Agriculture OPT Jobs in Minnesota
Minnesota's agriculture sector spans crop science, food processing, and agribusiness, with major employers like Cargill, Land O'Lakes, and the University of Minnesota actively hiring international talent. F-1 OPT candidates with degrees in agricultural science, food technology, or environmental science will find strong opportunities across the Twin Cities, Rochester, and rural research hubs throughout the state.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition: Plant Health Grower/Propagator
Department: Plant Health – Nord Farm, Minnesota
Reports To: Lead Grower
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time Grower/Propagator
Salary Range: $22.00 to $24.00 an hour
Position Summary:
The Grower/Propagator is responsible for the successful propagation, rooting, and early-stage production of woody and perennial ornamental crops across his/her greenhouse section consisting of hoop houses, gutter-connected ranges, and outdoor beds. This role oversees environmental control, irrigation management, fertility programs, and plant health, while ensuring high-quality liners for finishing production for his/her greenhouse section. The Grower/Propagator is accountable for achieving high rooting success, uniform liner quality, and efficient labor utilization.
The Grower/Propagator works within a technology-driven environment utilizing Argus Titan and Qcom environmental control systems, GTI and Cherry Creek Systems booms, as well as other irrigation systems. This role is production-critical and directly impacts crop timing, shrink, and downstream finishing performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Follow instructions from Lead Grower.
- Monitor, adjust misting and irrigation cycles based on weather, light, crop stage, and season.
- Ensure uniform rooting, callus formation, and liner quality.
- Maintain detailed crop records including rooting percentages, timing, crop stage, and performance.
- Utilize Argus and Qcom to manage temperature, humidity, venting, and irrigation scheduling.
- Implement liquid fertilizer programs during propagation and early liner stages.
- Manage controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) where applicable.
- Monitor and correct substrate EC and pH to maintain optimal rooting conditions.
- Work with management to refine fertility strategies based on crop response and season.
- Scout crops regularly for disease, insect pressure, weeds, nutrient deficiencies, and Abiotic stress.
- Collaborate with Plant Health team on preventative and corrective strategies.
- Work with production crews on crop placement, cutting harvest, cutback schedule.
- Maintain sanitation standards in his/her propagation zones.
- Ensure uniform, retail-ready liner quality standards.
- Communicate proactively with Lead Grower and Department Head regarding crop progress and challenges.
- Participate in crop planning.
Qualifications Required:
- Horticulture degree or experience in horticulture.
- Understanding of plant care, germination, vegetative and container production.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Monday.com) and greenhouse environmental control systems like Argus or Qcom.
- Strong understanding of mist propagation and environmental control strategies.
- Working knowledge of irrigation systems and water quality management.
- Experience managing EC, pH, and fertility in soilless substrates.
- Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets company insurability standards.
- Evening and weekend work required during peak propagation season.
Qualifications Preferred:
- Experience with Argus Titan or Qcom or similar greenhouse climate systems.
- Experience operating boom irrigation systems.
- Some mechanical aptitude.
- High attention to detail.
- Strong observational and diagnostic ability.
- Data-driven decision making.
- Ability to adapt quickly to seasonal changes.
- Organized and process oriented.
- Bilingual in Spanish/English is a plus.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. The employee must regularly lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds with assistance. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to weather conditions such as humidity, heat, cold, rain, and wind. PPE may be required, and the role may involve exposure to dust, fertilizers, pesticides, and noise.
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. Other duties may include participating in planting, grading, shipping and greenhouse maintenance.
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.
#L1
Position: Plant Health Grower/Propagator
Department: Plant Health – Nord Farm, Minnesota
Reports To: Lead Grower
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full Time Grower/Propagator
Salary Range: $22.00 to $24.00 an hour
Position Summary:
The Grower/Propagator is responsible for the successful propagation, rooting, and early-stage production of woody and perennial ornamental crops across his/her greenhouse section consisting of hoop houses, gutter-connected ranges, and outdoor beds. This role oversees environmental control, irrigation management, fertility programs, and plant health, while ensuring high-quality liners for finishing production for his/her greenhouse section. The Grower/Propagator is accountable for achieving high rooting success, uniform liner quality, and efficient labor utilization.
The Grower/Propagator works within a technology-driven environment utilizing Argus Titan and Qcom environmental control systems, GTI and Cherry Creek Systems booms, as well as other irrigation systems. This role is production-critical and directly impacts crop timing, shrink, and downstream finishing performance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Follow instructions from Lead Grower.
