Forest Nursery Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

State of Washington, Department of Natural Resources, Webster Nursery, is seeking a Forest Nursery Lead to manage grading, sorting, and packing of millions of seedlings for reforestation. The role involves hands-on work with seedlings, supervising contract staff, and performing diverse agricultural duties in fields and greenhouses.

Qualified candidates will have basic math skills, horticulture experience, and strong English communication.

Qualifications

• Basic math skills required for daily tasks.
• Ability to understand, respond to, and communicate in English.
• Work experience in Horticulture, Agriculture, or Seedling Forestry or education in related field.

Responsibilities

• Quality assurance during grading and sorting of seedlings for packing.
• Quality assurance during transplanting in varied weather conditions.
• Oversee contract staff during packing and maintain respectful working relationships.
• Attend reliably and be punctual in all shifts.

Skills

Basic math

English communication

Horticulture/Agriculture experience

Job description

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.

Duties

• 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

Qualifications

Required 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 conditions. 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. Frequent lifting of bareroot seedlings, seedling bags, boxes, and other supplies requires the ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. without the aid of equipment. Working in and around large warehouse and farming equipment requires the ability to effectively communicate in a loud industrial setting. The ability to grasp, grab, pull, and use power/hand tools.
• Some travel may be required; notice will be given.

Desired Qualifications

• Spanish language skills.
• Forklift operation competency.
• Pesticide Applicators License.
• Previous use of mobile devices to collect and store data.
• Previous work experience in a production nursery.

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.

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.