Nursery Worker - Bailey Nurseries

Position Title: Nursery Worker (General Labor)Location: Onarga, ILSeason: March - August 2026Compensation: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour based on experience and skill set Schedule: 40 hours per week, overtime after 40 hours worked per week. Regular hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Saturday work required during spring. Position Summary: The Nursery Worker (General Labor) is an important role at Bailey Nurseries, supporting nursery production and order fulfillment in both outdoor fields and environmentally controlled structures (greenhouses). This role performs hands-on plant care, harvesting, tagging/labeling, staging and packing customer orders, and operating equipment as assigned while meeting quality, safety, and productivity standards. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Perform nursery production work in field and production areas, supporting plant growth and order fulfillment.Fill containers and prepare growing media/soil using automated equipment.Tag, label, stake, and add pre-pricing and marketing materials to finished product.Prune, pinch, and remove dead leaves/flowers to produce market-quality plants.Install and maintain shade cloth/shade coverings and other crop protection materials.Cover/uncover poly structures and plants, including use of frost blankets when needed.Irrigate and fertilize plants using hoses, pumps, and irrigation equipment; adjust irrigation based on crop needs and conditions.Operate and monitor irrigation systems and make adjustments as needed to ensure correct water application.Pull, stage, and prepare customer orders by locating product, selecting quality plants, placing on carts, and sleeving for shipment.Perform quality control checks, accurate counts, and grading using nursery standards and tools/instruments.Apply pesticides and herbicides as assigned and follow all safety and re-entry requirements.Maintain accurate inventory and planting records using spreadsheets/computerized systems and handheld devices; process shipping paperwork.Perform heavy manual labor and general grounds maintenance (including mowing) as assigned.Perform minor adjustments, maintenance, and basic repairs to equipment, machinery, irrigation parts, and small structures.Assist supervisors in directing tasks and instructing workers on planting, cultivation, harvesting, grading, labeling, packing, and loading.May serve as lead worker for small crews when assigned.May transport workers for nursery activities only if properly licensed and with an acceptable driving record.Build/assemble production materials (e.g., bamboo trellises), maintain variety signage, and return cancelled/damaged/mis-pulled plants to the field.Basic Job Requirements: Minimum 2 months of successful experience in a wholesale nursery or similar position.Must be authorized to work in the United States.Must be able to follow instructions and comply with safety requirements.Willingness and availability to work extended hours, including weekends during peak seasonMust pass a criminal background check and/or U.S. Department of State visa security clearance (if applicable). Physical Requirements and Work Environment: This position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 60 lbs., stand and walk for extended periods, and bend, squat, and kneel. Work takes place in both indoor and outdoor settings, including production and warehouse areas, and may involve exposure to extreme temperatures and normal field conditions. Employees may be exposed to pollen, ragweed, goldenrod, insects, and harmful plants. Employees may work around plants/fields treated with pesticides or chemical sprays. Corresponding Employment (H-2A): This position is considered corresponding employment under the H-2A program and is covered by the employer assurances in the applicable H-2A job order (ETA-790), as required by law. Key assurances may include:Three-fourths (3/4) guarantee of the workdays/hours offered during the contract period, beginning on the start date.Free housing for workers whose residence is beyond normal commuting distance, and required transportation and/or daily subsistence as applicable under federal H-2A rules and at federally established rates.The employer will provide all wages, benefits, and protections required for corresponding employment under the H-2A program, as applicable.Detailed description of the job orders and seasons available at the following link(s):ETA-790A_AG Clearance Order - Nursery Workers Short SeasonETA-790A_AG Clearance Order - Nursery Workers Long SeasonBailey 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.

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