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

We are Proud to Offer:

Excellent hourly rate of $23-$25 depending on experience

• Comprehensive benefits package including cost effective medical insurance options
• 401k Match after 60 days
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid Time Off Paid Holiday Time with no waiting period

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran or disability status.

Willoway Nurseries is proud to have a Drug Free Workplace Safety Program**

**Note that marijuana became legal in Ohio in 2016 for medical use. However Willoway Nurseries Inc. Drug Free Safety Policy does not recognize medical or recreational marijuana as acceptable in the workplace regardless of whether the employee has a prescription or not. The presence of THC will still be considered a positive test result. This mirrors Federal law which does not recognize marijuana as legal as the laws are written and voted on at the State level.

Required Experience:

IC