Director of Research and Industry Outreach - GovernmentJobs.com : Job Details

The Washington State Potato Commission is hiring a Director of Research and Industry Outreach. This position is in Moses Lake, WA. The Washington State Potato Commission is a dynamic potato organization and has made research its highest priority. The Commission is also involved in representing the potato industry in Washington DC and our State Capitol in Olympia, is the Executive Producer of the 4-time Emmy Award winning TV program Washington Grown and focuses on investing in projects that will ensure the future success of our potato communities.

Director of Research and Industry Outreach will be responsible for identifying potato industry research needs and coordinate with researchers to fill those knowledge gaps. This position will also be responsible for Outreach activities focused on research results, food and farm safety, industry trainings, and other efforts that will further the sustainability of the Washington State Potato Industry.

Join us in Grant County, Washingtonwhere opportunity meets lifestyle! With over 300 days of sunshine each year, this region offers endless outdoor adventures, from hunting and fishing to biking, hiking, ORV trails, and water activities at the nearby Potholes Reservoir. Beyond recreation, Grant County is rich in community charm, featuring local wineries, craft breweries, and seasonal farmers markets that showcase the best of regional flavors. Families will love the area's welcoming spirit, with year-round festivals, concerts, and events that make it easy to feel at home. Come be a part of something meaningful in the potato industry while living where others vacationGrant County is the perfect place to grow both your career and your lifestyle.

Research Coordination

• Coordinate the submission of all research proposals received by the Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) by communicating directly with researchers and administrators about the expectations of the WSPC, providing formats, deadlines, and less formal advice.
• Coordinate and facilitate review of research proposals received by the WSPC, including (but not limited to) activities such as compiling research proposal books, organizing research review meetings and presentations, coordinating the Research Council and Research Committee, advising researchers of decisions made by the WSPC, etc.
• Serve on the NW Potato Research Consortium and coordinate WA industry reviews of proposed NWRC projects.
• Notify Washington State University College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources grant administrators of pending research grants provided by the WSPC.
• Generate research agreements with the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, and with private industry researchers meeting all State contracting requirements.
• Monitor various potato research projects funded by the WSPC and communicate with various researchers receiving funding to help ensure that WSPC research objectives and timelines are met.
• Serve as the research intermediary between the WSPC and various potato research related government agencies, universities, and private research firms such as: USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), Washington State University (WSU), Oregon State University (OSU), University of Idaho, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), etc.
• Monitor regional and national potato-related research and scientific publications for relevancy to Washington State potato research.
• Regularly meet with potato researchers to foster relationships.
• Maintain strong relationships with WSU CAHNRS Dean, Associate Dean of Research, Associate Dean of Extension, Associate Dean of Academic Programs, and Research Center Directors.
• Assist researchers in finding and securing new sources of funding for potato research.

Outreach Activities

• Disseminate relevant research-related information to Washington State potato growers, shippers, and processors.
• Develop and implement an annual outreach plan on how to disseminate key information to growers and industry members regarding potato production, potato research, farm safety, food safety, and new technologies.
• Write articles for Spud Topics and other publications.
• Assist the Director of Governmental Affairs in coordinating legislative and regulatory tours.
• Assist where appropriate with grower relations activities.
• Gather information about Washington State potato industry research needs.
• Serve on the Potato Conference & Trade Show Committee, manage the Ag Innovation session and assist with the coordination of the General Session, including applying for WA pesticide applicator's recertification credits, circulating sign-up sheets, and collecting the sheets and sending them to the Washington Department of Agriculture
• Attend various in-state potato grower meetings, industry meetings, and field days.
• Attend various out-of-state potato grower, industry, and research meetings (Potato Expo, PAA, etc.) as appropriate.
• Monitor and enhance farm workers' safety.
• Assist with the seed lot trials and the coordination of various potato field days.
• Update Good Agricultural Practices notebooks and food safety training as needed.
• Plan and coordinate biennial Potato Academy

Administrative Duties

• Work with the WSPC Research Chair and the Executive Director in compiling the WSPC research budget each year.
• Schedule and coordinate WSPC research meetings, including (but not limited to): Research/Outreach Committee, Research Council.
• Coordinate and attend Research and Industry Outreach Committee meetings
• Attend all WSPC Quarterly meetings and assist with the coordination of the meetings.
• Write an annual report on activities as part of the WSPC Annual Report.

Organizational Representation

• Serve as Board member and officer of Potato Variety Management Institute, Inc.
• Serve as the WSPC representative on the National Frozen Processing Trials
• Serve as team leader of the WSPC variety development team and ensure WSPC representatives attend the PNW new variety trials in Hermiston, Klamath Falls, and Aberdeen
• Serve as the potato representative on the Washington Commission on Integrated Pest Management
• Serve as the WSPC research representative on the Potato Association of America.

Provide Technical Assistance

• Provide technical advice and assistance to the Director of Governmental Affairs on pesticide, fertilizer & nitrate issues relating to potatoes.
• Respond to EPA request for comments on pesticide registrations, pesticide registration reviews, or changes to pesticide label uses.
• Monitor Federal & State potato research appropriations related to potatoes and work with the Director of Governmental Affairs on an appropriate course of action in securing, maintaining, and/or protecting potato research funding.
• Coordinate Section 18 (emergency exemption) and Section 24(c) (special local needs) applications to the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) for various potato crop protection chemicals
• Assume any other tasks assigned by the Executive Director, the Research and Outreach Committee, and/or the Full Commission.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in agriculture or related field and 10 years of agronomic experience

Previous experience in irrigated agriculture

Must have a valid driver's license for use of WSPC vehicle

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or PhD in Agriculture or Related Field

Experience conducting or evaluating agricultural research projects

Desired Skills

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Demonstrated understanding of agriculture research

Demonstrated understanding of pesticide uses and safety

Strong leadership skills

Organized self-starter able to search out ways to improve the potato industry

If you are qualified for this position and have an interest in joining our dynamic team, please send a cover letter and resume via email to:

Chris Voigt, Executive Director

Washington State Potato Commission

[email protected]

Application materials are due July 18, 2025

The Washington State Potato Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran.