Plant Growth Manager

Washington State University • Prosser, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clean Plant Center Northwest (CPCNW) is located at the Washington State University Prosser Irrigated Agricultural Research and Extension Center (IAREC). CPCNW safeguards U.S. specialty crops by testing, diagnosing, and eradicating pathogens from fruit trees, grapevines, and hops. By maintaining and distributing pathogen-tested germplasm, CPCNW facility provides growers, nurseries, and custom propagators with healthy, clean planting materials to support agricultural security. The Plant Growth Manager based in Prosser, you will directly contribute to CPCNW mission by managing the propagation and maintenance of a wide variety of horticultural crops across greenhouse and screenhouse facilities, directing staff in the execution of precise propagation techniques — including specialized grafting methods for perennial crops. Coordinating closely with scientific staff to support research objectives while enforcing strict plant health and quarantine protocols. The ideal candidate combines strong hands-on horticultural expertise with proven supervisory experience and a rigorous commitment to biosecurity and research integrity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to area of specialization and three (3) years of experience directly related to the specialty area. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Able to obtain a WSDA Pesticide Applicator’s license within 3 months of hire to address the liability of making recommendations to Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee stakeholders.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend commitments.
• At least one (1) year of supervisory experience.
• Experience growing and maintaining horticultural crops within controlled environments: agriculture, greenhouses, or screenhouses.
• Demonstrated proficiency in perennial plant grafting and vegetative propagation methods.
• Demonstrated understanding of phytosanitary, quarantine, or biosecurity frameworks.
• Effective communication skills (oral and written), with a track record of efficiently assisting research team.
• Strong observational skills to catch subtle plant stress and pest pressure.

Nice To Haves

• Intermediate level software skills including the use of Microsoft Office database, spreadsheet, and word processing tools.
• Ability to compose concise and accurate written and oral reports for project leaders.

Responsibilities

• Managing the propagation and maintenance of a wide variety of horticultural crops across greenhouse and screenhouse facilities.
• Directing staff in the execution of precise propagation techniques — including specialized grafting methods for perennial crops.
• Coordinating closely with scientific staff to support research objectives.
• Enforcing strict plant health and quarantine protocols.
• Ability to perform physical labor (bending, lifting, standing for extended periods) under varying greenhouse temperature conditions.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation
• optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level