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Laborer, Forest Nursery Laborer

State of Washington

State of Washington

Tumwater, WA, USA
USD 2,889-3,811 / month
Posted on Nov 7, 2025

Description



Laborer, Forest Nursery Laborer
Recruitment #2025-11-8215/8274
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent 12/01/2025 - 03/30/2026
Location: Webster Nursery - Tumwater, WA
Salary: $2,889.00 - $3,811.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
As a part of the Webster Forest Nursery team, this position performs physically demanding jobs to produce 8-15 million forest seedlings annually. The work is centered between agricultural and production systems, to provide quality forest seedlings to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) foresters and the public. The peak workload requires the Forest Nursery Laborer to demonstrate both dependability and a strong work ethic; every team member is essential to the fast-paced environment of harvest, sorting, packaging, and shipping hundreds of thousands of seedlings a day. This position is chiefly responsible for loading pallets with 45lb bags of seedlings, assembly/disassembly of pallet frames, pallet repair, truck loading/unloading, and other various agricultural duties for seedling production. Work is conducted both indoors and outdoors in inclement weather.

Duties

Responsibilities:

  • Quality assurance during packing
  • Lifting and moving up to 45lb bags and boxes
  • Properly utilizing hand tools and pallet jacks
  • Reliability in attendance and punctuality

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Basic math skills.
  • Previous work experience with basic repair skills (examples: hammer, nails, crowbar, etc.).
  • Reliable and punctual 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
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:
  • Position requires working in all weather conditions, both inside and outside. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Employees will experience 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. Frequent lifting of bareroot seedlings, seedling bags, boxes, 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. Must have the ability to grasp, grab, pull, and use power/hand tools.
  • Some travel may be required; notice will be given.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Spanish language skills.
  • Forklift operation competency.
  • Pesticide Applicators License.
  • Previous use of mobile devices to collect and store data.
  • Working knowledge of Horticulture, Agriculture, or Seedling Forestry through previous work experience.
Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the required qualifications or how your experience relates to them, please contact us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. A note to potential candidates: Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification as described in a job description. We value diversity and inclusion in our organization, and we are looking for the best person for the job. Don’t hesitate to apply!

Supplemental Information

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.
Questions? Please contact Erin Cutler at Erin.Cutler@dnr.wa.gov / (564) 669-1729 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

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 VisionOur 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.
DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of which include:
  • 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.
Additional 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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