Grower Support Research and Development Specialist

Primary Responsibilities:â

Trial Work & Grower Support

- Execute horticultural trials aligned withWillowayR&D priorities

- Support new plant introductions through coordinated trialing and evaluation

-Identifybiotic and abiotic stressors through field observation sampling and external analysis

- Collect soil media and leachate samples to support fertility and substrate decisions

Data & Evaluation

- Own trial data collection accuracy and organization

- Evaluate trial results and communicate findings to growers R&D and leadership

-Maintainclear documentation to support repeatability and decision-making

Trial Gardens & and Trial Section

- Own maintenance and organization of Trial Section and trial garden spaces

- Develop trial gardens that support R&D goals and Sales & Marketing needs

- Ensure gardens are presentation-ready for internal use and tours

Collaboration

- Work closely with Grower Support R&D Sales and Marketing teams

- Share insights in a clear practical way that supports production decisions

- Support continuous improvement through observation and feedback

Additional Responsibilities:â

Skills:â(something that can be learned in the position/has been learned in a prior position)

ï Executeandmaintainhorticultural trials

ï Collect document and organize trial and plant data

ï Evaluateplant performance and summarize findings

ï Performsoil media and leachate sampling

ï Maintaintrial garden and evaluation spaces

ï Communicateobservations and results to growers and managers

Knowledge:â(educationcertificationsetc)

ïAssociatesdegree or higher in Horticultural Science or a related field (required)

ï Workingknowledge of plant growth nutrition and cultural practices

ï Familiaritywith common plant pests diseases and environmental stressors

ï Experiencein nursery greenhouse trial or production environments preferred

ï Pesticideapplicator license or ability to obtain one (preferred)

Abilities:â(Need to come to the job with the ability cannot be learned at this point in thecareer)

ï Strongability toobserveplants and notice subtle differences or changes

ï Abilityto work independently and take ownership of assigned trials

ï Abilityto stay organized and manage multiple priorities

ï Abilityto communicate clearly and professionally across teams

ï Abilityto work hands-on in outdoor and production environments

Work Environment(% in office/ % outside physical requirements travel requirements):â

ïApprox.2530% office / 7075% greenhouse field and garden

ï Regularwork outdoors and in production environments in varying weather conditions

ï Physicalrequirements include standing and walking for extended periods bending lifting and carrying up to 50lbs and performinghandsâonplant work

ï Exposureto typical horticultural conditions (soil water fertilizers plant material pests)

Work schedule: (Days of the week / hours per day / hours per year)

ïDays:MondayFriday

ïHours:Typically8-9hours per day (hours may flex seasonally)

ïTotal:2200hoursper year

ï Additionalhours may berequiredduring peak trial planting or evaluation periods; occasional early starts duringhighâseasonwork

Required Experience:

IC