SALARY RANGE:         
Sophomore and under: $13.75 per hour
Junior: $14.75 per hour
Senior: $15.75 per hour
Graduate student: up to $18.75 per hour
*DNR provides housing in some locations or a $500/month housing stipend if free housing is not available.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Seed Program includes the Meridian Seed Orchard, the Seed Plant, and the woods-run cone collection. The program’s mission is to provide a reliable supply of high quality, genetically appropriate seed to support reforestation needs on DNR-managed lands statewide. We accomplish this by:

• Producing genetically appropriate orchard seed for DNR’s land base.
• Collecting locally adapted woods-run seed for areas not covered by seed orchards.
• Providing seed for Webster Nursery to grow seedlings for DNR and small private landowners.
• Facilitating improvements to statewide seedling transportation and storage infrastructure.
• Refining and testing tools to manage pollen and increase seed set.

This intern will work alongside DNR’s permanent seed orchard staff in a variety of jobs related to forest genetics and seed orchard management. The work will provide exposure to a range of activities associated with tree testing and seed production to support reforestation programs. Travel is required to locations around the state, with per diem paid by DNR.

What will we trust you with?

• Preparing progeny sites for measurements and thinning.
• Working with seed orchard staff on maintenance and operation of the seed orchard sites.

Why work for DNR?

At DNR, we value public service, innovation and creative problem solving, safety and well-being, and leadership and teamwork. At DNR you’ll support the vision of a sustainable future by using your skills to protect and manage the state’s natural resources for both current and future generations. As a DNR employee, you’ll work with the public’s interest in mind as we manage more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands. But managing lands is only half of our story. We house the Washington Geological Survey, a dynamic program that is the primary source of geological products and services in support of decision making in Washington. We also protect other public resources such as fish, wildlife, water, and provide public access to outdoor recreation. Two of our largest and most important state-wide resource protection responsibilities are fire prevention and suppression, and overseeing forest practices.

We are nearly 1,500 employees strong and dedicated to making DNR a great place to work. Our mission is to serve Washington’s lands and communities; build strong and healthy rural communities; enhance forest health and wildfire management; strengthen the health and resilience of our lands and waters; and increase public engagement and commitment to our public lands and resources. In partnership with citizens and governments, we provide innovative leadership and expertise to ensure environmental protection, public safety, perpetual funding for schools and communities, and a rich quality of life.  At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally, economically and socially for current and future generations.

The Location

One of the world’s most scenic places, Washington State offers breathtaking discoveries for people who love natural beauty and outdoor recreation, from the Pacific Coast shores to the rugged Cascade Mountains to the rolling hills of the Palouse. Your office will be located at the Meridian Seed Orchard, approximately 10 miles southwest of Olympia. Many outdoor recreational opportunities exist in the area including Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound.

What makes DNR a great place to work?

• Transitioning to a modern work environment
• Mobile work
• Infants at work program
• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Work/life balance
• Leadership development opportunities
• Educational aid and career development stipends
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• Opportunities to stretch your professional skills
• A comprehensive benefit package that 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.

Why do people choose to work for DNR?

“I enjoy the clients I support and there are a ton of smart, fun, passionate people in this agency that I have the privilege of interacting with and learning from. DNR is a great place because of the people who are here. They are passionate, hard-working, loyal, intelligent, kind, and FUN! The aspects of the agency that speak to me are how diverse the work is that we do; from forests to grass lands, from mountain tops to under water, the composition of the agency made up by various different responsibilities makes it so interesting.”

“I am committed to this agency’s purpose, the Washington Geological Survey is an amazing place full of innovative, creative, and open-minded people, and I get great satisfaction from serving Washington’s residents. I love it here because this place loves me. I like how I am made to feel valued, appreciated, and I feel that my skills are constantly being broadened. I am generally my only limitation.”

“The idea of managing the resources in perpetuity really speaks to me. I like that the work DNR does tries to strike a balance between business and conservation and that I don’t have to compromise one for the other because I am expected to do both. We are expected to be good stewards of the resources and the decisions we make mean something…in perpetuity.”