Plant Growth Manager

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:

If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s):

Business Title:

Employee Type:

Position Details:

The Opportunity:

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.

Additional Information:

This is a full time (100% FTE), temporary position. This position is overtime eligible.

Temporary End Date: This is a temporary position expected to end on August 31, 2027. The position is renewed depending on the need for extension and/or if additional funding is secured to extend employment.
Monthly Salary: $4,386.85 to $6,580.27 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes 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; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.
Required Qualifications:

• 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.

• Ability to perform physical labor (bending, lifting, standing for extended periods) under varying greenhouse temperature conditions.

• Strong observational skills to catch subtle plant stress and pest pressure.

• Ability and willingness to travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.

Position Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for work visa sponsorship
Area/College: College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resources (CAHNRS)
Department Name: Clean Plant Center Northwest
Location: Prosser, WA
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
External candidates, upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates), before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday. Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type:

Position Term:

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [email protected].

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/