- Monitor, adjust misting and irrigation cycles based on weather, light, crop stage, and season.
- Ensure uniform rooting, callus formation, and liner quality.
- Maintain detailed crop records including rooting percentages, timing, crop stage, and performance.
- Utilize Argus and Qcom to manage temperature, humidity, venting, and irrigation scheduling.
- Implement liquid fertilizer programs during propagation and early liner stages.
- Manage controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) where applicable.
- Monitor and correct substrate EC and pH to maintain optimal rooting conditions.
- Work with management to refine fertility strategies based on crop response and season.
- Scout crops regularly for disease, insect pressure, weeds, nutrient deficiencies, and Abiotic stress.
- Collaborate with Plant Health team on preventative and corrective strategies.
- Work with production crews on crop placement, cutting harvest, cutback schedule.
- Maintain sanitation standards in his/her propagation zones.
- Ensure uniform, retail-ready liner quality standards.
- Communicate proactively with Lead Grower and Department Head regarding crop progress and challenges.
- Participate in crop planning.
Qualifications Required:
- Horticulture degree or experience in horticulture.
- Understanding of plant care, germination, vegetative and container production.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Monday.com) and greenhouse environmental control systems like Argus or Qcom.
- Strong understanding of mist propagation and environmental control strategies.
- Working knowledge of irrigation systems and water quality management.
- Experience managing EC, pH, and fertility in soilless substrates.
- Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets company insurability standards.
- Evening and weekend work required during peak propagation season.
Qualifications Preferred:
- Experience with Argus Titan or Qcom or similar greenhouse climate systems.
- Experience operating boom irrigation systems.
- Some mechanical aptitude.
- High attention to detail.
- Strong observational and diagnostic ability.
- Data-driven decision making.
- Ability to adapt quickly to seasonal changes.
- Organized and process oriented.
- Bilingual in Spanish/English is a plus.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
This position requires frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching. The employee must regularly lift, carry, push, or pull objects up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds with assistance. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors, with exposure to weather conditions such as humidity, heat, cold, rain, and wind. PPE may be required, and the role may involve exposure to dust, fertilizers, pesticides, and noise.
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. Other duties may include participating in planting, grading, shipping and greenhouse maintenance.
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.
#L1
OPT Agriculture Job Roles in Minnesota
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Search Agriculture Jobs in MinnesotaAgriculture OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agriculture companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to several large agribusiness employers that have a history of hiring F-1 OPT workers, including Cargill, Land O'Lakes, Hormel Foods, and General Mills. The University of Minnesota's agricultural research programs also employ OPT workers in research and technical roles. Sponsorship is not guaranteed, so confirming OPT authorization directly with each employer's HR team before applying is important.
Which cities in Minnesota have the most agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Twin Cities metro area, particularly Minneapolis and its suburbs like Minnetonka and Wayzata, hosts the corporate headquarters of several major agribusiness firms. Mankato and St. Cloud have food processing and agricultural supply chain operations. The University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus is a concentrated hub for agricultural research roles that frequently accommodate F-1 OPT candidates in scientific and technical positions.
What types of agriculture roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that require a degree-level education in a directly related field tend to qualify for OPT authorization. In Minnesota's agriculture sector, these commonly include food scientist, agricultural engineer, supply chain analyst, agronomist, environmental scientist, and research associate positions. Quality assurance and data analytics roles within food processing companies also frequently align with OPT eligibility requirements, provided the work directly connects to the student's field of study.
How do I find agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Minnesota?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students on F-1 OPT and filters jobs by visa type and industry, making it straightforward to browse agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Minnesota without wading through listings that don't apply to your status. Beyond Migrate Mate, attending University of Minnesota career fairs focused on food and agriculture sciences can connect you directly with Minnesota-based employers familiar with OPT hiring.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT workers in Minnesota's agriculture industry?
Minnesota's agriculture sector has a strong STEM presence in areas like food science and agricultural engineering, which may make STEM OPT extension eligibility more attainable for qualified graduates compared to non-STEM agriculture roles. Minnesota also has a well-developed agribusiness research ecosystem centered on the University of Minnesota, which means some employers are more experienced with OPT paperwork than smaller regional operations. Always verify an employer's familiarity with OPT authorization before accepting an offer.