Forest Nursery Lead

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Washington's Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Forest Nursery Lead for Webster Nursery in Olympia. The role focuses on quality control in grading, sorting, and packing 8-15 million seedlings to support public and private reforestation efforts.

The incumbent will supervise contract staff during packing, work in both indoor and outdoor environments, and perform diverse agricultural tasks to ensure top-quality seedlings for customers.

Qualifications

• Basic math skills (e.g., addition, subtraction, counting).
• Work experience in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Seedling Forestry or education in a related field.
• Ability to understand, respond to, and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Quality assurance during grading and sorting of seedlings for packing.
• Quality assurance during transplanting under varied weather conditions.
• Overseeing contract staff during packing and related activities.
• Perform a range of agricultural duties to maintain seedling care in fields and greenhouses.

Skills

Basic math

Horticulture experience

English communication

Education

Related field education

Job description

Forest Nursery Lead

Recruitment #2026-10-0459/8264/8265

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

Anticipated employment is December 2026 - April 2027

Location: Olympia, WA

Salary: $3,327.00 - $4,406.00 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 Lead.

Have a passion for contributing to the growing need for seedlings to be planted in the landscape? As part of the Webster Nursery team, a Forest Nursery Lead is responsible for quality assurance in the grading, sorting, and packing of 8-15 million seedlings to help fill the need for both public and private reforestation efforts. It takes an individual who is ready to work in a fast-paced and physically active environment, both indoors and out, maintains attention to detail, and has the drive to be invested in providing quality seedlings for our customers. This position works hands-on with seedlings, is responsible for overseeing the contract staff during packing, and participates in a range of agricultural duties to maintain exceptional seedling care in both the fields and greenhouses. 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.

Responsibilities

• Quality assurance during grading and sorting for seedling packing
• Quality assurance during transplanting in varied weather conditions
• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships
• 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.

• Basic math skills.
• Work experience in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Seedling Forestry and/or education in a related field.
• Ability to consistently understand, respond to, and communicate in English.

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