Project Assistant Soilless Systems

Job Information

• 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

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.

• 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%).

• 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.

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

This position is in the collective bargaining unit…