Forest Nursery Lead

Forest Nursery Lead

Forest Nursery Lead Recruitment #2026-10-0459/8264/8265 Full-time, Non-Permanent, Represented position (WPEA) Anticipated employment is December 2026 - April 2027 Location: Olympia, WA Salary: $3,327.00 - $4,406.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Webster Nursery as a Forest Nursery Lead.

Have a passion for contributing to the growing need for seedlings to be planted in the landscape? As part of the Webster Nursery team, a Forest Nursery Lead is responsible for quality assurance in the grading, sorting, and packing of 8-15 million seedlings to help fill the need for both public and private reforestation efforts. It takes an individual who is ready to work in a fast-paced and physically active environment, both indoors and out, maintains attention to detail, and has the drive to be invested in providing quality seedlings for our customers. This position works hands-on with seedlings, is responsible for overseeing the contract staff during packing, and participates in a range of agricultural duties to maintain exceptional seedling care in both the fields and greenhouses. Established on the current site in 1957, Webster Nursery now maintains 150 acres of tillable land and 75,000 square feet of climate-controlled greenhouses, providing varied opportunities to be part of growing our future forests.

Duties

Responsibilities

• Quality assurance during grading and sorting for seedling packing
• Quality assurance during transplanting in varied weather conditions
• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.
• Basic math skills.
• Work experience in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Seedling Forestry and/or education in a related field.
• Ability to consistently understand, respond to, and communicate in English.

Required Competencies:

• Reliable and punctual work attendance.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties in a manner consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention, and ensure requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Position is required to work in all weather conditions both inside and outside. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Frequent temperature changes walking into and out of coolers, freezers, greenhouses, production areas, and outdoors in all weather conditions. During seedling packing, indoor conditions are dusty, muddy, humid, wet, and cold. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time during an 8-hour shift. Frequent lifting of bareroot seedlings, seedling bags, boxes, and other supplies requires the ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. without the aid of equipment. Working in and around large warehouse and farming equipment requires the ability to effectively communicate in a loud industrial setting. The ability to grasp, grab, pull, and use power/hand tools.
• Some travel may be required; notice will be given.

Desired Qualifications:

• These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Spanish language skills.

• Forklift operation competency.

• Pesticide Applicators License.

• Previous use of mobile devices to collect and store data.

• Previous work experience in a production nursery.

• At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please contact DNRrecruiting.

• Supplemental Information

• This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

• DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we cannot hire or extend