Warehouse Operator 1

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 489,000 - 563,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Olympia, Washington, is seeking a Warehouse Operator 1 to support peak packing and shipping at Webster Forest Nursery. This entry-level role works under the Warehouse Operator Lead as part of a 3-person crew handling seedling storage, order fulfillment, and shipping operations for millions of seedlings.

Candidates should have forklift experience, attention to detail, and ability to work outdoors in all weather.

Qualifications

• Forklift operation experience.
• Basic math skills.

Responsibilities

• Safe operation of a 3500-5000 lb forklift and pallet jacks daily.
• Communicate with and assist supervisors and staff to maintain seedling flow and inventory integrity for storage and shipment.
• Assemble and load orders of varying size, customer base, and shipping method; maintain accurate shipping records.
• Be flexible to changing daily demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Interact professionally with public customers, nursery staff, and trucking personnel.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.

Skills

Forklift operation

Basic math

Job description

Warehouse Operator 1

Recruitment #2026-10-6324
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent is December 2026 - May 2027
Location: Olympia, WA
Salary: $3,653.00 - $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 Webster Forest Nursery as a Warehouse Operator 1.

Webster Forest Nursery needs talented employees to help produce trees for reforestation efforts across the Pacific Northwest. This is your opportunity to be part of a great tradition. Webster Forest Nursery, established in 1957 on the current site, produces trees for state trust lands across all six regions of the DNR as well as 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. Attention to detail is essential in our fast-paced production setting. Safety is critical to protect people, the seedling crop, equipment, and facilities. This position is for individuals who appreciate the challenges and rewards of large-scale plant production, enjoy being outdoors in all types of weather, and are active throughout their workday.

The Nursery is looking to bring in a Warehouse Operator 1 to support its operations during the peak packing and shipping season. This entry-level position works under the Warehouse Operator Lead as part of a 3-person crew. The Warehouse Operator 1 is responsible for assisting with seedling cold storage, cooler inventory, order fulfillment, and shipping and handling operations of forest seedlings produced at Webster Forest Nursery. Annual seedling inventories include over two hundred inventory codes identifying roughly 12-14 million seedlings. The ideal candidate has previous experience in the daily operation of a forklift and excellent attention to detail. The work performed by this position supports the agency’s mission and guiding principles to manage WA State’s resources for the beneficiaries of the trust and so that future generations have the opportunity to enjoy and benefit from Washington’s rich natural heritage.

Responsibilities:

• Safe operation of a 3500 - 5000 lb. capacity forklift and pallet jacks daily.
• Communicating with and assisting supervisors and key staff to maintain the flow of seedlings (a perishable product) and inventory integrity for storage and shipment. Store and organize over 100,000 seedlings a day in 22,000 sq. feet of cooler and freezer storage.
• Assemble and load orders of varying size, customer base, and shipping method. Maintain accurate shipping records.
• Flexible to changing daily demands in a fast-paced work environment.
• Friendly and professional interactions with public customers, internal region customers, nursery staff, and trucking personnel.
• Reliability, good 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.

• Demonstrable experience operating a forklift safely.
• Basic math skills.

Required Competencies:

• Attention to detail.
• Professional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrates the ability to resolve conflicts, write effectively, and communicate with diverse groups both internal and external.
• 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:

• Successfully pass the Forklift Certification test provided by DNR.
• Work is primarily in cold storage, a processing facility, and an agricultural setting outdoors, in all weather conditions. Must be able to work in coolers/freezers. Must be able to operate forklifts intermittently throughout an 8-hour workday. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds without the aid of equipment. Most of the work is performed around large semi-trucks, pedestrians, public cars, and farm equipment. Must maintain situational awareness. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in all weather conditions and effectively communicate in a large industrial setting.

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.
• A current, valid forklift certification

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 Kathryn Minnima at [e-mail] 360-480-1954 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 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 aidPublic 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 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].