Equipment Operator, Forest Nursery Technician

Washington State Health Care Authority; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement plans

Sick leave

Vacation days

Job summary

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Olympia seeks a Nursery Equipment Operator to support Webster Forest Nursery. You will operate a fleet of tractors and nursery implements, perform field duties, and assist with irrigation systems while ensuring safety and efficiency.

The role involves outdoor work in varying weather, lifting up to 50 pounds, and driving as an essential function. This position offers full-time seasonal employment with competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience operating large farm equipment (tractors, mowers, haul trailers, bulldozers, backhoes).
• Ability to read site maps and plant labels; write/read reports, labels, and tags with numbers/letters.
• One year of experience operating electric and/or propane forklifts in a production setting.

Responsibilities

• Field operations: lifting and transplanting, mowing, grounds upkeep.
• Operate tractors, backhoes, front loaders, haul trailers, and forklifts.
• Field irrigation pipe layout; repair and maintenance of irrigation systems.

Skills

Tractor operation

Forklift operation

Maps & labels reading

Job description

Equipment Operator, Forest Nursery Technician

Recruitment #2026-10-A496/A497 Full-time, Career Seasonal, Represented position (WPEA) Anticipated Seasonal employment is 6 - 9 months annually Location: Webster Forest Nursery - Olympia, WA Salary: $3,738.00 - $4,980.00 Monthly

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Webster Nursery as a Nursery Equipment Operator.

Webster Forest Nursery was established in 1957 and has shipped over 900 million seedlings for reforestation in the Pacific Northwest. During the past 10 years, we have made significant investments in facilities and equipment; now we would like to make an investment in hiring new Nursery Equipment Operators. This is your opportunity to be a part of a great tradition and help us reach 1 billion seedlings and beyond.

Webster Nursery has 150 acres of tillable fields, 75,000 square feet of Argus climate-controlled greenhouses, and an active research program focused on operational production of forest seedlings. We are looking for talented equipment operators to safely and efficiently operate our fleet of 120 hp John Deere tractors and numerous seedling nursery implements in bareroot field production.

Responsibilities:

• Field operations: lifting and transplanting, mowing, and grounds upkeep (hedge trimming, weed-eating, fence maintenance, etc.).
• Operating tractors, backhoes, front loaders, haul trailers, and forklifts.
• Field irrigation pipe layout.
• Repair and maintenance of irrigation systems.

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. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Experience with the operation of large farm equipment such as tractors, mowers, haul trailers, bulldozers, backhoes, etc.
• Experience reading and interpreting site maps, plant labels, and understanding verbal instructions. Write/fill-in reports, labels, and tags with numbers and letters.
• One year of experience operating electric and/or propane forklifts in a production setting such as a loading dock, warehouse, or agricultural facility.

Required Competencies:

• 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 ensure requests are followed.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• 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 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.
• Minimal travel is required. Mostly to attend offsite training or visit other facilities for technology exchange.
• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Knowledge and experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and/or database systems (Access or Oracle).
• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Professional experience in a production, industrial, or agricultural setting.

At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at [e-mail].

Questions?

Please contact David North at [e-mail] or email us at [e-mail].

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call [phone] or email [e-mail]. 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 Values:

• Integrity—Staff who work at the Department of Natural Resources are principled and consistent on behalf of all Washingtonians.
• Respect—Employees value and respect the public DNR serves, and one another.
• Professionalism—The Agency is committed to professionalism and civil conduct.
• Joy—DNR’s work involves some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Washington, which staff meet with curiosity and gratitude.

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 E-Verify; therefore, we cannot hire or extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Visas. For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. 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.