Greenhouse Laborer

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

Job summary

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Greenhouse Laborer in Olympia, WA to support the Webster Forest Nursery Greenhouse team. This full-time, non-permanent role involves packing, sowing, and maintaining seedlings for reforestation projects across the Pacific Northwest.

The position requires physical work, ability to lift up to 50 lbs, and comfortable working in varied weather. A team-oriented, safety-conscious candidate will fit well in a busy production environment.

Qualifications

• Basic math skills.
• Ability to read and interpret site maps, box labels, and warehouse tagging.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in daily operations during Packing and Sowing seedlings
• Preparing pallet racks, assisting in the movement of growing containers into and out of the greenhouses
• Assisting with sanitizing growing containers and greenhouses
• Properly utilizing hand tools and pallet jacks
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality
• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships

Skills

Basic math

Read maps/labels

Job description

Greenhouse Laborer

Recruitment #2026-10-4356 Full-time, Non-Permanent, Represented position (WPEA) Anticipated employment is 3-4 months 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 Forest Resources Division as a Greenhouse Laborer.

The Webster Forest Nursery Greenhouse team is looking for a talented, enthusiastic person to help produce seedlings for reforestation efforts across the Pacific Northwest. Webster Nursery Greenhouses comprise 70,000 square feet of growing area. The annual crop is approximately 2.5 million trees comprising 12 distinct species. The seedlings grown at Webster are primarily planted on State Trust Lands with the intention of responsibly managing the landscape and sustainably harvesting the timber to provide revenue for schools, county, and local expenses. A certain number of trees are grown for reforestation of private lands.

The Greenhouse Laborer position calls for someone who enjoys an active workday in the elements. The laborer position is an essential component assisting in packing out the current year's crop, cleaning and preparing the growing containers and greenhouses, and assisting in the process of sowing the next year's crop. This position requires attention to detail to maintain the genetic identity of the various seedlings and an eye on safety. This is a physical job. The ideal candidate is someone who wants to get their hands dirty in a busy production environment where science and hard work come together. This position requires an individual who is comfortable working in a group under direction as well as being individually motivated as the work dictates.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in daily operations during Packing and Sowing seedlings
• Preparing pallet racks, assisting in the movement of growing containers into and out of the greenhouses
• Assisting with sanitizing growing containers and greenhouses
• Properly utilizing hand tools and pallet jacks
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality
• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships

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.
• Ability to read and interpret site maps, box labels, and warehouse tagging.

Required Competencies

• 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 requires working 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, blocks, 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.
• Minimal travel required. There are opportunities to help with projects in the woods. Advanced notice will be given.

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.

• Warehouse/ Stocking/ Shipping experience.
• Nursery / Agriculture experience.
• Spanish language 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 Nathan Floding at [e-mail]/360-902-1306 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.

About the Department of Natural Resources

At DNR, we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington's lands and communities through diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Our Vision

Our actions ensure a future where Washington's lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission

Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington's lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Values

• Integrity-Staff who work at the Department of Natural Resources are principled and consistent on behalf of all Washingtonians.
• Respect-Employees value and respect the public DNR serves, and one another.
• Professionalism-The Agency is committed to professionalism and civil conduct.
• Joy-DNR's work involves some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities impacting Washington, which staff meet with curiosity and gratitude.

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.

Additional Information

This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we cannot hire or extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Visas. 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].