Human Resources Generalist

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

The Maritime Aquarium’s mission is to Ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. For 37 years, the Aquarium has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Norwalk and the region. The second largest family attraction in Connecticut, and 50 miles from New York City, the Aquarium hosts nearly 450,000 guests annually. Its primary exhibits take guests on a voyage from the shallow salt marshes and estuaries to the depths of the Long Island Sound and the ocean beyond, culminating with habitats for sharks and harbor seals.

Altogether, the Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals and 285 species in 75 exhibits. A new 4D Theater offers a unique sensory film experience for guests. Its education programs introduce nearly 50,000 students, campers and scouts to marine and STEM education. The Aquarium is recognized as a top aquarium in the nation and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is an active participant in the local and regional community. The strength of the Aquarium is its 85 full-time staff, and part-time and seasonal staff, in addition to our volunteers.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Human Resources Generalist plays a key operational role within the People and Culture department, supporting a wide range of HR functions including recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, and HRIS maintenance. This position is essential to ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while also contributing to special projects and staff support initiatives that enhance the overall employee experience. Must be tech-savvy and comfortable navigating digital tools and systems, with a mindset geared toward continuous improvement. Equally important is a sense of empathy and openness—someone who understands and responds thoughtfully to the evolving personal, professional, and physical needs of our diverse team.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversight and management of the applicant tracking tool, Greenhouse (GH), used to recruit and onboard top talent to join our team.
• Serves as the liaison between Hiring Mangers and the People and Culture Department.
• Trains, supports, and communicates with the Hiring Managers throughout the hiring process.
• Coordinates and executes onboarding communication with newly hired employees and various staff across many departments using GH.
• Conducts new hire onboarding sessions as well as associated tasks.
• Monitors tasks assigned to newly hired individuals in GH through the first 90 days of employment
• Aid in Exit and Stay interviews as well as serve as a witness in employee relations as needed.
• Primary user and system administrator of HRIS systems such as GH and ADP.
• Updates and/or creates process documents for the People and Culture department or The Maritime Aquarium, as needed.
• Assist Director of People and Culture in preparation and execution of individual, departmental or Aquarium wide trainings
• Manage and update the People and Culture page with up to date and relative resources and information for staff.
• Assist the department in the preparation and execution of staff events and gatherings.
• Oversee the staff and volunteer recognition program.
• Responsible for managing several lines of communication that feed into the People and Culture Department.
• Field and direct employee and volunteer concerns as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate HRIS data and assist with audits and compliance reporting.
• Monitor and update changes to local, federal and state laws.
• Work closely with external consultants on special projects.
• Monitor employee data in ADP and all HRIS systems for compliance.
• Support employees in benefit enrollment process and inquiries.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three years of experience serving in a Human Resource or People and Culture role.
• SHRM-CP a plus, or equivalent experience
• Must be technically savvy. Experience with Office 365, ADP or Greenhouse a plus.
• Confidence and experience with HRIS systems as a system administrator.
• Ability to effectively work with third party vendors to trouble shoot system concerns or errors across several HRIS platforms.
• Organized work habits with the ability to create process documentation
• Versatility and proficiency with relevant computer systems, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Able to manage time and prioritize efficiently in a quickly changing environment while meeting deadlines.
• Strong written, verbal, analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Service-oriented with skills and talents in addressing the needs of staff and colleagues, being responsive to such needs, listening with compassion and openness.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Maritime Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Comprehensive and generous benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, paid time off, 401k with employer contribution and other benefits.