Education Platform Technologist

Education Platform Technologist

Company: GrowBuildLearn (Social Impact Enterprises)

Location: Niagara Region, ON (Hybrid – Niagara Falls GBL Office)

Job Type: Full-time, 11-month contract

Hours: 40 hours per week

Start Date: January 2025

About GrowBuildLearn

GrowBuildLearn (GBL) is a social impact enterprise combining smart hydroponic technology, AI-powered education support, and immersive STEM curriculum to address food security and educational engagement challenges. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities to grow food, build sustainable systems, and learn together.

We're creating innovative solutions that make year-round food production accessible while delivering engaging hands-on STEM education to schools and communities across Ontario.

OJCP Funding & Eligibility

This position is funded through the Ontario Job Creation Partnerships (OJCP) program. To be eligible for this opportunity, you must meet the following requirements:

● Be an Ontario resident

● Currently unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week

● Actively seeking full-time employment

● Meet ONE of the following criteria

○ Currently receiving EI benefits, OR

○ Received EI benefits within the previous 60 months, OR

○ Has paid EI premiums (deductions taken off your pay stub) in at least 3 of the last 10 years

Position Overview

Develop and maintain the Growbie educational platform that supports community learning programs. This role combines software development, user interface design, and educational technology to create tools that enhance learning for students and educators while reducing teacher workload from 45 minutes to under 10 minutes daily for system management.

You'll gain hands-on experience building AI-powered educational technology with real social impact, working at the intersection of software development, education, and environmental sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Software Development & Platform Maintenance

● Develop and maintain the Growbie AI Dashboard (web and mobile platforms)

● Build conversational AI interfaces that provide context-aware guidance for educational settings

● Integrate sensor data visualization, trend analysis, and real-time monitoring capabilities

● Implement automated alerts and intelligent troubleshooting recommendation systems

● Develop plant health tracking features with image analysis capabilities

● Enable multi-user access for classroom collaboration

● Ensure platform performance, security, and scalability

Educational Technology Integration

● Design user interfaces optimized for K-12 students and educators

● Integrate Mars Farmer Academy curriculum content into platform experiences

● Build data collection and analysis tools aligned with Ontario science curriculum

● Develop gamification features and "Grow Challenges" to maintain student engagement

● Create teacher dashboards for progress tracking and learning outcome assessment

● Support API integrations with educational management systems as needed

User Experience & Testing

● Conduct user research with students, teachers, and community members

● Perform usability testing and iterate based on feedback

● Document platform features and create user guides

● Provide technical support to beta program participants

● Analyze user behavior data to inform feature priorities

● Ensure accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) are met

Collaboration & Innovation

● Work closely with Community Education Coordinator to align platform with curriculum needs

● Collaborate with Grower Technologist to optimize system monitoring and troubleshooting features

● Participate in product development planning and feature prioritization

● Research emerging educational technology trends and AI capabilities

● Contribute to grant applications and technical documentation

● Present technical capabilities to partners, funders, and potential customers

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

● Post-secondary diploma or degree in computer science, software engineering, educational technology, or related field

● 2-3 years experience in web/mobile application development

● Experience with user interface design and front-end development frameworks

● Demonstrated ability to build functional, user-friendly applications

Technical Skills

● Proficiency in modern web development languages (JavaScript, Python, HTML/CSS)

● Experience with front-end frameworks (React, , or similar)

● Familiarity with backend development and database management

● Understanding of API integration and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or similar)

● Experience with version control systems (Git)

● Knowledge of AI/ML integration and conversational interfaces preferred

Core Competencies

● Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking abilities

● Excellent communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences

● User-centered design mindset with empathy for learners and educators

● Self-directed with ability to manage projects from concept to deployment

● Detail-oriented with commitment to code quality and documentation

● Passion for education technology and social impact applications

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience developing educational software or platforms used by K-12 students

● Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles

● Familiarity with AI/machine learning platforms and natural language processing

● Experience with agile development methodologies

● Understanding of data privacy regulations (PIPEDA, FERPA)

● Background in human-computer interaction or learning sciences

Compensation & Benefits

● Competitive hourly wage based on experience ($18-$23/hour at 40 hours per week)

● Flexible hybrid work arrangement

● Professional development opportunities

● Equipment provided as needed

● Mileage reimbursement for required travel

● Meaningful work with direct social impact

What You'll Gain

This OJCP-funded position provides valuable career development opportunities including:

Skills Development

● Hands-on experience building AI-powered educational platforms

● Professional portfolio showcasing real-world application development

● Exposure to educational technology and social enterprise sectors

● Experience with full software development lifecycle from design to deployment

Career Pathways

● Educational technology sector opportunities

● Software development roles in social impact organizations

● Cleantech and sustainable technology positions

● Potential for ongoing employment as GBL operations expand

Work Experience

● Opportunity to build technology with real social impact in food security and education

● Autonomy to architect and implement platform features

● Experience working with cutting-edge AI technology in educational contexts

● Collaborative startup environment with direct connection to end users

● Professional development in educational technology and social enterprise

Work Environment

This hybrid role allows for significant remote work with regular collaboration at the GBL office and site locations in Niagara for team meetings, user testing sessions, and community events. Schedule offers flexibility for software development work while maintaining core collaboration hours. Some evening or weekend availability may be needed for school-based testing or professional development workshops.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

GrowBuildLearn is committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), persons with disabilities, members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and individuals from underserved communities.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. If you require accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to with "Education Platform Technologist" in the subject line:

• Cover letter explaining your interest in GrowBuildLearn and this role
• Current resume highlighting relevant experience
• Portfolio or work samples including links to applications, code repositories, or GitHub profile demonstrating your development work

Application Deadline: [December 22]

Questions? Contact

About Social Impact Enterprises

Social Impact Enterprises is an Ontario-incorporated company dedicated to creating innovative solutions for community challenges. GrowBuildLearn is our social enterprise initiative focused on sustainable food systems and environmental education.

Website:

Empowering communities to grow food, build sustainable systems, and learn together.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 11 months

Pay: $18.00-$23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

Application question(s):

• Are you an Ontario resident?

• Are you currently unemployed or working less than 20 hours per week, and seeking full-time employment?

• Are you currently receiving EI benefits OR received EI benefits within the previous 60 months OR Have you paid EI premiums (deductions taken off your pay stub) in at least 3 of the last 10 years?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3M5