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Greenhouse Operations Manager (Internal Employment Opportunity)

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Operations
USD 60k-75k / year
Posted on Dec 2, 2025
Position Information
Department Acad Prog / Student Aff (LCB)
Position Title Manager 1-Farm/Faclt
Job Title Greenhouse Operations Manager (Internal Employment Opportunity)
Appointment Type Professional Faculty
Job Location Bend
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
This is an Internal Employment Opportunity.

The Oregon State University Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability (HERS) Lab is seeking a Greenhouse Operations Manager. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position located in Bend, Oregon at the OSU-Cascades Campus.

The Oregon State University Human and Ecosystem Resiliency and Sustainability (HERS) Lab is a research institution that delivers expertise in ecological assessment and monitoring, restoration, and native plant materials to support evidence-based conservation for the 21st century. The HERS Lab hosts the Upper Columbia Basin Inventory and Monitoring Network of the National Park Service (UCBN), East Cascades Native Plant Hub (ECNPH), the Wildlife Connectivity Hub, and the Northwestern Bat Hub on the OSU Cascades campus in Bend, OR. The Lab is hiring one Manager 1 Farm/Facilities to lead ECNPH native plant propagation and greenhouse operations. The Manager 1 will also support Hub seed collection and restoration plantings wherever possible and have opportunities to support other HERS Lab projects as availability, funding, and interests allow.

This position will be responsible for managing and performing the day-to-day operations of the East Cascades Native Plant Hub (ECNPH) greenhouse facilities at the OSU-Cascades Campus. The Manager 1 will provide operational oversight ensuring greenhouses, equipment, plant materials and vehicles are managed in conjunction with research activities and faculty. The position will manage to the associated project budgets, contribute input in establishing the budget, perform most of the daily activities, and supervise the classified and/or professional faculty employees and students that perform greenhouse labor and maintenance. While this position is responsible for the administration of operations of a research-related facility, the Manager 1 will not be responsible for conducting research.

Work for this position is diverse and dynamic, well-balanced with hard work and time off, and offers a unique opportunity to lead a team in several facets of native plant work: seed collection, plant propagation, planting, and field management in collaboration with a variety of land management agencies. The Manager hired for this position will primarily support native plant propagation activities in 2-3 greenhouses in Bend, OR. The manager will also collaborate with the project PI and ECNPH staff to plan and implement seed collection, seed increase, and out planting activities throughout Central Oregon or on federal lands in the PNW. This position will be based in Bend, OR, where there is excellent access to hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking/rafting opportunities. The position is full-time (40-hours/week).
Why OSU?
Why OSU-Cascades?

Founded in 2001, Oregon State University – Cascades brings higher education to Central Oregon while leveraging the excellence of a land grant and top-tier research university in one of the most dynamic cities in the Pacific Northwest.

Located near downtown Bend and surrounded by mountains, forest and high desert, OSU-Cascades offers small classes that accelerate faculty-student mentoring and experiential learning in an innovative environment that accelerates opportunities for student, faculty and staff development and advancement.

With a 128-acre campus under development and a goal to grow to 3,000 to 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, OSU-Cascades is delivering on a 40-year grassroots community effort to bring the benefits of a comprehensive university to the region:

Student Body and Alumni
Student and alumni data is as of fall 2024.
• 1,370 undergraduate and graduate students
• 78% from Oregon
• 42% Central Oregonians
• 24% first generation students
• 23% students of color
• 19 students on average per class
• 95% of 2023 graduates employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation
• 5,625 degrees awarded since founding

Academic Majors
A growing portfolio of degree programs at OSU-Cascades is designed to meet regional and state industry workforce and economic needs.

Research
Research underway at OSU-Cascades focuses on challenges in energy, the environment, human wellness, social justice and society. Labs at OSU-Cascades include the FORCE biomechanics lab, the Laboratory for the American Conversation and the Sustainable Tourism Laboratory.

