Conservation Halton named a Top Employer for fourth consecutive year

By: Laura Steiner, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Milton Reporter

Conservation Halton has once again been recognized as one of Hamilton‑Niagara’s Top Employers, marking the fourth consecutive year the organization has earned the regional honour.

The annual designation, organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, highlights workplaces across Hamilton and Niagara that demonstrate industry‑leading commitment to employee experience, culture and organizational excellence. The 2026 winners were announced in a special feature published in the Hamilton Spectator and on Eluta.com.

Conservation Halton president and CEO Chandra Sharma said the recognition reflects the strong, collaborative culture that has become a defining feature of the organization.

“This recognition reflects the culture our staff and leadership team create together every day at Conservation Halton,” Sharma said. “I’m proud of our employees and their dedication to CH’s mission and purpose. Every day, our people work to make a difference, preserving and protecting our green spaces, providing access to nature, and protecting communities from natural hazards.”

The award highlights several of Conservation Halton’s employee‑focused initiatives, including flexible work arrangements supported by a $400 annual work‑from‑home allowance, competitive salaries, generous vacation entitlements and a comprehensive benefits package. The organization also offers a full year of maternity, parental or adoption leave top‑up and provides access to a formal Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Plezzie Ramirez, director of human resources, said the continued recognition reinforces the organization’s commitment to staff well‑being.

“To be recognized for a fourth consecutive year as a Top Employer in our region is meaningful,” Ramirez said. “At CH, we strive to ensure employee experiences are positive and that we are building a culture where staff wellness is top priority.”

Conservation Halton promotes physical and mental wellness through a range of supports, including free premium access to the Calm mental‑health app, an annual wellness fair featuring chair massages, forest therapy and health‑focused sessions, and a recently launched mental‑health hub. Staff also receive a variety of recreation‑based perks, such as a Glen Eden season pass for skiing and snowboarding, a free Conservation Halton Parks membership, discounts on park programs and merchandise, early‑bird access to popular events, and a Conservation Ontario pass granting entry to more than 300 parks across the province.

The organization continues to offer diverse career opportunities in environmental planning, natural hazard and watershed management, parks operations, education and corporate services. Seasonal roles at Glen Eden and other Conservation Halton sites are also available.

Conservation Halton is a community‑based environmental agency responsible for protecting, restoring and managing natural resources within its watershed. Its team includes ecologists, planners, engineers, foresters, educators and volunteers, guided by a board of municipally elected and appointed members. The agency is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science‑based programs and services.

More information about employment opportunities is available at conservationhalton.ca/about-us/employment.