Forest Nursery Laborer

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington, Department of Natural Resources, Webster Nursery in Olympia, seeks a Forest Nursery Laborer for December 2026 through March 2027. This full-time, non-permanent, WPEA-represented position supports seedling production and nursery operations.

Work involves loading 30–50 lb bags, pallet assembly, pallet framing, truck loading/unloading, and other duties in both indoor and outdoor settings, with exposure to all weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Ability to understand, respond to, and communicate in English.
• Basic math skills.
• Experience using standard hand tools to conduct repairs.

Responsibilities

• Quality assurance during packing.
• Lifting and moving 30-50 lb bags and boxes.
• Properly utilizing hand tools and pallet jacks.
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality.

Skills

English proficiency

Basic math

Tools

Hammer

Nails

Crowbar

Job description

Forest Nursery Laborer

Recruitment #2026-10-8215/8267/8416

Full-time, Non-Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Anticipated employment is December 2026 - March 2027

Location: Olympia, WA

Salary: $3,195.00 - $4,201.00 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 Forest Nursery Laborer. Established on the current site in 1957, Webster Nursery now maintains 150 acres of tillable land and 75,000 square feet of climate-controlled greenhouses, providing varied opportunities to be part of growing our future forests. As a part of the Webster Forest Nursery team, this position performs physically demanding jobs to produce 8-15 million forest seedlings annually. The work is centered between agricultural and production systems to provide quality forest seedlings to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) foresters and the public. During the winter and spring months, peak workload requires the Forest Nursery Laborer to demonstrate both dependability and a strong work ethic; every team member is essential in the fast-paced environment of harvest, sorting, packaging, and shipping hundreds of thousands of seedlings a day. This position is chiefly responsible for loading pallets with 30- 50 lb. bags of seedlings, assembling and disassembling pallet frames, pallet repair, truck loading/unloading, and other various agricultural duties for seedling production. Work is conducted both indoors and outdoors in inclement weather.

Responsibilities:

• Quality assurance during packing


• Lifting and moving 30- 50 lb. bags and boxes


• Properly utilizing hand tools and pallet jacks


• Reliability in attendance and punctuality

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.

• Ability to consistently understand, respond to, and communicate in English.


• Basic math skills.


• Experience using standard hand tools to conduct repairs (examples: hammer, nails, crowbar, etc.).

Required Competencies:

• Reliable and punctual 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:

• Position is required to work in all weather conditions both inside and outside. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Frequent temperature changes walking into and out of coolers, freezers, greenhouses, production areas, and outdoors in all weather conditions. During seedling