Foreperson - Production - Bailey Nurseries in Newport, Minnesota at Bailey Nurseries

Position Title: Foreperson – Production

Department: Production

Reports To: Department Head - Production Nord Farm

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Compensation: $25 – $28 / hour

Position Summary:

The Foreperson (Production) is responsible for leading and executing daily greenhouse operations under the direction of the Department Head. This role directly supervises crew members and ensures work is completed efficiently, safely, and to quality standards. The Foreperson plays a hands-on leadership role—organizing labor, training employees, monitoring workflow, and ensuring tasks such as crop movement, plant maintenance, bed preparation, irrigation setup, and general greenhouse maintenance are carried out effectively. This position is critical in bridging communication between crews and management while maintaining a productive and positive work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise, lead, and direct daily activities of assigned greenhouse crews (typically 10–25 employees depending on task and season).
• Assign tasks, monitor productivity, and ensure work is completed accurately and efficiently.
• Train new and existing employees on proper procedures, equipment use, and safety practices.
• Execute crop movement activities, ensuring proper handling and accurate communication of location changes.
• Oversee greenhouse bed preparation including cleaning, weed barrier installation, irrigation setup, and general readiness for planting.
• Assist with maintenance and basic troubleshooting of irrigation systems, traveling irrigators, and other greenhouse equipment.
• Support greenhouse covering maintenance, including minor repairs and reporting larger issues to the Department Head.
• Coordinate daily work plans with the Department Head and adjust labor as needed to meet production goals.
• Ensure crews follow all safety protocols and use tools and equipment properly.
• Monitor crop conditions during tasks and communicate any concerns (quality, spacing, irrigation issues, etc.) to leadership.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of work areas, tools, and shared spaces.
• Operate equipment including forklifts, boom lifts, man lifts and small tractors as needed, while ensuring crew members are properly trained and following all safety procedures.
• Monitor, record and analyze key production metrics to ensure crews are meeting productivity targets, while also identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and workflow.
• Maintain and verify employee time records daily, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission in accordance with company payroll procedures.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a respectful work environment among crew members.
• Assist in implementing process improvements and new procedures as directed by leadership

Required Qualifications:

• 3+ years of commercial greenhouse experience, including supervision (large-scale operations preferred).
• Must be process driven, self-motivated, develop and work as part of a team, and possess good organizational, prioritization and supervisory skills.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and departments to support workflow and problem solving.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets company insurability standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual in Spanish and English

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: This role is expected to work on-site in Cottage Grove, MN. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform frequent standing, bending, lifting, walking, kneeling, crouching, and Ag equipment use. Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor environments and may involve exposure to heat, cold, rain, and wind. PPE may be required, and the role may involve exposure to dust, fertilizers, pesticides, and noise. May involve limited travel between locations.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Bailey Nurseries is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Employment with Bailey Nurseries is at-will and may be terminated at any time by either party, in accordance with applicable law.

If you need assistance or reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact our HR team.

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