Position Title: Plant Health Assistant Foreperson

Department: Plant Health , Larch farm, Illinois

Reports To: Plant Health Foreperson

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time

Position Summary:

The Assistant Foreperson is responsible for producing high-quality crops through effective irrigation, fertility management, plant growth regulation, pest and disease management, and identifying production issues before they become significant problems.

This Plant Health function involves working closely with production, inventory, and maintenance staff. The Assistant Foreperson plays a central role in achieving nursery production goals by maintaining high-quality crops, optimizing labor efficiency, and supporting a safe, well-organized work environment. This position reports directly to the Plant Health Foreperson.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor crop development and adjust cultural practices based on environmental conditions and plant growth.
• Monitor irrigation scheduling to maintain optimal soil moisture, promote healthy root development, and minimize plant stress and disease.
• Develop and implement fertility programs, including monitoring fertilizer rates and crop nutritional status, as well as monitoring media pH and EC.
• Apply plant growth regulators (PGRs) and crop protection products according to crop needs.
• Scout crops regularly for insects, diseases, weeds, nutritional deficiencies, environmental and water stress, and growth abnormalities.
• Coordinate pest management recommendations and treatment timing.
• Develop and implement weed management strategies.
• Monitor and coordinate hand weeding and herbicide applications, and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Evaluate crop quality and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Identify production issues early and communicate findings to the Plant Health and Production Department Heads.
• Collaborate with the Production team to implement appropriate cultural practices, including crop scheduling, sanitation, pruning, spacing, overwintering, and other crop maintenance activities.
• Maintain clean production fields that meet company quality standards.
• Maintain accurate production records, including irrigation, fertilizer, plant growth regulator, pesticide, and scouting activities.
• Assist the Plant Health Departement as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent nursery production experience will be considered.
• Ability to get a Commercial Not-For-Hire pesticide applicator license required.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with production and plant health teams.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to safely operate nursery equipment and vehicles such as pickups, tractors, sprayers, and ATV.
• Strong organizational and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to interpret environmental conditions and adjust crop management accordingly.
• Strong observational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital recordkeeping systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding and knowledge of nursery production principals.
• 3–5 years of experience in ornamental crop production preferred.
• Familiarity with outdoor container production.
• Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) principles.
• Familiarity with plant growth regulators and their application.
• Ability to identify common insects, diseases, weeds, and nutrient deficiencies affecting ornamental crops.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., perform frequent standing, bending, lifting, and equipment use, work outdoors in varying weather conditions with exposure to dust, fertilizers, crop protection products, and noise, and be available to work overtime, weekends and holidays if needed.

Disclaimer: This job description reflects the general nature and level of work expected. Duties and responsibilities may be adjusted at any time based on operational needs. The company reserves the right to revise the role in alignment with business priorities.

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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