Project Assistant for Soilless Systems

University of the District of Columbia • Full-time • Washington, District of Columbia, United States • USD $65.04k / year • 1d ago

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open To The Public

Position Status: Full-Time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: DS0095/11

Salary Range: Up to $65,035

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The Project Assistant for Soilless Systems supports the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) in advancing UDC's land-grant mission to promote sustainable urban agriculture, food security, and workforce development. The position assists in coordinating daily operations and training activities within hydroponic, aquaponic, and fish hatchery systems located at Firebird Research Farm and UDC's urban food hubs. Working under the direction of the Assistant Farm Manager, the Project Assistant helps implement applied research, training, and community education that build technical skills in soilless farming and contribute to the “Healthy Cities, Healthy People” initiative. The role ensures efficient system operations, supports student and community learning experiences, and contributes to data collection and program improvement. Through this work, the position directly supports UDC's mission to produce transformative leaders who strengthen the District's food systems, environmental sustainability, and economic mobility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Coordinate controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operations at Firebird Research Farm and UDC's urban food hubs, ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous function of hydroponic, aquaponic, and fish hatchery systems. (20%)
Provide on-site operational and technical support during system activation and daily activities, including troubleshooting, system maintenance, and environmental monitoring. (25%)
Assist in planning and delivering applied training sessions for new farmers, students, and workforce development participants in soilless systems, including water quality monitoring, nutrient management, and fish care. (10%)
Support and document facility and infrastructure improvements, including plumbing, ventilation, and system upgrades in coordination with staff, contractors, and vendors. Maintain inventory of critical system parts and coordinate procurement for necessary replacements. (10%)
Develop and maintain instructional materials, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), training manuals, and educational resources that promote consistency, accessibility, and learner success. (10%)
Monitor and record production data related to plant and fish yields, system performance, and training outcomes to inform reports, evaluations, and program development. (10%)
Facilitate communication and coordination among farm staff, trainees, program partners, and volunteers to ensure alignment of operations, production goals, and safety standards. (10%)
Perform other duties as assigned that support the advancement of soil-less agriculture within UDC's operations and workforce development programs and ongoing professional development of new farmers and project team members (5%).

Minimum Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, aquaculture, horticulture, environmental science, or a closely related field.
Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in agriculture, aquaculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, or related system operations.
Demonstrated understanding of hydroponic, aquaponic, and hatchery system operations.
Ability to support applied training and technical instruction for diverse learners.
Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to operational detail.
Ability to work collaboratively in team settings and independently with minimal supervision.
Competence in identifying and resolving system-related issues in a timely and safe manner.
Commitment to environmental sustainability, workforce development, and inclusive education.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME local 2087 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction.

Employment Benefits: Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived actual race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, marital status, personal appearance, genetic information, familial status, source of income, status as a victim of an intra family offense, place of residence or business, or status as a covered veteran, as provided for and to the extent required by District and Federal statutes and regulations. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference: Applicants claiming veterans preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Talent Management only.

Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Talent Management at (202) 274-5380.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University's EO Policy Statement, please visit: https://www.udc.edu/human-resources/equal-opportunity/ .