College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Horticulture

Are you passionate about discovering and introducing the best woody ornamentals to the globally recognized Proven Winners® ColorChoice® brand? Since 2004, our brand has been at the forefront of introducing new shrubs, and this role offers you the opportunity to work with a wide array of plant genera, travel the world, and collaborate with a team on plant evaluations and product development strategies.

As the Product Development Assistant Manager, you will play a crucial role in maintaining and developing relationships with breeders worldwide. You will also assist the Product Development Manager in finding and acquiring potential new plant varieties. Additionally, you will represent and promote Spring Meadow Nursery Inc. and our new products in tradeshows and conferences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage Formal Plant Evaluations
  • Collaborate with R&D Trial Growers to collect, organize, and analyze plant evaluation data from container, garden, and field trials to identify the best potential introductions.
  • Acquire comparison plants (controls) for trials, including competitors' new introductions.
  • Meet weekly with the New Plant Development Committee to review trials and recommend new introductions.
• Communicate with External Plant Breeders
  • Regularly update breeders on the progress of plants in trial (twice a year).
  • Inform breeders when a plant is accepted or rejected.
  • Update breeders on the progress of plants in production (annually).
  • Maintain up-to-date contact information.
  • Manage the completion and collection of Plant Inventors Forms and trialing/licensing agreements.
• Assist the Product Development Manager
  • Research potential new plant breeders and plant breeding programs.
  • Visit breeders to evaluate their work and promote Spring Meadow as a partner.
  • Collect seed and new, interesting germplasm for the breeding team.
  • Attend plant society meetings (e.g., Holly Society, Lilac Society) to make connections and collect germplasm.
• Importation of New Plants
  • File for and maintain up-to-date import permits.
  • Work with the Product Development Manager on phytosanitary inspections and clearance.
• New Product Promotion
  • Promote Spring Meadow genetics by writing plant articles for industry trade magazines and making presentations at tradeshows and conferences.
  • Assist sales with customer phone calls and correspondence; attend tradeshows.
  • Act as a resource to other department managers for problem-solving, internal research projects, and the development of new techniques.

Travel Requirement:

Approximately 40%

Additional Responsibilities:

• Assist the Product Development Manager as requested.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Adhere to the Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc. Employee Handbook and Safety Handbook.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Education/Experience:
  • 4-6 year degree in Horticulture or a related field.
  • Two to five years of relevant experience in plant development, growing, and/or plant trialing.
  • Passion for ornamental plants, creativity, innovation, and a results-oriented team player.
• Computer Skills:
  • Proficiency in database management, and Microsoft office suite.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift, carry, or move 40 pounds.

Performance Requirements:

• Maintain a performance level equivalent to company standards, achieving a “Meets Expectations” rating in all areas of performance evaluations (Self and Management reviews).

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.