It’s not hard to see why people would choose a challenging and rewarding career with Denison Environmental Services (DES).
The Elliot Lake-based company is a leader in the mine reclamation and maintenance industry. With that reputation, only the best will do.
DES has high expectations for its employees because their clients have high demands. Formed in 1997, DES began with the hands-on operation of decommissioning mines.
The company has evolved into doing more care and maintenance of closed mines as well as consultation.
DES serves the industry by providing closure, remediation, monitoring, care and maintenance and demolition operations to a variety of types of mines, including uranium, iron ore, gold ore, nickel, copper, silver, lead, and zinc.
The valuable experience DES gained from the complex procedures involved in decommissioning uranium mines in the 1990s is the foundation from which an innovative and growing company sprang thanks to a staff of dedicated employees.
“We have a unique level of skills and experience, productive staff and ability to find creative solutions that are economical,”
DES manager Ian Ludgate said. Physical workplace Denison constructed a new office in 2011 in Elliot Lake with modern amenities such as energy efficiency systems, air conditioning and a professional workplace. It is located near the downtown core. Denison boasts the quality of life in Elliot Lake, which features pristine wilderness experiences at your doorstep.
Work atmosphere and communications Denison features 27 employees at its headquarters in Elliot Lake, with another 23 employees in satellite offices in the Yukon, Saskatchewan and Quebec.
Weekly management meetings are held to ensure all projects are running smoothly and on time.
The weekly meetings also provide an opportunity for employees to brainstorm ideas and express concerns or issues.
The company encourages all staff to continue their education in the industry, and it is supported on a per-situation basis according to benefits provided to both personal enhancement and the company.
DES values its employees, providing them with ample opportunities to grow within the company in new careers.
Quality management is a top priority for DES, and the company has maintained ISO 9001:2008 registration since January 2001.
DES prides itself on a strong health and safety program and record within the company. DES provides all training and certification required for all projects for employees. Management works hand-in-hand with employees to always reach the best solution for health and safety matters.
“We strive for a safe professional work space,” Ludgate said. “We have a daily morning meeting with all of our workers. Everyone hears the line-up for the day. We also have a safety topic and we stress a safe, productive and professional workplace. Our safety habits help us to watch out for each other as fellow employees and friends on a daily basis so that it becomes more of an instinct than a task.”
Community involvement Denison employees are a big part of the community and participate in the Adopt A Highway Program and company-sponsored barbecues and pot luck dinners.
The company takes care of cleaning up Highway 108, going north of the city. Financial benefits and compensation Denison offers an extensive benefits and compensation package to staff employees which covers health and dental, life insurance, registered employee/employer savings plan and stock options and performances bonuses.
Denison offers hourly employees a retirement savings arrangement and health and dental coverage through a Health Spending Account after working a minimum of 240 hours.
Vacation time is calculated at two weeks for the first three years, three weeks from three to 10 years service, four weeks for 10 to 15 years service and five weeks for 15 or more years service.
Employee engagement Denison hosts a Christmas party as well as family events throughout the year to keep a strong personal connection growing amongst employees.
Employee birthday cards are given to all employees on their birthdays.
“Employees are highly skilled and the staff are willing to put in the extra hours,” Ludgate said. “If it weren’t for the dedication and hard work of our employees we would not have had the success we have earned.”
