Washington State ESD
Forest Nursery Technician
Recruitment #2025-10-6262. Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA). Location: Olympia, WA. Salary: $3,558.00 - $4,740.00 Monthly.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites candidates to join the Webster Forest Nursery as a Forest Nursery Technician. The role involves quality assurance in the production of 8‑15 million seedlings annually in a fast‑paced, physically active environment both indoors and outdoors. Responsibilities include seedling sorting and packing, seed stratification, transplanting, and crop care throughout the seasons. The Technician reports to the Bareroot Crop Advisor.
Responsibilities
Uses knowledge of plant physiology and morphology to track seedling development toward established targets.
Provides quality assurance during packing, transplanting, and general crop care.
Maintains data integrity through field collection, record keeping, and database entries.
Implements integrated weed management methods.
Participates as part of a frost protection team during fall and spring, requiring on‑call status and overtime pay when assigned.
Creates and maintains respectful working relationships.
Demonstrates reliability in attendance and punctuality.
Required Qualifications
3 years of experience in horticulture or agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to read and follow site maps, instructions, warehouse labeling, product labels, and equipment manuals.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Ability to perform duties in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and public record retention requirements.
DNR Core Competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Desired Qualifications
Previous experience operating a forklift.
Ability to speak Spanish.
Professional experience in a production nursery.
Conifer growing experience.
Pesticide license and experience with chemical applications.
Experience operating large farm equipment (tractor skills).
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment
Ability to pass DNR respirator use and fit testing annually.
Work in all weather conditions, indoors and outdoors; lift up to 50 lbs without equipment.
Valid driver’s license with two years of driving experience; license must not be suspended, revoked, or restricted.
Occasional travel to seminars, trade meetings, and other nurseries.
Application Requirements
Complete the online application at www.careers.wa.gov.
Submit a letter of interest describing specific qualifications for the position.
Submit a current resume.
Optional references; if moving forward, provide at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Do not attach documents containing photos or private information (e.g., SSN).
Complete all supplemental questions.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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, veterans, military spouses, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
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The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites candidates to join the Webster Forest Nursery as a Forest Nursery Technician. The role involves quality assurance in the production of 8‑15 million seedlings annually in a fast‑paced, physically active environment both indoors and outdoors. Responsibilities include seedling sorting and packing, seed stratification, transplanting, and crop care throughout the seasons. The Technician reports to the Bareroot Crop Advisor.
Responsibilities
Uses knowledge of plant physiology and morphology to track seedling development toward established targets.
Provides quality assurance during packing, transplanting, and general crop care.
Maintains data integrity through field collection, record keeping, and database entries.
Implements integrated weed management methods.
Participates as part of a frost protection team during fall and spring, requiring on‑call status and overtime pay when assigned.
Creates and maintains respectful working relationships.
Demonstrates reliability in attendance and punctuality.
Required Qualifications
3 years of experience in horticulture or agriculture, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to read and follow site maps, instructions, warehouse labeling, product labels, and equipment manuals.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Ability to perform duties in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and public record retention requirements.
DNR Core Competencies:
Personal Accountability
Value Others
Compassionate Communication
Inspire Others
Commitment to Excellence
Desired Qualifications
Previous experience operating a forklift.
Ability to speak Spanish.
Professional experience in a production nursery.
Conifer growing experience.
Pesticide license and experience with chemical applications.
Experience operating large farm equipment (tractor skills).
Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment
Ability to pass DNR respirator use and fit testing annually.
Work in all weather conditions, indoors and outdoors; lift up to 50 lbs without equipment.
Valid driver’s license with two years of driving experience; license must not be suspended, revoked, or restricted.
Occasional travel to seminars, trade meetings, and other nurseries.
Application Requirements
Complete the online application at www.careers.wa.gov.
Submit a letter of interest describing specific qualifications for the position.
Submit a current resume.
Optional references; if moving forward, provide at least three professional references with current telephone numbers.
Do not attach documents containing photos or private information (e.g., SSN).
Complete all supplemental questions.
Equal Opportunity Statement 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, veterans, military spouses, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
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