Hybrid Hydroponic & Urban Farm Systems Support at Durham College

Hydroponic & Urban Farm Systems Support
 COMPETITION NO. SS25-25

AboutDurham College:
DurhamCollege (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students todevelop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus onexperiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, appliedresearch, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known forhaving the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changingworkforce.

Aleader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide rangeof market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinarymanagement, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades,science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services,media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – includingsix honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate inprofessional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent thecollege, both locally and around the world.

Aforward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation andsustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as aTop 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times. 

DC hasan estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Regionand is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve bycontributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-beingthrough partnerships, investments and collaboration.

Position Information:
Full-time SupportStaff Position Opportunity: Initiatives & Opportunities Position(Appendix K, see collective agreement), July 2025 to March 2026
Payband F - Starting Rate: $31.05; Four Year Rate: $35.99
Department: Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science
Hours - 35 hours per week; one (1) hour lunch: Tuesday – Saturday; 8am-4pm.Evening availability required for events.
Reporting To: Barrett CentreUrban Farm Manager
Campus Location: Whitby and Ajax Urban Farm

 Duties and Responsibilities:
The Urban Farm –Hydroponic & Urban Farm Systems Support position for the Barrett Centre ofInnovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture will play a key role in supportingthe operation and expansion of the Barrett Centre’s diverse urban farming initiatives,including hydroponics, aquaponics, mushroom cultivation, pest management, andother innovative systems. This position will involve assisting with themaintenance and production of crops at the hydroponic units located in Ajax andWhitby, as well as contributing to retail sales of produce, communityengagement, research, and knowledge sharing.

In addition, therole will support urban farm field operations as needed, includingparticipation in farmers' markets, events, and programming. The BarrettCentre’s urban farms aim to serve their host communities by fostering positiveand ongoing relationships with community members.

The individual inthis position will represent both the Barrett Centre and Durham College in aprofessional and positive manner, promoting the integration and adoption ofurban farm systems within the community while contributing to the growth ofsustainable agricultural practices.

Expand and maintain the Barrett Centre’s Hydroponic and Aquaponic Unitsand Operations at both Ajax and Whitby Urban Farms:

• Hydroponic unit including nutrient management, testing, seeding, planting, pest management, harvesting and cleaning.
• Work with the Farm Manager instituting and maintaining operating procedures and processes for both hydroponic unit(s).
• Assist with the any new and existing hydroponic and aquaponic farm construction, infrastructure, production, and testing.
• Propose and support research opportunities within hydroponic growing, including the research & development of new crops, testing for community needs, and dissemination of findings
• In conjunction with the Farm Manager, support the development of an annual operating hydroponic plan to ensure realization and alignment with broader Barrett Centre goals.
• Assist with, and give input concerning, hydroponic farm operations, including the selection of crops and production systems, and other key decisions.
• Identify and support the retail sales of produce for revenue generation.
• Support other urban farm production systems to include: mushroom cultivation, composting program, greenhouse production, range maintenance.
•  Support reporting to include inputs, outputs and production values annually.

Urban Farm Operations Support:

• Support the Farm Manager as needed with farm construction involving ancillary structures, production space, logistical space, and more.
• Support the maintenance (as needed) of the Barrett Centre Urban Farm(s) and property with regards to weeds, aesthetic property maintenance, preparation and planting of crops, harvesting of crops and post-harvest requirements.
• Support other urban farm production systems to include aquaponics, mushroom cultivation, composting program, greenhouse production, range maintenance.

Community partnerships and participation:

• Work with Barrett Strategic Initiative & Industry Relations, Barrett Centre Farm Manager, and other team members to engage with the community to share knowledge and drive awareness about hydroponics/ urban farm production systems ait relates to innovation, education, policy, and food insecurity
• Give feedback with relation to hydroponic farm operations to further refine sustainable urban farming operations and provide relevant resources to successive farm operations
• Interact in a professional manner with community to support the creation of positive relationships.
• Support the dissemination of hydroponic research, knowledge and operational best practices.
• Work with other team members and support Durham College students to collaborate across programs and departments.

 Administration and Networking

• Work with Barrett Strategic Initiative & Industry Relations and Barrett Centre Partnership Manager on strategic initiatives and reporting.
• Attending conferences, workshops and professional development opportunities.
• Hosting tours and programming as required.

 Qualifications:

• A minimum of a 2-year diploma or equivalent in sustainable urban farm, agriculture, food and farming, or a related field.
• A minimum of 3 years of work experience in any of the following or related areas: farming operations, indoor hydroponic farming operations, landscaping, general labour, grounds maintenance, forestry, and horticulture.
• Knowledge of the Growcer and Freight Farm technology an asset. Aquaculture and Integrated Pest Management experience. 

Please apply belowby submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 8:00pm EST on July 4, 2025. Competition number SS25-25.

 Contact Us  T:905.721.3073  [email protected]
C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON

 Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.

 We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

 Land Acknowledgement
Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.