Equipment Operator Lead
State of Washington
This job is no longer accepting applications
See open jobs at State of Washington.See open jobs similar to "Equipment Operator Lead" FireUp.Thurston County, WA, USA
USD 4,865-5,643 / month
Posted on Oct 23, 2025
Description
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Equipment Operator LeadWork Hours flexibility may be available and considered
Recruitment #2025-10-7055
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Location: Olympia, WA.
Salary: $4,865.00 - $5,643.00 Monthly
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our reforestation program as an Equipment Operator Lead. Webster Forest Nursery needs some talented employees to help produce trees for reforestation efforts across the Pacific Northwest. This is your opportunity to be part of a great tradition and help us reach 1 billion seedlings and beyond. The Equipment Operator Lead performs a variety of equipment operations and maintenance duties year-round at Webster Forest Nursery. This is an experienced-level position that supports the mission of the nursery through the safe and efficient operation of large farm equipment on-site. This position reports to the Equipment Operations Supervisor. The ideal candidate will have previous experience operating tractors, forklifts, and hand tools in an agricultural, horticultural, farming, and/or warehouse setting. This position is for individuals who enjoy being outdoors and active throughout their workday. Attention to detail is essential in our fast-paced production setting. Safety is critical to protect people, the seedling crop, equipment, and facilities. During the busy production season, there are opportunities for time-and-a-half overtime pay. An equipment skills test may be administered as part of the interview process. Duties
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Responsibilities:
- Safe operation of farm tractors, forklifts, and attached implements.
- Driving haul trailers to and from production fields with bulk bins loaded with trees.
- Irrigation layout, maintenance, and disassembly.
- Safe operation of transplanters and other specialized equipment, such as plant lifters, power harrows, and bed shapers.
- Attention to detail is required to maintain the identity of numerous seedling lots throughout transplanting, lifting, and harvesting.
Qualifications
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Required Qualifications:
- Two years of experience operating equipment safely and skillfully (such as forklifts, frontend loader, backhoe, tractor, haul trailers, and/or class A equipment) in a production/industrial setting.
- Two years of experience operating electric and/or propane forklifts in a production setting such as a loading dock, warehouse, or agricultural facility.
- Able to read and follow site maps, instructions, product labels, and equipment manuals.
- Punctual and reliable work attendance.
- 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
- Respirator use and fit testing (annually after hire by DNR Safety Office).
- Work is primarily outdoors in all weather conditions (wind, rain, cold, heat) in an agricultural setting. Must be able to work in coolers/freezers and frequent temperature changes between production areas and outdoor weather conditions. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds (seedling bags, fertilizer/pesticide containers, and heavy equipment parts) without the aid of equipment. Work is performed around large equipment; must be able to perform sustained equipment operation for long periods of time. Working in and around large warehouses and farming equipment requires the ability to effectively communicate in a loud industrial setting. 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. 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.
- Minimal travel is required. Mostly to attend off-site training or visit other facilities for technology exchange.
- 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.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Ability to speak Spanish.
- Knowledge and experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and/or database systems (Access or Oracle).
- Previous work experience with irrigation and/or pesticide application. Public Operators Pesticide license.
- Previous work experience in industrial agricultural practices and/or forest seedling farming practices, agriculture, or horticulture.
- CDL License.
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 three 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.
Check us out on: DNR’s website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | WordPress
This job is no longer accepting applications
See open jobs at State of Washington.See open jobs similar to "Equipment Operator Lead" FireUp.
