Internship - Plant Breeding - Bailey Nurseries at Bailey Nurseries – Winterville, Georgia

Location: 2026 Spring - Georgia
Duration: 10–15 weeks (Spring/Summer)
Schedule: Full-time, seasonal (40 hours/week)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt – Paid Internship

About the Opportunity:

The Plant Breeding Intern will support the Plant Breeding Team in executing a range of horticultural and research-related activities essential to the development of new plant varieties. This hands-on role involves assisting with hybridization, seed collection, propagation, and the evaluation of plant trials. The intern will also contribute to plant health monitoring, inventory management, and cross-functional tasks within the propagation and laboratory teams.

You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to meaningful projects, and explore the many paths our industry has to offer. This internship is an opportunity to dig deep and bloom.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for hybridizing plants, performing controlled pollinations, collecting seed, sowing seed, transplanting seedlings, etc.
• Assist with plant trials, collect data and evaluate plants based on performance, overall production quality and commercial potential.
• Assist with propagating and growing plants in a manner that is consistent with typical nursery practices in the industry.
• Assist with monitoring of seedling populations and production trials for fertility, irrigation needs, disease / pest management, pruning and spacing needs, upshifting, etc.
• Assist with inventory and tag printing duties.
• Scout plants in containers and trial rows for disease / pests and monitor for fertility and irrigation needs.
• Other duties as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Completed at least two semesters of coursework in horticulture or similarly related field
• Ability to maintain detailed records/notes
• Ability to coordinate within and between departments

Preferred Qualifications:

• Willingness to cross train with propagation and plant health teams
• Willingness to assist in laboratory-based projects

The spring internship program begins as early as January and continues through the end of May. This program can be combined with our summer internship program, which ends in August. There is flexibility on the beginning and end dates to accommodate school schedules. This posting remains open year-round, and eligible applicants will be reviewed and contacted prior to the start of the next internship cycle.

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.