People (HR) Operations Manager

People Operations Manager

Jacksonville Zoo & Botanical Gardens is one of the Southeast's premier wildlife destinations, and we are looking for an HR professional that is as passionate about people as our team is about the planet. The role of the People Operations Manager leads the design and documentation of HR programs like compensation, benefits, and recruitment. Develops scalable methodologies and tools to optimize HR operations and streamline core processes like onboarding, hiring, terminations, rewards, benefits, and timekeeping. Oversees employee data management processes to ensure that data is secure and maintained consistently with company policies and privacy regulations. Ensures that reporting and filings are accurate, timely, and compliant with regulatory requirements. Evaluates, and manages HR process outsourcing vendors and contracts. Ensures that project goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Manages HR Generalist in the day-to-day performance of their jobs.

What you'll own:

• Talent acquisition — Full-cycle recruiting from front-line to director, plus onboarding and offboarding.
• HR systems & analytics — Dashboards, AI-powered tools, workforce metrics, and HRIS oversight.
• Comp & benefits — Benchmarking, equity reviews, compliance tracking, and regulatory reporting.
• Manager development — Training on HR topics and HR compliance support for people leaders.

What you bring:

• Bachelor's degree in HR or related field, plus 5+ years of progressive HR experience
• At least 2 years managing people — you know how to lead, not just do
• You like to develop and improve processes and systems
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification
• Strong command of federal and state employment law and compliance requirements
• A genuine passion for wildlife, conservation, or mission-driven organizations

Bonus points:

• Experience in a zoo, aquarium, museum, or hospitality/attractions environment
• Familiarity with AI-powered HR platforms

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to maintain a reliable computer setup for remote work.
• Irregular work hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays are sometimes required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and work at a desk and computer for extended periods
• Ability to speak clearly and deliver training and presentations
• Ability to understand spoken communication
• Ability to read and produce written materials in both print and digital formats

Work Conditions:

• Exposure to hazards such wildlife, waste, equipment, loud noises, chemicals, and heights.
• May require being on call for emergencies.
• Must be available to fulfill disaster-response duties as required.