, or coaching conversations.
• Thorough understanding of employment laws and regulations, including but not limited to Title VII, FMLA, ADA, and FLSA.
• Strong knowledge of employment laws and regulations and the ability to apply them in real-world, practical scenarios.
• Proven ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and credibility with staff and leaders at all levels.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and communication skills — written, verbal, and presentation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact clearly and effectively with both internal and external individuals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and HRIS systems, comfort learning new technology and tools.

ABOUT THE HOUSTON ZOO
Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.

Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.

Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.

• Medical and Prescription Drug
• Vision
• Dental
• Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
• Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
• Supplemental Life
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
• 401k, with employer match

Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.

• Free Zoo Membership
• Free Guest Passes
• Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
• Free parking

Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.