DNR Webster Forest Nursery Warehouse Operator 2

All original content is; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility

Leadership support and development opportunities

Job summary

A state natural resources agency in Olympia, WA is seeking a Warehouse Operator 2 for seasonal support during the peak packing and shipping season. The role involves operating forklifts, managing seedling inventory, and leading a small team in the absence of the lead operator. Ideal candidates will have forklift experience and attention to detail. The position offers competitive benefits and a commitment to employee wellness.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in forklift operation is essential.
• Ability to maintain inventory integrity and fast-paced adaptability is important.
• Reliability and punctuality are key attributes.

Responsibilities

• Operate 3500-5000 lb. capacity forklift safely.
• Assist in maintaining seedling flow and inventory integrity.
• Assemble and load orders based on different shipping methods.
• Adapt to evolving daily demands in a fast-paced setting.
• Interact professionally with staff and customers; ensure timely, accurate shipments.
• Serve as point person in Warehouse Operations when Lead is absent.

Skills

Forklift operation

Attention to detail

Team management

Job description

DNR Webster Forest Nursery Warehouse Operator 2

Position Description

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity at Webster Forest Nursery as a Warehouse Operator 2. The Nursery was established in 1957 and consists of 150 acres of bareroot production and 75,000 sq. feet of greenhouses. Annually, the Nursery ships out over 8 million seedlings for reforestation in the Pacific Northwest. Webster Forest Nursery is looking to bring in a career seasonal Warehouse Operator 2 to support its operations during the peak packing and shipping season. This position works under the Warehouse Operator Lead as part of a 3-person crew. This is a journey-level position that recurs annually each production season. There will be leadership development to step into a lead role in the absence of the Warehouse Operator Lead. The Warehouse Operator 2 is responsible for assisting with seedling cold storage, cooler inventory, order fulfillment, and shipping and handling operations of the forest seedlings produced at Webster Forest Nursery. Annual seedling inventories include over one hundred inventory codes identifying roughly 12-14 million seedlings. The right candidate has previous experience in the daily operation of a forklift, excellent attention to detail, and an interest in developing their team management skills. The work performed by this position supports the agency’s mission and guiding principles to manage WA State’s resources for the beneficiaries of the trust and so that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from Washington’s rich natural heritage.

Duties
Responsibilities:

• Safe operation of a 3500 – 5000 lb. capacity forklift and pallet jacks daily.
• Communicating with and assisting supervisors and key staff to maintain the flow of seedlings (a perishable product) and inventory integrity for storage and shipment. Store and organize over 100,000 seedlings a day in 22,000 sq. feet of cooler and freezer storage.
• Assemble and load orders of varying size, customer base, and shipping method. Maintain accurate shipping records.
• Flexible to changing daily demands in a fast-paced work environment.
• Friendly and professional interactions with public customers, internal region customers, nursery staff, and trucking personnel.
• Reliability, good attendance, and punctuality.
• Point person in Warehouse Operations in the absence of the Warehouse Lead.

Compensation

Warehouse Operator 2
Recruitment #2025-10-A473
Full-time, Seasonal, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Seasonal Appointment: 12/01/2025 – 06/01/2026
Location: Webster Nursery – Olympia, WA

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.)
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• 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. Visithttp://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Application Information

Application Requirements:Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please [e-mail].

• 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:Referencesare 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.
• Must successfully pass a forklift skills test administered during the interview process.
• Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email [e-mail] 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 [phone] or [e-mail]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through theWashington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

You can access the full job description here .