The Saugeen Conservation Authority is preparing for its future.
The board received a report from human resources consulting firm McDowall Associates at last night’s meeting.
Consultant Erin Holl says the authority is facing a problem – 30 per cent of their staff will be at the age of retirement within the next five years.
Holl recommends they need to implement a succssion plan.
That includes assessing the competency of skills and requirements for the jobs which will soon be vacant, as Holl says they will be difficult positions to fill.
She says the best way for the Authority to handle the situation is to hire from within the company, and ensure the candidates have the necessary skills.
Holl says internal candidates also have a better corporate knowledge, and will require a shorter orientation period.
However, she says they will have to incorporate some outside hiring as well.
The trouble Holl finds is that younger people don’t often want to leave urban centres – so unless they’re used to smaller communities like ours, they won’t want to move here.
In comparison, those in their middle-age would like to live in quieter areas, however the problem again is that they’re nearing the end of their career as well.
The Conservation board also agreed to retain McDowall Associates on a required basis for Human Resources consulting.
There is no retaining fee – the board will only pay for the firm when their services are needed.
