Position: Climate and Environment Program Lead (2 positions)
Location: Halton Region, Ontario (Hybrid | significant field component)
Job Type: Contract (30 hours per week)
Compensation: $25/hour to $27/hour
About Halton Environmental Network (HEN)
HEN is a charitable organization driving climate action, environmental sustainability, and local food security across the Halton Region. We collaborate with municipalities, schools, research institutions, and community organizations to translate policy insights into tangible, evidence-based climate solutions. Our work focuses on turning research into direct action through local initiatives that reduce emissions, foster resilient food systems, and build deep community engagement.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a highly motivated and resourceful Program Lead to strengthen HEN’s climate and sustainability programs through effective coordination, strategic management, and direct community implementation. This role is the face of the organization in the community - achieving the expectations of HEN’s high quality program delivery and upholding our credibility in the community.This role is a dynamic blend of strategy and on-the-ground action, offering the chance to deliver measurable, real-world sustainability outcomes. The successful candidate will integrate climate policy analysis, program evaluation, and community engagement to support initiatives such as Generation Green, Halton Food, and other regional projects.
Crucially, this is a hands-on, field-intensive role, not a traditional office position. You will spend at least half your time in the field supporting Halton Food programs and community gardening. Success requires an adaptable, resourceful problem-solver who is comfortable dealing efficiently with changes in program needs and is available for flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, for key community events and outreach.
Key Responsibilities
Program Implementation & Management: Manage and coordinate the delivery of programs focused on climate change, environment, sustainability and food systems, ensuring alignment with grant expectations and within local policy frameworks and regional outcomes.
Field Leadership & Outreach: Lead hands-on community engagement for community gardening and food forest work including working in the field. This includes creating registration, organizing planting and maintenance events, and coordinating outreach events in the region of Halton.
Education & Engagement: Drive to improve the knowledge of our residents and community to better understand their role in propelling climate action, sustainability, and advancing towards a better environment.
Evaluation & Reporting: Evaluate program performance under grant-funded initiatives and prepare data-driven reports for funders and stakeholders.
Research Translation: Translate complex climate and sustainability research and policy insights into accessible content for community workshops, publications, and events.
Partnership Facilitation: Facilitate strategic partnerships with municipalities, educational bodies, and NGOs to enhance collaborative program delivery.
Grant Support: Support grant writing efforts by analyzing evidence and documenting measurable impacts that align with funder priorities.
Team Mentorship: Oversee communication, digital outreach, and mentor interns and volunteers in research and outreach activities.
Qualifications & Attributes
Qualifications
Experience: 2–3 years of research or program implementation experience in the non-profit, public policy, or academic sectors.
Education: Degree in Environmental Studies, Public Policy, Sustainability, or a related discipline.
Expertise: Strong understanding of program management and experience with community gardening, education and outreach.
Knowledge: Climate policy frameworks, community sustainability models, funder reporting, and program measurement tools. Grant writing experience is an asset.
Skills: Demonstrated project management, analytical and writing skills, and connecting data insights to actionable program strategies. Excellent organizational and communication skills; proficiency with MS Office, Google Workspace, and digital tools.
Attributes
Hands-on and Adaptable: Resourceful, flexible, and capable of addressing challenges creatively with strong problem-solving capabilities.
Mission-Driven: A climate-minded thinker with a strong sense of social impact and environmental responsibility.
Collaborative: Ethical, solution-focused, and motivated by HEN’s mission of advancing sustainability through partnership and evidence-based action.
Diversity & Accessibility
HEN is committed to diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We welcome applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and racialized persons; persons with disabilities; members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities; and others who bring diverse perspectives and experiences.
We comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and provide accommodations at every stage of the hiring process. Please contact admin@haltonenvironment.ca for assistance.
How To Apply
Please send your résumé and a short cover letter outlining your experience in climate research, policy analysis, and community sustainability to: admin@haltonenvironment.ca. Please mention how you heard about this opportunity.
The Selection Committee will conduct an accelerated interview and selection process. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.