Plant Growth Manager

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on:
September 1, 2026.

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

1138- - Coordinator

Plant Growth Manager

Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)

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 screen house 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.

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

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.

$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.

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.

• 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 screen houses.
• 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.

• Intermediate level software skills including the use of Microsoft Office database, spreadsheet, and word processing tools.
• Ability to compose concise and accurate…