Assistant Foreperson

Bailey Nurseries, Inc•Onarga, IL

2d•$20 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Health Assistant Foreperson is responsible for producing high-quality crops through effective irrigation, fertility management, plant growth regulation, pest and disease management, and early identification of production issues. The role works closely with production, inventory, and maintenance staff and supports nursery production goals by maintaining crop quality, optimizing labor efficiency, and contributing to a safe, well-organized work environment. The position reports directly to the Plant Health Foreperson.

Requirements

An Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Agronomy, or a related field is preferred; equivalent nursery production experience will be considered.
Ability to obtain a Commercial Not-For-Hire pesticide applicator license.
Ability to work independently and collaborate 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 ATVs.
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.

Nice To Haves

Understanding and knowledge of nursery production principles.
3–5 years of experience in ornamental crop production.
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.

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, crop nutritional status, media pH, and EC.
Apply plant growth regulators and crop protection products according to crop needs.
Regularly scout crops 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 on 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 Department as needed.