Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Webster Forest Nursery was established in 1957 and has shipped over 895 million seedlings for reforestation in the Pacific Northwest.  During the past 15 years we have made significant investments in facilities and equipment, now we would like to make a significant investment in hiring a new Bareroot Nursery Operations Manager.  This is your opportunity to be part of a great tradition and help us to reach 1 billion seedlings and beyond.

Webster Forest Nursery has 150 acres of tillable fields, 75,000 square feet of climate controlled greenhouses and an active research program focused on operational production of forest seedlings.  This position provides management of the bareroot nursery field operations.  The incumbent develops objectives, and priorities for seedling production; coordinates and allocates resources (personal, equipment and contract labor) for the sowing, growing, harvest, packing, storage, and delivery of 8 to 10 million seedlings annually; develops timetables and work plans; assists with research program priorities and objectives; and evaluates nursery program effectiveness.

What we will trust you with:

The Bareroot Nursery Operations Manager will be responsible for carrying out the operational aspects to grow the bareroot nursery crop (sowing seed, irrigation, frost protection, fertilization and pesticide regimes); scheduling lifting; supervising six (6) Farmer positions, eight (8) John Deere 100 Hp+ tractors and numerous specialized seedling nursery implements.  This position is expected to actively participate in field operations; operating fork lifts, driving tractors, application of fertilizers and pesticides, irrigation, repair and maintenance of irrigation systems, and frost protection.  During the fall and spring frost protection there will be opportunities for stand-by and time & half overtime pay.

Who are we looking for?

The right candidate has:

• A bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture or related natural science AND two years of professional experience in farm/nursery work, including operating tractors, farm implements, haul trailers and forklifts.

• Ability to effectively communicate in a loud industrial setting. Ability to lift, carry and push/pull up to 50 pounds (seedling bags and fertilizer/pesticide containers). Ability to walk and work in rough uneven terrain and all weather condition.
• Public operator pesticide license with Agricultural Weed and Agriculture Insect & Disease category endorsements, or ability to obtain within 3 months.
• Forklift Operator Certification.
• First Aid, AED, CPR and biohazard Training.
• Respirator use and fit testing (if needed).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function.  Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Supervisory experience with production work crews.
• Knowledge and/or experience working with computer database programs (ex. Oracle/Access).
• Experience in a large production forest tree nursery.

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 in Tumwater Washington, just 5 miles south of Olympia and the Puget Sound, 1 hour from the Pacific Ocean, Olympia National Park and Mt. Rainier National park.

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.

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.

Application Process

To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.

• You must attach the following:
  • A letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
  • A resume including the names of three to five professional references

Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents or complete the entire online application, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account.  Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring manager directly. Recruitment may be extended depending on the quantity and quality of the application pool.

Questions?  Please contact John Trobaugh at (360) 902-1270, john.trobaugh@dnr.wa.gov  or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.  We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a fair and impartial manner for all persons without regard to age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, religion, pregnancy/parental status, genetic information, military status, political affiliation, criminal history or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1139.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) by dialing 711.