Course Developer | Disease Management in Turfgrass Systems
Call for a Course Developer
The School of Continuing Studies (SCS) at the University of Guelph is recruiting a course developer to design and develop an online asynchronous Disease Management in Turfgrass Systems course. This course is part of the new Turfgrass Systems Management Certificate, launching Fall 2026. Learners will gain practical skills to identify and diagnose turfgrass diseases, apply Integrated Disease Management (IDM) strategies, and evaluate cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. The course will align with current industry practices and program learning outcomes, preparing professionals to manage sustainable turfgrass systems across golf courses, sports fields, and landscaped spaces.
We are seeking candidates with expertise in turfgrass disease management and experience in online curriculum development, with demonstrated commitment to teaching and online learning, and student success.
Program Information
The Turfgrass Systems Management Certificate is a non-degree credit program delivered fully online through the University of Guelph’s Learning Management System—Brightspace by D2L. Each 12-week asynchronous course is instructor facilitated. The certificate equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage and maintain healthy, sustainable turfgrass systems across a range of environments—including golf courses, sports fields, parks, and landscaped spaces. Emphasizing ecological awareness, regulatory compliance, and site-specific decision-making, the certificate equips learners to assess complex turf systems and apply strategies that balance turf quality, performance, and sustainability.
Disease Management in Turfgrass Systems Course Description
This course introduces the principles and practices of managing turfgrass diseases. Students will learn to identify and diagnose common diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and explore control methods using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach. Emphasis is placed on cultural, biological, and chemical strategies that support sustainable turf health.
Responsibilities
We are looking for a subject matter expert who can work with the Manager, Program Development and Distance Learning Design and Innovation team to design and develop a Disease Management in Turfgrass Systems course that reflects current practices in the field of turfgrass irrigation.
The Course Developer will:
- Participate in planning meetings to determine the project schedule and design considerations (learner profile, textbooks, course description, course outcomes, unit structure) for the course, as well as regular update meetings with the instructional design team throughout the project
- Develop written course content with rich and relevant real-life examples and practice case studies
- Design learning activities that reinforce key skills and allow students to practise
- Select appropriate course readings from a variety of academic and published sources
- Identify appropriate and relevant media components (images, video, etc.) to use in the course
- Develop assessments and grading rubrics that align with course learning outcomes
- Participate in quality review and revision of the course within the learning management system prior to launch
Qualifications
We are seeking candidates who demonstrate:
Education & Experience: Undergraduate degree in a relevant field; minimum of five years of industry-related experience; experience in online learning environments and curriculum development.
Technical Competence: Confidence with computer technology, learning management systems, and Microsoft Office suite; access to reliable internet, computer, and audio/video equipment.
Subject Expertise: Strong knowledge of turfgrass disease management (preferred); familiarity with academic and community resources.
Teaching & Communication: Teaching experience or a diploma/degree in adult education with skills in curriculum development (preferred); exceptional written and verbal communication skills; passion for learning and teaching.
Professional Attributes: Excellent organizational and time management abilities; ability to meet deadlines; detail-oriented; flexible, resourceful, and self-motivated; able to work independently and collaboratively.
Job Location
Course development work can be completed remotely as long as you are available to periodically attend meetings during normal business hours (Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm ET).
Compensation
Developer fees are $5000, exclusive of HST. The first offering of the course is scheduled for Fall 2026.
To Apply
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a cover letter indicating how you meet the stated criteria, and a current resume outlining your experience and qualifications.
Submit your application as one file in Word or PDF format by Monday, January 12, 2026 to:
Cynthia Eden, Manager, Program Development, School of Continuing Studies, University of Guelph
Email: ceden@uoguelph.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.