Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26098
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Darrin Boss
dboss@montana.edu
406-265-6115
Ryan Thum
ryan.thum@montana.edu
406-994-4039
Classification Title Managing Director
Working Title Plant Growth Center Manager
Brief Position Overview
The Plant Growth Center Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation, facilities, staffing, budgeting, and user services of the 66,000-square-foot research and teaching complex. The successful candidate will provide technical and administrative leadership to support diverse research and teaching needs in plant sciences and agriculture.
The manager interacts with over 180 principal investigators, technicians, graduate students, and student laborers from eight departments and federal agencies. Equipment selection, environmental control and pest management decisions have a profound impact on the quality of research generated.
The manager is responsible for generating funds required to provide mandated user services and supplies. Staffing consists of one classified employee and 2 or 3 student laborers, who assist the manager with providing user services (soil mixing, maintenance, pest control...). Facilities and equipment under manager's responsibility includes the 66,000 square foot Plant Growth Center which houses 29 greenhouses, 10 walk-in growth rooms, 32 growth chambers, Insect Quarantine Laboratory, Plant Pathology Isolation Laboratory, plant and soil preparation areas, and three classrooms. Examples of specialized equipment required to provide user services include pesticide application and safety gear, environmental control computers and data loggers, plant and soil grinders and drying ovens, and soil mixing equipment (tractor, mixer, loader, and pasteurization carts).
Position Number 4C5058
Department Dean of Agriculture
Division College of Agriculture/MAES
Appointment Type Professional
Contract Term Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA Exempt
Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining
FTE 1.0
Benefits Eligible Eligible
Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications
Contract Type LOA
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type Open
Position Details
General Statement
The operation of the Plant Growth Center is dictated by the " PGC Policy Manual and Users Guide". Policies are set by the PGC management committee (the PGC manager is chair) and the Dean and Director of the College of Agriculture/ MAES . The manager brings issues related to space assignments, project reviews, capital equipment purchases, and PGC operation policy to the committee. The PGC manager is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of PGC polices.
Duties and Responsibilities
Administrative Functions
Oversee overall operations of the Plant Growth Center.
Coordinate and monitor space utilization among researchers and instructors.
Assess and collect space-use fees.
Develop, monitor, and manage the operational budget.
Enforce compliance with PGC Policy Manual and Users Guide.
Chair the PGC Management Committee and contribute to policy development.
Facilities and Equipment Management
Supervise and maintain the condition of 29 greenhouses, 10 walk-in growth rooms, 32 growth chambers, laboratories, classrooms, and equipment.
Serve as initial and follow-up contact for all facility service and repair needs, including emergency response.
Oversee pesticide application, safety, and equipment maintenance.
Personnel Management
Hire, train, and supervise staff including one classified employee and 2-3 student laborers.
Direct staff activities in soil preparation, pest control, and routine maintenance.
Project and Research Support
Design and implement integrated pest management ( IPM ) programs.
Procure and prepare plant-growing supplies (e.g., soil mixes, agrochemicals).
Maintain the conservatory space.
Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Master of Science (thesis-based) in Plant Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
Demonstrated research experience with plant materials in controlled environments.
Experience in facilities and personnel management.
Documented proficiency with microcomputer systems for data management and environmental control.
Knowledge of pesticide regulations and application practices.
Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
Greenhouse management experience including lighting/temperature scheduling, media prep, and fertilization.
Experience developing and enforcing institutional or departmental policies.
Effective communication and conflict-resolution skills in high-use shared facilities.
The Successful Candidate Will
Strong leadership, decision-making, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently with discretion and initiative.
Commitment to supporting a diverse community of researchers, students, and faculty.
Ability to manage budgets, supervise personnel, and oversee complex facility systems.
Willingness to teach and participate in public outreach.
Attention to detail in both records and research.
Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Certification and licenses:
A Commercial Montana Pesticide Applicators License must be obtained within 3 months of hire.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties? Yes
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on September 11, 2025; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.