Campus Development
OSU-Cascades’ campus development is driven by an award-winning long range development plan and engineering efforts that are transforming brownfields into a thriving university campus. Sustainability plans include net zero energy, waste and water goals. Initial sustainability efforts are seen in geothermal sourced energy to heat and cool buildings, and native plant landscaping requiring little or no irrigation. In addition to an academic core, campus plans includes a 24-acre innovation district, mid-market affordable housing, and 10-miles of walking/biking trails.

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

Top 1.4% university in the world
More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
217k+ alumni worldwide
For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
Retirement savings paid by the university.
A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principles of a Health Promoting University. This commitment drives a collaborative approach across OSU’s safety and well-being programs, reducing silos and coordinating efforts to enhance employee safety and well-being. By prioritizing resources that support the health of both employees and students, OSU fosters a culture of care and a healthier campus environment where everyone can thrive.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities
50% Native Plant Production:
  • Propagate and care for native plants.
  • Establish and implement native plant production targets for sponsored projects in coordination with the Project Manager 2 and PI.
  • Establish, implement, and supervise greenhouse hygiene and safety protocols.
  • Establish and manage an annual greenhouse staffing plan and budget in coordination with the PI.
  • Lead plant health monitoring and adjustment.
  • Lead greenhouse operations and maintenance.
  • Serve as the main point of contact (POC) for communications with campus facilities staff regarding greenhouse operations that intersect with campus operations.
35% Native Plant Materials Projects (ECNPH):
  • Support development and implementation of annual seed collection and seed cleaning plans in coordination with the Project Manager 2 and Field Manager.
  • Assist Project Manager 2 in developing seed collection and safety protocols, training incoming technicians and scheduling student technicians.
  • Coordinate with the Project Manager 2 and Field Manager for seed increase planting and seed harvesting plans.
  • Coordinate with the Restoration Coordinator for outplanting activities.
  • Work with Project Manager 2 to develop GIS maps and surveys to support seed collection and field production projects.
15% Reporting and database management
  • Maintain an accurate database of plant propagation targets and inventory for all sponsored projects.
  • Coordinate with project partners and external entities (e.g. Native Seed Network) on data sharing pertaining to seed collection zones and seed production activities.
What You Will Need
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, horticulture, or restoration ecology.
  • 2 years of supervisory experience.
  • 2 years of experience in farm/facility operations.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Experience with plant taxonomy, identifying plants by sight, with particular emphasis on native and invasive plants common to sagebrush steppe ecosystems.
  • Experience as a team/crew lead or other supervisory experience.
  • Greenhouse management and operations experience, especially related to native plant production.
  • Experience with native plant propagation and restoration planting, with emphasis on plants common to sagebrush steppe ecosystems.
  • Experience with native seed collection, seed cleaning, and implementation of protocols associated with the National Seed Strategy and Seeds of Success programs.
  • Experience with using hand-held GPS equipment for data collection and navigation, including Survey123 and Field Maps.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and database programs (Microsoft Access).
  • Willingness and ability to hike off-trail on very rugged terrain with a heavy pack.
  • Willingness and ability to camp and work in variable weather conditions, while always prioritizing safety.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, self-direct, and collaborate effectively and inclusively with a diverse population.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Background in vegetation monitoring
  • Experience identifying rangeland and sagebrush steppe species (grasses, forbs, and shrubs).
  • Experience with native plant propagation and planting.
  • First Aid/CPR training and/or certification.
  • Experience with seed collection and handling/processing.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
Work schedule will vary depending on the project. ECNPH work will generally follow a Monday-Friday schedule, with some variation due to project requirements. The Manager 1 will be working outdoors in a greenhouse and assisting with both front country and backcountry fieldwork. The position will require heavy lifting, extended periods of standing, hiking long distances off-trail on very rugged terrain, occasional travel in a vehicle, and occasional camping.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $60,000 - $75,000
Link to Position Description
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P09583UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 12/15/2025
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 12/01/2025
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 12/09/2025
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / Internal
Special Instructions to Applicants
This is an Internal Employment Opportunity.

When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.

For additional information please contact:
Matt Shinderman at matt.shinderman@osucascades.edu or 541-322-3159.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.