Forest Nursery Equipment Operator & Field Technician

Conservation Maven; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources seeks a Nursery Equipment Operator at Webster Forest Nursery in Olympia to support annual production of 10–12 million tree seedlings. You will operate tractors and nursery implements in field production, perform routine maintenance, and assist with irrigation layouts.

This is a full-time, career seasonal role (6–9 months annually) requiring outdoor work in all weather, lifting up to 50 pounds, and driving as an essential function.

Qualifications

• Experience operating large farm equipment such as tractors, mowers, haul trailers, bulldozers, backhoes.
• Ability to read site maps, plant labels, and follow verbal instructions.
• One year of experience operating electric and/or propane forklifts in production settings.
• Punctual and reliable work attendance.
• Commitment to DEI and environmental justice practices.

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.

Skills

Large equipment operation

Read site maps & plant labels

Forklift operation (electric/propane)

Punctual attendance

Diversity & inclusion awareness

Education

Experience with farm equipment

Tools

Tractors

Backhoes

Forklifts

Irrigation layout

Job description

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources seeks a Nursery Equipment Operator at Webster Forest Nursery in Olympia to support annual production of 10–12 million tree seedlings. You will operate tractors and nursery implements in field production, perform routine maintenance, and assist with irrigation layouts.

This is a full-time, career seasonal role (6–9 months annually) requiring outdoor work in all weather, lifting up to 50 pounds, and driving as an essential function.