Bareroot Crop Manager, Natural Resource Specialist ; NRS

Bareroot Crop Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)

Recruitment #2026-7-A185
• Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
•

Location:

Olympia, WA
• Salary: $5,111.00 - $6,870.00 Monthly. Review of applications ongoing; position may close after 7/23/26.

• Collaborate with the Assistant Nursery Manager to provide efficient and timely production of targeted quantities of seedlings to meet DNR’s reforestation program.
• Monitor all steps in the production process for seed & seedling health, tracking development toward established targets.
• Maintain genetic identity of seedlings throughout all stages of the production process through accurate inventory, labeling integrity, and seedling quality.
• Engage in crop walks, recording and sharing observations about field and plant conditions with senior-level nursery staff.
• Judge when to change work priorities, such as crops, labor availability, cultural conditions, and weather changes.
• Organize, direct, and execute seed care and cleaning activities and stratification in preparation for annual seed sowing, using specialized knowledge of conifer seed biology to achieve directed results.
• Oversee quality control program, identifying shortfalls and weighing the business need for trees against product quality; make recommendations to change crop specifications to meet needs.
• Research, analyze, and provide recommendations about new products to test to improve seedling culture and performance; make test applications, record and follow up based on observations.
• Oversee, monitor, and assess work performed by contract labor staff, determining corrective action to assure work meets quality and performance expectations.
• Direct the work of assigned staff, reviewing work for quality and performance expectations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, agriculture, crop sciences, or a closely related field AND 2 years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and Teams.
• Supervisory experience.

Required Competencies:

• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
• Perform assigned duties consistently with applicable laws, regulations, and public record retention requirements.
• DNR
  
  Core Competencies:
• Personal Accountability
• Value Others
• Compassionate Communication
• Inspire Others
• Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Respirator use and fit testing (after hire).
• Work primarily outdoors in all weather conditions; ability to work in coolers/freezers and varied temperatures, navigate rough terrain, lift and manipulate up to 50 pounds, operate large equipment, communicate effectively in loud industrial settings, and stand for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to seminars, trade meetings, or other nurseries.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience; must not have a suspended or restricted license.

Desired

Qualifications:

• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Professional experience in large‑scale production agriculture, horticulture, or plant nursery operations.
• Conifer growing experience.
• Experience handling or growing crops from seed.
• Experience operating large farm equipment, including tractor skills.
• Experience operating a forklift in a production/warehouse setting.
• Knowledge of computer database programs such as Access and Oracle.
• Possession of a pesticide license.
• Residence within a 30‑minute drive of the nursery to address irrigation needs and emergencies.

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness.
• Work/life balance.
• DNR Employee Resource Groups and statewide employee business resource groups.
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Educational and career development aid.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility.
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments.
• Comprehensive benefits package including employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.