Greenhouse Lead

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

Job summary

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) seeks a Greenhouse Lead in Olympia, WA to oversee daily greenhouse operations and assist in packing out the year’s crop. The role supports sowing for the next year’s crop and ensures safety and quality in a busy production environment.

The ideal candidate will have knowledge of horticulture, comfortable working in a group or independently, and a hands-on approach to equipment operation and maintenance within Webster Forest Nursery Greenhouses.

Qualifications

• Ability to consistently understand, respond to, and communicate in English.
• Experience with equipment such as UTV, blower, power washer, pallet jack.
• Experience working in a group setting.
• Horticulture/Agriculture/Plant Biology knowledge and interest.

Responsibilities

• Assisting and helping to direct daily operations during Packing and Sowing seedlings
• Monitoring quality control of packed seedlings, media-filled growing containers, and the sowing process
• Assisting with sanitizing growing containers and greenhouses
• Safe operation of mobile equipment
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality
• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships

Skills

English proficiency

Equipment experience

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Tools

UTV

Blower

Power washer

Pallet jack

Job description

Greenhouse Lead

Recruitment #2026-10-A499
Full-time, Career Seasonal, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated employment is 5-6 months annually
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 Forest Resources Division as aGreenhouse Lead.

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 Lead position calls for someone who enjoys an active workday in the elements. The Lead 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.

Duties
Responsibilities:

• Assisting and helping to direct daily operations during Packing and Sowing seedlings
• Monitoring quality control of packed seedlings, media-filled growing containers, and the sowing process
• Assisting with sanitizing growing containers and greenhouses
• Safe operation of mobile equipment
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality
• Creating and maintaining respectful working relationships

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to consistently understand, respond to, and communicate in English.
• Experience with equipment such as but not limited to: UTV, blower, power washer, pallet jack.
• Experience with basic repair skills (hammer, nail, crowbar).
• Experience working in a group setting.
• Horticulture/Agriculture/Plant Biology knowledge and interest.

Required Competencies:

• Reliable and punctual work attendance.
• Accustomed to working on one’s own, staying alert and focused.

Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.