Forest Nursery Technician
State of Washington
Thurston County, WA, USA
USD 3,558-4,740 / month
Posted on Oct 23, 2025
Description
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Forest Nursery Technician
Recruitment #2025-10-6262
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Olympia, WA
Salary: $3,558.00 - $4,740.00 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 Forest Nursery Technician.
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 Technician takes responsibility for quality assurance in the production of 8-15 million seedlings annually to help fill that need for both public and private reforestation efforts. It takes an individual who is ready to work in a fast-paced, physically active environment both indoors and out, maintains an attention to detail, and has a drive to be invested in providing quality seedlings through each step of production. By joining our team as a Forest Nursery Technician, you would report to the Bareroot Crop Advisor and have an important role in all aspects of the production process, including seedling sorting and packing, seed stratification, transplanting, and a range of crop care needs throughout the seasons. 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 a part of growing our future forests. Duties
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Responsibilities:
- Uses knowledge of plant physiology and morphology to track seedlings' 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-and-a-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.
Qualifications
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Required 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.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Able to read and follow site maps, instructions, warehouse labeling, product labels, and equipment manuals.
- 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 requests are followed.
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
- Ability to pass the DNR Respirator use and fit testing annually.
- Requires 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. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crawl, step over greenhouse rails, and climb on and off equipment. Frequent lifting of seedlings, seedling bags, boxes, blocks, and other supplies requires the ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. without the aid of equipment. Working in and around large warehouses 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. Obtain and maintain a Public Operator Pesticide license with Agricultural Weeds and Agricultural Insects and Disease endorsements in good standing with WSDA.
- Occasional travel to seminars, trade and industry meetings, or to observe field seedling performance. Occasional visits to other nurseries to observe other nursery operations.
- A valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
- Previous work experience operating a forklift.
- Ability to speak Spanish.
- Professional experience in a production nursery.
- Conifer growing experience.
- Pesticide license and previous work experience with chemical applications.
- Previous experience operating large farm equipment – i.e., tractor skills.
- 3 years of experience working in a horticulture or agriculture field;
Supplemental Information
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Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.
Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:- Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
- Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
- Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
- Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.
- Commitment to organizational health and wellness
- Work/life balance
- DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
- Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
- 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
- A comprehensive benefits package includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave, and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.
This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22, or other verification of military service. Please black out your Social Security number before attaching it. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
Equal Opportunity Employer: 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 disability, 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.
Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
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