Responsibilities:

• The incumbent works in collaboration with the Assistant Nursery Manager to provide efficient and timely production of targeted quantities of seedlings to meet DNR’s reforestation program.
• Monitors all steps in the production process for seed & seedling health. Tracks seedling development toward established targets
• Maintains genetic identity of seedlings during all stages of the production process through accurate inventory, labelling integrity, and seedling quality.
• Engages in crop walks. Records and shares observations about field and plant conditions with senior-level nursery staff.
• Judges when to change work priorities, such as crops, labor availability, cultural conditions, and weather change.
• Organizes, directs, and executes seed care and cleaning activities and stratification in preparation for annual seed sowing. Uses specialized knowledge of conifer seed biology to achieve directed results.
• Oversees quality control program. Identifies shortfalls and weighs the business need for trees against the quality of the product. Make recommendations to change crop specifications to meet these needs.
• Researches, analyzes, and provides recommendations about new products to test to improve seedling culture and performance. Makes test applications. Records and follows up based on observations.
• Oversees, monitors, and assesses work performed by contract labor staff. Determines corrective action to assure work meets quality and performance expectations.
• Directs the work of assigned staff. Reviews work for quality and performance expectations.

Required Qualifications:
You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to meet qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, horticulture, agriculture, crop sciences, or a closely related field AND 2 years of work experience in a related field;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and Teams.
• Supervisory experience.

• 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 (after hire).
• 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 a large warehouse 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.
• 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 current, 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.

• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Professional experience in large-scale production agriculture, horticulture, or a plant nursery.
• Conifer growing experience.
• Experience handling/growing crops from seed.
• Experience operating large farm equipment – i.e., tractor skills.
• Experience operating a forklift in a production and/or warehouse setting.
• Knowledge and experience working with computer database programs such as Access and Oracle.
• Pesticide License.
• Live within a 30-minute drive of the nursery to respond to occasional irrigation needs and on-site emergencies during extreme weather events.

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.

• Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, including a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: 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 these communications.

• 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.