Lake Kelso, courtesy of Conservation Halton
Conservation Halton (CH) is once again being recognized as a top employer in the area.
For the third year in a row, CH has been named one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers. Organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, the annual competition and special designation recognizes the employers in the Hamilton-Niagara area of Ontario that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work.
Conservation Halton’s President and CEO, Chandra Sharma, says the award reflects the positive and collaborative ecosystem in the organization that attracts creative, innovative and passionate staff and a dedicated leadership team.
“Our staff are some of the best in the industry,” says Sharma. “I’m proud of our amazing team that is focused and dedicated to preserving and protecting our green spaces, and providing access to nature for our communities. Our staff and our leaders are what continue to make CH an exceptional place to work.”
Employers were evaluated in ten categories:
- workplace
- work atmosphere and communications
- health benefits
- financial benefits
- family benefits
- programs for experienced employees
- employee engagement
- training and development
- vacation and time off
- community involvement
The win highlights Conservation Halton’s flexible work arrangements (with a $400 annual work from home allowance), competitive salaries, generous vacation allowance and benefits (including a full year of maternity/parental/adoption leave top up for new parents), and a formal Employee and Family Assistance Program as exceptional offerings.
The organization was also recognized for embracing new staff ideas through the innovation hub cultivating a growth mindset among employees and for its commitment to lifelong learning and leadership development—for example, employees participated in Conservation Halton’s “Emerging Innovation Leaders” program, developed and delivered in partnership with the DeGroote School of Business.
“To be recognized again as a Top Employer is very meaningful,” says Plezzie Ramirez, Director, Human Resources. “Every day, we strive to ensure employee experiences are positive and that all staff know that their wellness is top priority.”
Whether full-time, contract or seasonally employed, Conservation Halton actively promotes physical and mental wellness through benefits like free premium access to the Calm mental health app, a wellness fair, free yoga and meditation sessions, and a recently launched mental-health hub. This year all staff and leaders had the opportunity to participate in diversity and inclusion training. Staff continue to receive additional wellness-promoting perks like a Season Pass to Glen Eden for skiing and snowboarding, a free Conservation Halton Parks membership, a Conservation Ontario pass providing access to over 300 parks in the province plus discounts on park programs, food and merchandise, and early bird access to some of Conservation Halton’s most popular events. Entry level positions start above minimum wage at $17.55 per hour.
The organization offers diverse career opportunities in environmental planning, natural hazards and watershed management, parks and education, and corporate services. Available positions—including seasonal roles at Conservation Halton’s Glen Eden ski hill—can be viewed here.
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