Grower Support / Research and Development Specialist
Willoway Nurseries, INC, Avon, OH, United States
Grower Support / Research and Development Specialist
Job Category : Production
Requisition Number : GROWE001164
Posted: April 24, 2026
Full-Time
On-site
Locations
Showing 1 location
Description
Primary Responsibilities
Trial Work & Grower Support
Execute horticultural trials aligned with Willoway R&D priorities
Support new plant introductions through coordinated trialing and evaluation
Identify biotic 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
Maintain clear documentation to support repeatability and decision-making
Trial Gardens & 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
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
Skills:
(something that can be learned in the position/has been learned in a prior position)
Collect, document, and organize trial and plant data
Evaluate plant performance and summarize findings
Perform soil, media, and leachate sampling
Maintain trial garden and evaluation spaces
Communicate observations and results to growers and managers
Knowledge:
(education, certifications, etc)
Associate’sdegree or higher in Horticultural Science or a related field (required)
Working knowledge of plant growth, nutrition, and cultural practices
Familiarity with common plant pests, diseases, and environmental stressors
Experience in nursery, greenhouse, trial, or production environments preferred
Pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain one (preferred)
Abilities:
(Need to come to the job with the ability – cannot be learned at this point in the career)
Strong ability to observe plants and notice subtle differences or changes
Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned trials
Ability to stay organized and manage multiple priorities
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally across teams
Ability to work hands‑on in outdoor and production environments
Work Environment
Approx. 25–30% office / 70–75% greenhouse, field, and garden
Regular work outdoors and in production environments in varying weather conditions
Physical requirements include standing and walking for extended periods, bending, lifting, and carrying up to ~50 lbs, and performing hands‑on plant work
Exposure to typical horticultural conditions (soil, water, fertilizers, plant material, pests)
Work schedule
Days:
Monday–Friday
Hours:
Typically 8–9 hours per day (hours may flex seasonally)
Total:
~2,200 hours per year
Additional hours may be required during peak trial, planting, or evaluation periods; occasional early starts during high‑season work
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job Category : Production
Requisition Number : GROWE001164
Posted: April 24, 2026
Full-Time
On-site
Locations
Showing 1 location
Description
Primary Responsibilities
Trial Work & Grower Support
Execute horticultural trials aligned with Willoway R&D priorities
Support new plant introductions through coordinated trialing and evaluation
Identify biotic 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
Maintain clear documentation to support repeatability and decision-making
Trial Gardens & 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
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
Skills:
(something that can be learned in the position/has been learned in a prior position)
Collect, document, and organize trial and plant data
Evaluate plant performance and summarize findings
Perform soil, media, and leachate sampling
Maintain trial garden and evaluation spaces
Communicate observations and results to growers and managers
Knowledge:
(education, certifications, etc)
Associate’sdegree or higher in Horticultural Science or a related field (required)
Working knowledge of plant growth, nutrition, and cultural practices
Familiarity with common plant pests, diseases, and environmental stressors
Experience in nursery, greenhouse, trial, or production environments preferred
Pesticide applicator license or ability to obtain one (preferred)
Abilities:
(Need to come to the job with the ability – cannot be learned at this point in the career)
Strong ability to observe plants and notice subtle differences or changes
Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned trials
Ability to stay organized and manage multiple priorities
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally across teams
Ability to work hands‑on in outdoor and production environments
Work Environment
Approx. 25–30% office / 70–75% greenhouse, field, and garden
Regular work outdoors and in production environments in varying weather conditions
Physical requirements include standing and walking for extended periods, bending, lifting, and carrying up to ~50 lbs, and performing hands‑on plant work
Exposure to typical horticultural conditions (soil, water, fertilizers, plant material, pests)
Work schedule
Days:
Monday–Friday
Hours:
Typically 8–9 hours per day (hours may flex seasonally)
Total:
~2,200 hours per year
Additional hours may be required during peak trial, planting, or evaluation periods; occasional early starts during high‑season work
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
#J-18808-Ljbffr