Warehouse Operator

Recruitment #2026-10-A473

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 as a Warehouse Operator 2.

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.

• 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.

• Attention to detail.
• Professional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrates the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.
• 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

• Successfully pass the Forklift Certification test provided by DNR.
• Work is primarily in cold storage, a processing facility, and an agricultural setting outdoors, in all weather conditions. Must be able to work in coolers/freezers. Must be able to operate forklifts intermittently throughout an 8-hour workday. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds without the aid of equipment. Most of the work is performed around large semi‑trucks, pedestrians, public cars, and farm equipment.
  
  Must maintain situational awareness. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in all weather conditions and effectively communicate in a large industrial setting.