Forest Nursery Technician

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

Job summary

State of Washington’s Department of Natural Resources seeks a Forest Nursery Technician in Olympia to support production of 8-15 million seedlings annually. The role emphasizes outdoor work, attention to detail, and fast-paced plant production in climate-controlled nurseries.

You will help with seedling sorting, packing, transplanting, and crop care while reporting to the Bareroot Crop Manager. Valid driver’s license and ability to work varied weather are required.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in a horticulture or agriculture field or equivalent education/experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Able to read and follow site maps, instructions, warehouse labeling, product labels, and equipment manuals.

Responsibilities

• Seedling sorting and packing to meet production targets.
• Seed stratification, transplanting, and general crop care throughout seasons.
• Maintain data integrity through field collection, record keeping, and database entries.
• Apply integrated weed management methods.
• Be part of the frost protection team and support overtime when needed.
• Foster teamwork and professional relationships; maintain reliable attendance.

Skills

Horticulture experience

Microsoft Office

Site maps reading

Job description

Forest Nursery Technician

Recruitment #2026-10-6838. Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WPEA). Location: 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 Forest Resources Division as a Forest Nursery Technician.

Webster Nursery produces trees for state trust lands across all six regions of the DNR as well as for large and small private landowners. The nursery consists of 150 acres of tillable land, 75,000 square feet of climate-controlled greenhouses, and an active research program focused on operational production of native forest seedlings.

As part of the Webster Nursery team, the Forest Nursery Technician takes responsibility for quality assurance in producing 8-15 million seedlings annually to help fill the need for public and private reforestation efforts. We're looking for an individual who enjoys being physically active both indoors and out, has a keen eye for detail, likes fast-paced work environments, and is invested in providing quality seedlings through each step of production. By joining our team, you would report to the Bareroot Crop Manager and play an important role in seedling sorting and packing, seed stratification, transplanting, and all other crop care needs throughout the seasons.

This job is great for people who enjoy working primarily outdoors, rain or shine. We often work at a fast pace with many roles being executed around you, so our ideal candidate will be able to focus on the task in front of them while being able to pivot if needed. Webster Nursery is perfect for someone who enjoys large-scale production operations and the cyclical nature of job duties.

Responsibilities

• Uses knowledge of plant physiology and morphology to track seedling development toward established targets
• Quality assurance during packing, transplanting, and general crop care
• Maintaining data integrity through field collection, record keeping, and database entries
• Appropriately implementing integrated weed management methods
• Participating as part of a frost protection team during fall and spring frost seasons; requiring on-call status that is supported by stand-by and time & half overtime pay, when assigned to a team.
• Maximizing our employee potential and talent
• 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.

• 3 years of experience working in a horticulture or agriculture field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Able to read and follow site maps, instructions, warehouse labeling, product labels, and equipment manuals.

Required Competencies

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• 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

• Ability to pass Respirator use and fit testing annually.
• 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. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crawl, step over greenhouse rails, and climb on and off equipment. Frequent lifting of seedlings, seedling bags, boxes, blocks, 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.
• Obtain and maintain a Public Operator Pesticide license with Agricultural Weeds and Agricultural Insects and Disease endorsements in good standing with WSDA.
• Occasional travel to seminars, trade and industry meetings, or to observe field seedling performance. Occasional visits to other nurseries to observe other nursery operations.
• 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.

• Previous work experience operating a forklift.
• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Professional experience in a production nursery.
• Pesticide license and previous work experience with chemical applications.
• Conifer growing experience.
• Previous experience operating large farm equipment - i.e., tractor skills.

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 Celeste Pace at [e-mail]/564-669-1729 or Kila Benge 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.

DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). 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.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email [e-mail].