Forest Nursery Technician

Recruitment #

Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Location:

Olympia, WA

Salary: $3,738.00 - $4,980.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Resources Division as a Forest Nursery Technician.

Webster Nursery produces trees for state trust lands across all six regions of the DNR as well as for large and small private landowners. The nursery consists of 150 acres of tillable land, 75,000 square feet of climate-controlled greenhouses, and an active research program focused on operational production of native forest seedlings.

As part of the Webster Nursery team, the Forest Nursery Technician takes responsibility for quality assurance in producing 8-15 million seedlings annually to help fill the need for public and private reforestation efforts. We’re looking for an individual who enjoys being physically active both indoors and out, has a keen eye for detail, likes fast-paced work environments, and is invested in providing quality seedlings through each step of production.

By joining our team, you would report to the Bareroot Crop Manager and play an important role in seedling sorting and packing, seed stratification, transplanting, and all other crop care needs throughout the seasons.

This job is great for people who enjoy working primarily outdoors, rain or shine. We often work at a fast pace with many roles being executed around you, so our ideal candidate will be able to focus on the task in front of them while being able to pivot if needed. Webster Nursery is perfect for someone who enjoys large-scale production operations and the cyclical nature of job duties.

• Uses knowledge of plant physiology and morphology to track seedling development toward established targets
• Quality assurance during packing, transplanting, and general crop care
• Maintaining data integrity through field collection, record keeping, and database entries
• Appropriately implementing integrated weed management methods
• Participating as part of a frost protection team during fall and spring frost seasons; requiring on-call status that is supported by stand-by and time & half overtime pay, when assigned to a team.
• Maximizing our employee potential and talent
• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality

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.

• 3 years of experience working in a horticulture or agriculture field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Able to read and follow site maps, instructions, warehouse labeling, product labels, and equipment manuals.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• 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

• Ability to pass Respirator use and fit testing annually.
• Position is required to work in all weather conditions both inside and outside. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in…