Senior Human Resources Generalist in Draper, Utah at The Living Planet Aquarium
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Job Description
Position: Senior Human Resources Generalist
Reports To: Human Resources Manager
Compensation: $50,000 - $60,000
Why Utah?
Utah is home to five national parks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, and stunning deserts, mountains, and lakes, all within easy driving distance. Outdoor adventure is part of everyday life. The Salt Lake Valley consistently ranks high for safety, clean communities, short commute times, and family-friendly amenities. Draper offers a balance of suburban comfort and urban access, with downtown Salt Lake City just 15 minutes away. Enjoy all four seasons without extremes—sunny summers, colorful falls, snowy winters, and mild springs, perfect for both outdoor recreation and city living. Utah’s communities are known for being engaged, supportive, and service-oriented, making it easy for newcomers to feel at home.
About Loveland Living Planet Aquarium:
Loveland Living Planet Aquarium (LLPA) is a mission-driven institution dedicated to inspiring people to explore, discover, and learn about Earth’s diverse ecosystems. Founded in 1997, the Aquarium provides impactful educational experiences for guests of all ages and backgrounds.
Since opening its Draper, Utah facility in 2014, LLPA has welcomed more than 10 million visitors and delivered over 650,000 educational experiences to students. Home to over 4,000 animals representing 650 species, the Aquarium features immersive habitats from around the world, including coral reefs, kelp forests, the deep ocean, Antarctic waters, tropical rainforests, Asian cloud forests, and Utah’s freshwater ecosystems.
Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 2019, LLPA is in an exciting phase of growth. With the opening of the Sam and Aline Skaggs Science Learning Center, the Aquarium became the largest in the Mountain West and the fifth largest aquarium in the continental United States, offering expanded opportunities for education, research, and professional impact.
Position Summary:
The Senior Human Resources Generalist is responsible for performing a broad range of HR functions on a professional level. Working closely with the Human Resources Manager, this position administers and supports programs in the following functional areas: benefits, employee relations, leave management, onboarding, performance management, compliance, employee engagement, and HR operations. The Senior HR Generalist ensures consistent application of company policies, promotes a positive employee experience, and supports organizational goals through effective HR practices. This role models professionalism, integrity, accountability, and exceptional customer service.
Qualifications:
- 3+ years of professional HR experience
- Experience in mission-driven, nonprofit, hospitality, attraction, cultural institution, or guest-service environments preferred
- Bachelors degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, preferred
- PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
- Experience supervising, mentoring, or training HR team members preferred
Critical Skills/Competencies:
- Knowledge and compliance of Federal and State employment laws (EEO, ADA, FMLA, etc.)
- Exceptional customer service, sense of urgency, and attention to detail
- Ability to handle highly sensitive material and maintain confidential information with a high degree of professionalism
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Self-motivated and takes initiative to improve current processes and procedures
- Strong facilitation and presentation skills
- Proficiency with HRIS systems; ADP Workforce Now experience preferred
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Act as the first point of HR contact for Aquarium employees
- Administer and communicate benefits programs including claims resolution, and change reporting
- Responsible for new hire onboarding and as a backup for orientation
- Oversee and manage claims, compliance, and processes for STD, LTD, FMLA, and Workers Compensation
- Responsible for EEO-1, and OSHA compliance, and assist with reporting
- Assist in the development and administration of the human resources policies, procedures and programs
- Act as an advisor to employees, mediating conflicts and ensuring alignment with organizational values and policies
- Maintain HRIS data integrity through regular audits, reporting, and process improvements
- Assist with and support Employee Engagement initiatives such as employee appreciation events, employee surveys, and employee recognition
- Coordinate and manage quarterly employee Town Hall meetings, including planning, logistics, communications, and leadership support
- Provide day-to-day guidance, training, and mentorship to HR Generalists
- Conduct employee relations investigations and recommend appropriate resolutions in partnership with the Human Resources Manager
- Coach managers on Performance Coaching process and forms
- Monitor HR practices and policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations
- Assist with internal audits, compliance reporting, and policy updates
- Assist with the performance review process, including full ownership of 90-day reviews
- Assist with recruiting activities including interview coordination, candidate interviews, and hiring manager support as needed
- Respond to requests for employment verifications
- Maintain HR process documentation
- Assist in creating an environment that provides a world class experience for staff as well as guests
- Performs other duties as assigned
Physical Demands of the Job:
- This position will be primarily in an office environment
- Periodic evening and weekend work is expected
- May be required to lift up to 50 pounds
Benefits & Perks
- Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus optional FSA/HSA accounts
- Paid time off & 12 paid holidays per year
- Paid bereavement leave and paid new child leave (birth, adoption, or placement)
- Employer-paid short-term disability; optional long-term disability coverage
- Convenient onsite childcare (employees pay approximately 20% of the cost)
- 401(k) with match up to 4% - fully vested from day 1 of contribution
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Free Aquarium membership
- Discounts on tickets, gift shop, and café purchases
- Free and discounted animal encounters
- Pet insurance and discounts
- Footwear discounts
- Entertainment, travel, and retail savings through Tickets at Work
While this job description attempts to describe the essential functions of the position, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. It does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties or responsibilities to this job at any time. The overall work environment while performing this job includes exposure to weather conditions and the noise level is usually moderate. The employee is expected to adhere to all policies and to act as a role model in the adherence to the policies.
The Living Planet Aquarium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or military status. The Living Planet Aquarium is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and interview process. Should you require accommodations, please contact accommodation@livingplanetaquarium.org.