Course Developer | Practices in 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 Practices in Urban Agriculture course. Part of the Horticulture program, this course facilitates student learning by integrating practical and analytical approaches to urban agriculture, helping students understand production, livestock suitability, farming methodologies, and project planning within complex urban contexts. Students critically assess technical, economic, and policy considerations while applying equity, community, sustainability, and gender lenses to real-world urban food systems.

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

Practices in Urban Agriculture

This course focuses on the hands-on planning and implementation of urban agriculture projects. Explore entrepreneurial strategies and the diverse motivations behind urban farming while critically examining the systems and structures that support it. Through a project-based approach, you will integrate your understanding of sustainability into planning for social, economic, and environmental well-being within complex urban food systems.

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 Practices in 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 urban agriculture systems, including food production, small livestock, farming methodologies, market strategies, and equity‑ and sustainability‑focused planning in urban contexts, 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 Monday, June 15, 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.