Nursery Health & Irrigation Assistant Foreperson

Bailey Nurseries, Inc.; Onarga (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Bailey Nurseries, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Foreperson to produce high‑quality crops through irrigation, fertility management, PGRs and pest control.

You will work closely with production, inventory, and maintenance staff to meet nursery production goals and maintain safe, organized operations. The role requires the ability to operate nursery equipment, obtain a Commercial Not-For-Hire pesticide license, and work independently while collaborating with teams.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent nursery production experience will be considered.
• Commercial Not-For-Hire pesticide applicator license required.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with production and plant health teams.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Monitor crop development and adjust cultural practices based on environmental conditions and plant growth.
• Monitor irrigation scheduling to maintain optimal soil moisture and minimize plant stress.
• Develop and implement fertility programs, including monitoring fertilizer rates, media pH and EC.
• Apply plant growth regulators and crop protection products as needed.
• Scout crops for insects, diseases, weeds, nutritional deficiencies and environmental conditions.
• Coordinate pest management recommendations and treatment timing.
• Develop and implement weed management strategies.
• Coordinate hand weeding and herbicide applications and evaluate effectiveness.
• Evaluate crop quality and recommend corrective actions.
• Identify production issues early and communicate findings to Plant Health and Production Heads.
• Collaborate with Production to implement cultural practices and maintain clean, organized fields.
• Maintain production records for irrigation, fertilizer, PGRs, pesticides and scouting.
• Assist Plant Health Department as needed.

Skills

Organizational skills

Recordkeeping

Problem-solving

Observation skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture/Plant Science/Agronomy

Equivalent nursery production experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Digital recordkeeping systems

Job description

Bailey Nurseries, Inc. is seeking an Assistant Foreperson to produce high‑quality crops through irrigation, fertility management, PGRs and pest control.

You will work closely with production, inventory, and maintenance staff to meet nursery production goals and maintain safe, organized operations. The role requires the ability to operate nursery equipment, obtain a Commercial Not-For-Hire pesticide license, and work independently while collaborating with teams.