Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Work location: Milton, ON L9E 0C6
CH Site: Kelso Conservation Area / Glen Eden
Flexible work arrangement: Onsite
Vacancy Status: Current Opening
Posting Start Date: August 24, 2026
Posting End Date: September 7, 2026
Reporting to the Coordinator, Recreation Programs, the Program Development Specialist will play a key role in the planning, development, and continuous improvement of our year-round recreation programs. In this leadership position, you will collaborate with operational teams to design engaging experiences, support and develop staff, analyze program performance, and help shape the future of our recreation offerings. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in a fast-paced outdoor environment and enjoys combining strategic planning with hands-on operational support.
- Lead the planning, development, evaluation, and continuous improvement of recreation programs and services.
- Collaborate with the Coordinator, Recreation Programs, to support long-term program, staffing, training, and budget planning.
- Partner with the Programs Delivery Specialist to ensure a seamless transition between planning, preparation, and delivery activities, enabling program success.
- Recruit, onboard, schedule, coach, and support large teams of seasonal staff and volunteers.
- Develop and maintain training materials and support the delivery of staff training and onboarding programs.
- Monitor program performance, registration trends, participant feedback, and operational data to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.
- Support day-to-day program operations by providing leadership, mentorship, and guidance to supervisors, leads, and frontline staff.
- Manage program inventory, equipment, supplies, and resources to support safe and effective program delivery.
- Support the Program Delivery Specialist during delivery cycles to develop a strong understanding of program objectives, processes, and expectations. Collaborate with the Delivery Specialist during planning cycles to incorporate observations and lessons learned into program plans, policies, procedures, and training materials.
- Build positive relationships with participants, families, staff, volunteers, community partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Contribute to revenue growth through program innovation, capacity planning, and identification of new program opportunities.
- Support operational decision-making related to staffing, weather impacts, program capacity, participant safety, and customer concerns.
- Post-secondary education in recreation, sport management, education, outdoor leadership, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum 2 to 3 years of leadership experience supervising frontline staff in recreation, sport, camp, outdoor education, or a related environment.
- Experience supporting staff recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management.
- Knowledge of recreation programming, outdoor education, camps, sport instruction, and participant experience principles.
- Certification in one or many sport disciplines an asset.
- Ie CSIA, CASI. PMBIA, ACCT, High-Five, ORCA, Paddle Canada, etc.
- Coaching designation an asset
- First Aid CPR-C or more an asset.
- Understanding of program development, program costing, budgeting, and operational planning.
- Familiarity with recreation and outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, climbing, paddling, archery, hiking, fitness, or similar program areas.
- Working knowledge of registration systems, program analytics, and reporting tools.
- Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, and team-building skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution abilities.
- Outstanding verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to build positive relationships with participants, families, staff, volunteers, and cross-functional teams.
- Strong customer service orientation and ability to effectively address concerns and resolve issues.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing operational needs.
- Able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, on varied terrain.
- Able to lift up to 40 pounds, stand, and walk for long periods of time
- Successful candidates are required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSS) , to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted (if over 18 years old). *Cost covered by Conservation Halton up to $30.00.
- A valid Ontario Drivers Licence, minimum Class “G ”, with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract is required. *Abstract completed by Conservation Halton.
- Successful candidate will be required to have Standard First Aid and CPR certification prior to first day of employment
- Starting at $83,000 annually based on a 40-hour work week.
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Participation in the OMERS defined benefit pension plan, with generous employer-matching
- Free access to Conservation Halton and Conservation Ontario parks
- Season pass to Glen Eden
- Discounts on Conservation Halton/Glen Eden services, food, and merchandise
- You will work in an inspiring setting with views of the Niagara Escarpment and no traffic lights for several miles
- You will work with a creative, talented and solutions-focused team
- You will work for an organization that provides flexible work arrangements and places tremendous value on professional development and wellness of its employees
Diversity and Inclusion – We endeavor to understand, accept and appreciate the value of our differences and encourage authenticity.
Learning and Innovation – We embrace the need for continuous improvement, the opportunity to learn from others and the benefits of sharing knowledge.
Person-Centered Service – We make people a priority through customer-centred engagement, predictive problem-solving and high-quality service.
Collaboration – We seek out and trust in the skills, expertise and experience of others in order to achieve our common ambition.
Sustainability – We consider the environmental impact of everything we do and always keep future generations in mind when making decisions.
Integrity – We make decisions with accountability, transparency and a strong sense of personal responsibility for our choices and actions.
Resilience – We are positive and proud of our ability to quickly and effectively respond to change.
Please email your application to [email protected] by September 7, 2026
Your application should include:
- Your resume and cover letter in one pdf document
- Reference your name and the position title in the subject line
- In the body of your email, please indicate where you heard about this opportunity
We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Conservation Halton will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.
Pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information provided through the recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27, s. 18 (1), as amended, for the purpose of determining eligibility for employment and volunteer positions with Conservation Halton. Personal information is collected and managed in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Freedom of Information Coordinator, Office of the President & CEO, 2596 Britannia Road West, Burlington, Ontario, L7P 0G3, 905-336-1158 ext. 2236, [email protected].
