Plugin installation fails & file ownership problem

When I try install a plugin I get an error message saying the directory could not be created. I’ve changed the plugins directory to 777 file permissions and I can install the plugin but I run into more problems.

When I change the directory to 777, wordpress installs the plugin as user httpd and I can’t do anything to this plugin folder. I was able to get my hosting company to change back the file ownership for me but I am now back to the original problem. Is there a way I can get wordpress to install plugins using my user name rather than httpd?

Thanks in advance