Assistant Foreperson

Bailey Nurseries; Newport (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Bailey Nurseries in Newport, MN seeks an Assistant Foreperson for Bare Root Fields to support daily field operations and help lead teams producing high-quality bare root trees and shrubs. Working with the Foreperson, you’ll coordinate field activities, train team members, and ensure safety and efficiency.

This on-site leadership role suits someone who enjoys outdoor work and developing people. Peak season requires extended hours and weekends; off-season offers other meaningful work within Bailey

Qualifications

• Ability and willingness to learn operation of farm machinery and company equipment.
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets company insurability standards.
• Strong communication skills to support and guide a diverse workforce.
• Working understanding of safety practices and adherence to company policies.
• Basic knowledge of plant growth and production factors.
• Basic computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct field crews to achieve productivity, quality, and efficiency goals.
• Train team members on planting, pruning, harvesting, and maintenance.
• Enforce safety policies and Worker Protection Standards (WPS).
• Monitor attendance and address concerns with leadership.
• Ensure teams have proper tools and PPE.
• Contribute to field preparation and cultural practices that promote plant health, growth, and yield.
• Identify safety risks and support timely corrective actions.
• Learn and operate farm equipment as skills develop.
• Pitch in to support field and production operations.

Skills

Farm machinery

Driver's license

Communication skills

Safety practices

Plant growth knowledge

Basic computer skills

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full Time Assistant Foreperson Newport, MN, US

Salary Range: $19.00 To $21.00 Hourly

Position Title: Assistant Foreperson – Bare Root Fields

Department: Production

Reports To: Bare Root Foreperson and Bare Root Department Head

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Compensation:$19.00 - $21 / hour

Position Summary:

At Bailey Nurseries, we grow more than plants—we grow expertise, innovation, and a culture rooted in collaboration. As the Assistant Foreperson – Bare Root Fields, you’ll play a key role in bringing that mission to life by supporting daily field operations and helping lead teams that produce high-quality bare root trees and shrubs.

Working alongside the Foreperson, you’ll help coordinate field activities, guide and develop a diverse workforce, and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to Bailey’s high standards. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, developing people, and contributing to exceptional plant production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support daily direction of field crews to achieve productivity, quality, and efficiency goals
• Help train new and existing team members on planting, pruning, harvesting, and maintenance best practices
• Reinforce Bailey Nurseries’ commitment to safety by ensuring compliance with company policies and Worker Protection Standards (WPS)
• Assist in monitoring attendance and addressing concerns in partnership with leadership
• Ensure teams are equipped with proper tools and PPE (pruners, knives, safety glasses, etc.)
• Contribute to field preparation and cultural practices that promote plant health, growth, and yield
• Identify safety risks and support timely corrective actions
• Learn and assist with operating farm equipment and machinery as skills develop
• Pitch in wherever needed to support successful field and production operations

Required Qualifications:

• Ability and willingness to learn operation of farm machinery and company equipment
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets company insurability standards.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to support and guide a diverse workforce
• Working understanding of safety practices and adherence to company policies
• Basic knowledge of plant growth and production factors
• Basic computer skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in nursery, agriculture, or field production environments
• Knowledge of ornamental trees and shrub identification
• Prior experience training or leading teams
• Bilingual skills (English/Spanish or other languages)

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

This role is expected to work on-site. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform frequent standing, bending, lifting, twisting, pushing, and farm 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 equipment noise.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Seasonal Expectations:

• Full-time role with peak field operations from April through November
• During busy seasons, expect extended hours, early mornings, weekends, and overtime
• In the off-season, you’ll transition to other meaningful work within Bailey Nurseries, aligned with business needs and your skills

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. This description does not constitute a contract of employment, and the company reserves the right to revise or change job functions as needed to meet business needs. 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 at [e-mail] .