Course Developer | Theories in Sustainability through Ecology and Urban Agriculture

Project Overview

The School of Continuing Studies (SCS) at the University of Guelph is seeking a course developer to design and develop the online, asynchronous Theories in Sustainability through Ecology and Urban Agriculture course. Part of the Horticulture program, this course supports student learning by building a strong conceptual foundation in landscape ecology, sustainability, and resilience while guiding students to analyze how landscape structure, processes, and scale influence sustainable urban systems. Through an integrated examination of urban agriculture, food sovereignty, and food security, students critically explore cultural, economic, environmental, and institutional dimensions, enabling them to evaluate real-world opportunities, challenges, and stakeholders shaping sustainable urban landscapes.

We are seeking candidates with expertise in urban agriculture and experience in online curriculum development, along with a demonstrated commitment to teaching, online learning, and student success.

Program Information

The Horticulture Certificate and Horticulture Diploma are non-degree credit programs delivered fully online through the University of Guelph’s Learning Management System, Brightspace by D2L. Each 12-week asynchronous course is instructor-facilitated. These programs equip learners with the technical, environmental, and business skills needed for careers in garden centres, greenhouses, parks, nurseries, and urban landscapes, with a strong emphasis on sustainable plant management and applied horticulture.

Course Description

Theories in Sustainability through Ecology and Urban Agriculture

In this course, you will explore urban agriculture through the lens of sustainability, food systems, land use and rights. Examine principles of sustainable food production and consider the health, socio-cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions of urban agriculture. You will also reflect on its role in supporting people and communities, as well as its influence on design.

Developer 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 Theories in Sustainability through Ecology and Urban Agriculture course that reflects current practices in the field.

As course developer, you 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:

• Relevant undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum five years of related industry experience
• Experience with online learning and curriculum development.

Technical Competence:

• Comfortable with LMSs, Microsoft Office, and digital tools
• Reliable access to internet, computer, and audio/video equipment (or ability to obtain access)

Subject Expertise:

• Knowledge of landscape ecology and sustainability principles, including landscape structure and scale, ecological resilience, food sovereignty and security, and the cultural, economic, environmental, and institutional dimensions of urban agriculture, gained through academic, professional, or community-based experience

Teaching & Communication:

• Teaching experience and/or training in adult education (preferred)
• Curriculum development skills
• Clear, inclusive written and verbal communication
• A commitment to learner‑centred teaching

Professional Attributes:

• Demonstrated organization and time management
• An ability to meet deadlines
• Detail-oriented, adaptable, self-motivated
• An ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse teams

We recognize that candidates have varied experiences and may not meet all criteria equally; however, applicants with relevant and transferable skills are encouraged to apply.

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

Course developer compensation is $5000. The first offering of the course is scheduled to be delivered in Winter 2027.

To Apply

Applicants are invited to submit a cover letter demonstrating how they meet the criteria, along with a current résumé.

Submit your application as one file in Word or PDF format by Wednesday, June 3, 2026 to:

Cynthia Eden, Manager Program Development, School of Continuing Studies
Email: ceden@uoguelph.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.