Plant Trial Coordinator – Horticulture NEW

Yamhill, Oregon
Bailey Nurseries

Position Title: Trial Plants Coordinator

Department: Product Development

Reports To: Product Development Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt – Full time

Position Summary:

The Trial Coordinator plays a key role in supporting Bailey’s innovation pipeline by coordinating the planning, execution, and evaluation of in-ground, container, and greenhouse plant trials. This hands-on, detail-oriented role partners closely with Product Development, Propagation, Production, and other cross-functional teams to ensure trials are carried out accurately, on schedule, and aligned with new product development goals. Through strong coordination, plant care oversight, and reliable data collection, this position helps identify and advance high-performing plant material for future commercialization and brand growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Trial Planning, Scheduling & Lifecycle Coordination

• Develop annual layouts and assist with crop planning, plant scheduling, and labor coordination for all trial types.
• Schedule and coordinate plants for advanced trials, external trials, international shipments, and network grower events.
• Lead trial lifecycle coordination, including cross-site communication and end-of-trial plant removal, shipment, or destruction.

Trial Execution & Plant Care

• Oversee trial areas through regular crop walks to monitor plant care, evaluate trial performance, ensure accurate labeling and identification, and support effective use of trial space.
• Work with small production crews to assist with planting, propagating, moving, spacing, rogueing and other jobs associated with executing trials and maintaining best growing practices.
• Coordinate labor needs with Production for weed control, pruning, spacing, rogueing, and end-of-season maintenance.

Data Collection & Reporting

• Collect and maintain accurate trial data including photos, growth metrics, flowering, propagation results, weather data, and performance observations.
• Track and manage trial inventory across in-ground, container, and liner material, including losses and removals.

• Maintain trial records and reporting using Mercado, and the propagation module, and coordinate inventory audits as required.

Propagation & Production Collaboration

• Partner with Propagation to propagate trial material and monitor rooting progress, success rates, and production outcomes.
• Track propagation and production trials across multiple Oregon production sites and summarize results.
• Share trial insights with Product Development and Production teams and assist with development of cultural information sheets.

Quarantine, Compliance & Logistics

• Coordinate incoming, outgoing, and quarantine shipments of trial plant material.
• Maintain quarantine house material and coordinate required inspections with the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA).
• Support research, scoping, budgeting, and timeline development for quarantine facility improvements.

Communication, Tours & Administrative Support

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external trial tours in Oregon, ensuring NDA compliance and visitor restrictions.
• Maintain designated boards and organize Product Development documentation, photos, and action items.
• Support trial entry, local plant sourcing, cross-functional needs during non-peak periods.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum 2 years of experience in growing, trialing, or propagation.
• Ability to communicate clearly and follow instructions in English.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; must meet company insurance requirements for work-related driving.
• Must be able to follow instructions and comply with safety requirements.
• Willingness and availability to work extended hours, including weekends during peak season

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Horticulture
• Strong plant knowledge, particularly woody shrubs, trees, and perennials.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across teams.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite; preferred experience with trial/data management tools such as Mercado and

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing ladders regularly.
• Exposure to outdoor conditions including varying weather, mud, and uneven terrain.
• Work around moving equipment, loud noise, dust, and agricultural chemicals.
• May require use of PPE including gloves, goggles, and hearing protection.
• Occasional travel between Yamhill, OR, Dayton, OR, and Sauvie Island, OR locations.

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.

Compensation details: 23-26 Hourly Wage

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