American Heritage Railways

American Heritage Railways is a heritage tourism company based on the preservation of history.

American Heritage Railways (AHR) is a heritage tourism company focused on the preservation of history. Our current operations reach over 2 million guests annually through directly owned railroads, historic attractions, and the licensing of special events at over 50 additional properties in four countries.

We care deeply about the customers we serve, the history we preserve, and are driven to create unforgettable experiences that come from our passion as historic preservationists, educators, and entertainers.

Division/Department: Management

Job Title: Director of Human Resources

Reports To: AHR Executive Team

Type of position: Exempt / Salaried      Employee Classification:  Regular

Location: Durango, CO; this is not a hybrid or remote position and will require regular travel to AHR locations

Compensation: $90,000 - $125,00/year

Regular classified employees are eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Rx, Dental, and Vision plan with a portion of the premiums paid for by American Heritage Railways. Employer-funded HSA (for qualified employees), company-funded Life AD&D insurance and Voluntary Life (premiums paid for by the employee), generous PTO plan, 401K plan with company-match, company provided Employee Assistance Program.  

Job Summary:  Guide and Manage the overall provision of Human Resources services, policies and programs for AHR.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Development/Leadership/Oversight of the AHR Human Resources Department

• Oversees the development/review/implementation of Human Resources programs through the Human Resources departments/staff at AHR Companies. Monitors administration to established standards and procedures. Identifies opportunities for improvement and resolves any discrepancies.
• Conducts continuing evaluation of all Human Resources policies, programs, and practices keeping management informed of changes and new developments.
• Oversees and manages the work of AHR Company’s Human Resources staff. Encourages the ongoing development of the Human Resources staff.
• Leads the development of department goals, objectives, and systems.
• Establishes departmental measurements that support the accomplishment of the company's strategic goals.
• Direct the preparation and maintenance of such reports as are necessary to carry out the functions of the department. Prepares periodic reports for management, as necessary or requested, to track strategic goal accomplishment.
• Develops and administers programs, procedures, and guidelines to help align the workforce with the strategic goals of the company.
• Other duties/projects/assignments requested by the AHR Executive Team.

Human Resources Information Systems HRIS

• Evaluates/Recommends/Assists in Implementation and Manages AHR selected HRIS software programs.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of the Human Resources sections of AHR Company websites, particularly recruiting, culture, and company information, and Intranet sites.

Training and Development

• Evaluates/Selects/Implements/Manages all Human Resources training programs and assigns the authority / responsibility of Human Resources and managers within those programs. Provides necessary education and training materials to managers and employees including workshops, manuals, and development materials.
• Leads the implementation/management of an AHR performance management system that includes performance reviews and employee development programs.
• Establishes in-house employee training systems that address company training needs including new employee orientation or onboarding, safety training, skill development, and management development.
• Assists AHR Human Resources departments with the selection and contracting of external training programs and consultants.

Employment

• Establishes and leads the standard recruiting, hiring practices and procedures and the oversight and management of any contract labor agreements necessary to recruit, hire and supply a superior workforce at each AHR Company.
• Assists in recruiting and interviewing with key management- and executive-level candidates

Employee Relations

• Partners with management and AHR Company Human Resources departments to communicate Human Resources policies, procedures, programs and laws.
• Determines and recommends employee relations practices necessary to establish a positive employer-employee relationship and promote a high level of employee morale and motivation.
• Conducts/Assists/Reviews investigations when employee complaints or concerns are brought forth.
• Trains/Monitors/Advises AHR Company Human Resources departments and Company managers/supervisors in the disciplinary action process of the company. Monitors the implementation of a performance improvement process with non-performing employees.
• Reviews, guides, and recommends employment terminations to AHR Company’s management.
• Assists in the implementation of company safety programs including the tracking of OSHA-required data.

Compensation

• Reviews and makes recommendations regarding the company wage and salary structure, pay policies, and variable pay systems within the company including bonuses and raises.
• Leads competitive market research to establish pay practices and pay bands that help to recruit and retain superior staff.
• Reviews FLSA decisions for exempt vs non-exempt and salaried vs hourly positions.

Legal Compliance

• Leads company compliance with all existing governmental and labor regulations and reporting requirements including any related to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Department of Labor, worker compensation, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Work Place Injury/Illness programs including Worker’s Compensation and return to work programs, Etc. Maintains minimal company exposure to lawsuits.
• Develop/Direct/Manage expansion of Railroad Retirement opportunity consistent with overall AHR plan.
• In conjunction with AHR Safety & Compliance Mgr, railroad company GMs and railroad safety personnel Monitor/Implement/Train/Evaluate safety programs and practices to ensure FRA compliance as required.
• Directs the preparation of information requested or required for compliance with laws. Approves all information submitted.
• Protects the interests of employees and the company in accordance with company Human Resources policies and governmental laws and regulations.

Organizational Development

• Designs/Directs/Manages a company-wide process of organization development that addresses issues such as succession planning, superior workforce development, key employee retention, organization design, and change management.
• Manages employee communication and feedback through such avenues as company meetings, suggestion programs, employee satisfaction surveys, newsletters, employee focus groups, one-on-one meetings, and Intranet use.
• Identifies and monitors the organization's culture so that it supports the attainment of the company's goals and promotes employee satisfaction.
• Leads a process of organization development that plans, communicates, and integrates the results of strategic planning throughout the organization.

Education, Skill and Work Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business, Organization Development or other appropriately related degree.
• PHR /SPHR not required but preferred.
• Ten plus years of progressive leadership experience in Human Resources positions.
• Broad knowledge and experience in employment law, compensation, organizational planning, organization development, employee relations, safety, and training and development.
• Excellent interpersonal and coaching skills.
• Confident dynamic leader that has a demonstrated ability to lead and develop Human Resources staff members.
• Active affiliation with appropriate Human Resources networks and organizations including ongoing affiliations with leaders in successful companies and organizations that practice effective Human Resources Management.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate, recognize and solve practical problems and resolve issues.
• Above average oral and written communication skills.
• Experience in the administration of benefits and compensation programs and other Human Resources programs.
• Evidence of the practice of a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
• Experience in and commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.

Durango, CO

09/13/24

Salary Range: $90k - $125k / year