Hydroponic & Urban Farm Systems Support
About the role
Hydroponic & Urban Farm Systems Support
COMPETITION NO. SS26-04
About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, 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 – including six bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 11,000 full-time post-secondary and nearly 3,000 apprenticeship students. In addition, we have more than 16,000 student registrations in professional and part-time learning. More than 120,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.
DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.
Position Information**:**
Full-time Support Staff Position Opportunity
Payband: F; Starting Rate: $32.10; Four Year Rate: $37.04
Department: Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science
Hours: 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Tuesday – Saturday, 8am-4pm. Evening availability required for events.
Reporting To: Barrett Centre Urban 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 of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture will play a key role in supporting the operation and expansion of the Barrett Centre’s diverse urban farming initiatives, including hydroponics, aquaponics, mushroom cultivation, pest management, and other innovative systems. This position will involve assisting with the maintenance and production of crops at the hydroponic units located at both the Barrett Centre Urban Farm and Whitby Campus Urban Farms, as well as contributing to retail sales of produce, community engagement, research, and knowledge sharing.
In addition, the role will support urban farm field operations as needed, including planting, maintenance and harvest, participation in farmers' markets, events, and programming. The Barrett Centre’s urban farms aim to serve their host communities by fostering positive and ongoing relationships with community members.
The individual in this position will represent both the Barrett Centre and Durham College in a professional and positive manner, promoting the integration and adoption of urban farm systems within the community while contributing to the growth of sustainable agricultural practices.
Expand and maintain the Barrett Centre’s Hydroponic and Aquaponic Units and Operations at both the Barrett Centre 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 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 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 planting maintenance and harvest.
Community partnerships and participation:
- 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.
Administrative and Networking:
- Work with Barrett Strategic Initiatives Manager 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.
- 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, horticulture, and field production in an agricultural setting.
- Pesticide Use Licence – can be obtained upon hire.
- Knowledge of the Growcer and Freight Farm technology an asset.
- Aquaculture and Integrated Pest Management experience.
Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 7:00 p.m. EST on February 11, 2026. Competition number SS26-04.
Contact Us T:905.721.3073 HumanResources@durhamcollege.ca
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.
About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and part-time programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college is also set to launch its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.
The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and will soon feature the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The new facility will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.
The Whitby campus features the award-winning W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.
For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.
Hydroponic & Urban Farm Systems Support
About the role
Hydroponic & Urban Farm Systems Support
COMPETITION NO. SS26-04
About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, 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 – including six bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 11,000 full-time post-secondary and nearly 3,000 apprenticeship students. In addition, we have more than 16,000 student registrations in professional and part-time learning. More than 120,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.
DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.
Position Information**:**
Full-time Support Staff Position Opportunity
Payband: F; Starting Rate: $32.10; Four Year Rate: $37.04
Department: Faculty of Hospitality and Horticultural Science
Hours: 35 hours per week (1) one hour lunch; Tuesday – Saturday, 8am-4pm. Evening availability required for events.
Reporting To: Barrett Centre Urban 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 of Innovation in Sustainable Urban Agriculture will play a key role in supporting the operation and expansion of the Barrett Centre’s diverse urban farming initiatives, including hydroponics, aquaponics, mushroom cultivation, pest management, and other innovative systems. This position will involve assisting with the maintenance and production of crops at the hydroponic units located at both the Barrett Centre Urban Farm and Whitby Campus Urban Farms, as well as contributing to retail sales of produce, community engagement, research, and knowledge sharing.
In addition, the role will support urban farm field operations as needed, including planting, maintenance and harvest, participation in farmers' markets, events, and programming. The Barrett Centre’s urban farms aim to serve their host communities by fostering positive and ongoing relationships with community members.
The individual in this position will represent both the Barrett Centre and Durham College in a professional and positive manner, promoting the integration and adoption of urban farm systems within the community while contributing to the growth of sustainable agricultural practices.
Expand and maintain the Barrett Centre’s Hydroponic and Aquaponic Units and Operations at both the Barrett Centre 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 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 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 planting maintenance and harvest.
Community partnerships and participation:
- 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.
Administrative and Networking:
- Work with Barrett Strategic Initiatives Manager 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.
- 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, horticulture, and field production in an agricultural setting.
- Pesticide Use Licence – can be obtained upon hire.
- Knowledge of the Growcer and Freight Farm technology an asset.
- Aquaculture and Integrated Pest Management experience.
Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 7:00 p.m. EST on February 11, 2026. Competition number SS26-04.
Contact Us T:905.721.3073 HumanResources@durhamcollege.ca
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.
About Durham College
With campuses in Oshawa and Whitby, Durham College (DC) offers more than 12,000 full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship students access to more than 140 full-time and part-time programs in a number of different disciplines, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. The college is also set to launch its first four-year degree program, the Honours Bachelor of Health Care Technology Management, in September 2018.
The Oshawa campus features the state-of-the art Student Services building and will soon feature the Centre for Collaborative Education, a legacy project tied to DC’s 50th anniversary in 2017. The new facility will bring together local, Indigenous and global communities, providing a new home for several of the college’s most innovative and ground-breaking programs.
The Whitby campus features the award-winning W. Galen Weston Centre for Food, which includes Bistro ’67, a full-service, teaching-inspired restaurant, and Pantry, a retail store featuring food prepared by students in the college’s culinary programs.
For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000.