Plant Technician

Final date to receive applications

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on February 22, 2026. If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.

Available Title(s): 570L-_NPS - Plant Technician 3

Business

Title:

Plant Technician 3

Employee Type: Classified

As a Plant Technician 3 for the Washington State University (WSU) Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (IAREC) in Prosser, WA, you will provide skilled technical support to the Temperate‑adapted Forage Legume germplasm program in the WSU Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Western Regional Plant Introduction Station (aka –United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plant Germplasm Introduction and Testing Research Unit).

Under the direction of the germplasm program Lead Scientist (i.e., Curator) you will perform professional‑level work in support of the mission of the WSU/USDA Western Regional Plant Introduction Station, using advanced skills and knowledge to complete the following tasks: plan, prepare and maintain field plots for germplasm; do yearly equipment maintenance and repair; work in greenhouses and in field plots to monitor and manage germplasm regenerations;

monitor plants for insect and disease pressures and apply pesticides when required; oversee and manage hourly employees with annual plant germinations, field transplanting, harvest, threshing and cleaning of quality seed; and other duties as assigned.

In this role, you will be responsible for maintaining data and records electronically using Microsoft Office and other devices (e.g., tablets) programs. Additionally, you must also be able to work and communicate with a diverse group of people including but not limited to curators, researchers, technicians, fellow support staff, students and volunteers through email, verbal, and other forms of communication.

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

Monthly Salary: $3,925 to $5,271 | Range 44 Steps A - M | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28.

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 Classified staff and Total Compensation.

• High school graduation or GED certificate; and four years of work experience in plant research, including one year in managing a major farming operation; OR equivalent education/experience.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, a Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Public Operator’s/Pesticide applicator’s License at time of hire.
• 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.
• Must have the ability to work in an outdoor environment for an entire work shift.

• Associated degree in related field.
• Experience working with and knowledge of insect pests, plant disease and nutrient/fertility management in agricultural crops.
• Experience with insects/pollinators.

Not eligible for work visa sponsorship

College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS)

The Washington State University, Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (WSU Prosser IAREC) is the focal point for the University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research…