Department Head in Newport, Minnesota at Bailey Nurseries

Position Title: Department Head – Maintenance and Building

Department: Shop -

Reports To: Shop Manager - Midwest

FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation: $84,000 - $95,000/yr

Position Summary

The Department Head – Maintenance and Building oversees building maintenance and facility support across Bailey Nurseries’ Minnesota operations, ensuring facilities are safe, functional, and well maintained. This role provides hands-on technical expertise while leading the shop team, coordinating resources, setting priorities, and managing workflow.

The position supports workforce development, shop organization, budget tracking and expense management, and building maintenance projects from planning through completion. The Department Head partners with the Midwest Shops Manager and internal departments to ensure Minnesota facilities are properly maintained and operationally ready.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Lead daily shop operations by setting priorities, delegating work, and coordinating repair and maintenance schedules with seasonal needs.

Actively participate in repair, fabrication, and maintenance work while ensuring safety, quality, and timely completion.

Lead, mentor, and develop employees by supporting skill growth, accountability, performance management, and future leadership development in collaboration with HR.

Communicate and coordinate with the Midwest Shops Manager, shop forepersons, building maintenance staff, and other departments and farms, including Production, Shipping, Inventory, Propagation, Sales, and Plant Health.

Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient shop while supporting continuous improvement and workflow efficiency.

Manage parts inventory, order supplies, and maintain vendor relationships.

Lead and support building maintenance projects, renovations, repairs, and facility improvements.

Monitor shop budgets and expenses and assist with annual budget planning.

Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, and required procedures.

Required Qualifications

Strong mechanical background in building maintenance and system controls.

Experience supervising technicians or shop staff.

Experience using ERP or digital systems for inventory, purchasing, work orders, scheduling, and expense tracking.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Valid driver’s license with a clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of nursery equipment, greenhouse structures, and related systems.

Familiarity with nursery, greenhouse, agricultural, or production operations.

Understanding of budgeting, expense management, and cost analysis.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment: This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. The employee must regularly lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds with assistance. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, and wind. PPE may be required in certain work areas.

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.

#L1