Job Description

Posting number: 2026-10-8215/8267/8416-09099

Department: Dept. of Natural Resources

Job classification: FOREST NURSERY LABORER

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, Forestry, Sciences

Summary

Working Title

Forest Nursery Laborer

Recruitment #2026-10-8215/8267/8416

Full-time, Non-Permanent, Represented position (WPEA)

Anticipated employment is December 2026 - March 2027

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 Webster Nursery as a Forest Nursery Laborer.

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. As a part of the Webster Forest Nursery team, this position performs physically demanding jobs to produce 8-15 million forest seedlings annually. The work is centered between agricultural and production systems to provide quality forest seedlings to Department of Natural Resources (DNR) foresters and the public. During the winter and spring months, peak workload requires the Forest Nursery Laborer to demonstrate both dependability and a strong work ethic; every team member is essential in the fast-paced environment of harvest, sorting, packaging, and shipping hundreds of thousands of seedlings a day. This position is chiefly responsible for loading pallets with 30- 50 lb. bags of seedlings, assembling and disassembling pallet frames, pallet repair, truck loading/unloading, and other various agricultural duties for seedling production. Work is conducted both indoors and outdoors in inclement weather.

Examples of duties

Responsibilities:

• Quality assurance during packing
• Lifting and moving 30- 50 lb. bags and boxes
• Properly utilizing hand tools and pallet jacks
• Reliability in attendance and punctuality

Qualifications

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.

• Ability to consistently understand, respond to, and communicate in English.
• Basic math skills.
• Experience using standard hand tools to conduct repairs (examples: hammer, nails, crowbar, etc.).

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.

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.

• Spanish language skills.
• Forklift operation competency.
• Pesticide Applicators License.
• Previous use of mobile devices to collect and store data.
• Experience within the fields of Horticulture, Agriculture, or Seedling Forestry.

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 DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Supplemental information

Application Requirements: Failure to provide the listed documents may result in disqualification. If you have questions or difficulty attaching these documents, please contact DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

• Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
• Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the position's requirements, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
• Resume: Your resume should include your work history, education, volunteer experience, life skills, and any other relevant information for the position.
• References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
• Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
• Email Communication: Candidates who move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email at info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive these communications.

Questions? Please contact Celeste Pace at celeste.pace@dnr.wa.gov/564-669-1729 or email us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. 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 (DNR).

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 CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

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