Warehouse Operator

Full-time, Seasonal, Represented position (WPEA)

Anticipated Seasonal appointment is December 2026 - June 2027

Location:

Olympia, WA

Salary: $3,827.00 - $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 Forest Nursery.

Webster Forest Nursery needs talented employees to help produce trees for reforestation efforts across the Pacific Northwest. This is your opportunity to be part of a great tradition. Webster Forest Nursery, established in 1957 on the current site, produces trees for state trust lands across all six regions of the DNR as well as 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.

Attention to detail is essential in our fast-paced production setting. Safety is critical to protect people, the seedling crop, equipment, and facilities. This position is for individuals who appreciate the challenges and rewards of large-scale plant production, enjoy being outdoors in all types of weather, and are active throughout their workday.

The Nursery is looking to bring in a career seasonal Warehouse Operator 2 to support its operations during the peak packing and shipping season. This position works under the Warehouse Operator Lead as part of a 3-person crew. This is a journey-level position that recurs annually each production season. There will be leadership development to step into a lead role in the absence of the Warehouse Operator Lead.

The Warehouse Operator 2 is responsible for assisting with seedling cold storage, cooler inventory, order fulfillment, and shipping and handling operations of forest seedlings produced at Webster Forest Nursery. Annual seedling inventories include over two hundred inventory codes identifying roughly 12-14 million seedlings. The right candidate has previous experience in the daily operation of a forklift, excellent attention to detail, and interest in developing their team management skills.

The work performed by this position supports the agency’s mission and guiding principles to manage WA State’s resources for the beneficiaries of the trust and so that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from Washington’s rich natural heritage.

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 email us .

• Safe operation of a 3500 – 5000 lb. capacity forklift and pallet jacks daily.
• Communicating with and assisting supervisors and key staff to maintain the flow of seedlings (a perishable product) and inventory integrity for storage and shipment. Store and organize over 100,000 seedlings a day in 22,000 sq. feet of cooler and freezer storage.
• Assemble and load orders of varying size, customer base, and shipping method. Maintain accurate shipping records.
• Flexible to changing daily demands in a fast-paced work environment.
• Friendly and professional interactions with public customers, internal region customers, nursery staff, and trucking personnel.
• Reliability, good attendance, and punctuality.
• Point person in warehouse operations in the absence of the Warehouse Lead.
• Takes over warehouse lead duties for 6 weeks during spring transplanting. Responsible for accurate shipments going out on time, thawing of eastside trees, and directing staff in warehouse operations.

• Demonstrated experience operating a forklift safely.
• Basic math skills.