Greenhouse Lead

State of Washington•Thurston County – Olympia, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Forest Resources Division, is hiring a Greenhouse Lead for the Webster Forest Nursery in Olympia, Washington. The nursery’s 70,000 square feet of greenhouse growing area produces approximately 2.5 million seedlings annually across 12 species. Most seedlings support reforestation on State Trust Lands, with some grown for private lands. The Greenhouse Lead helps produce seedlings for reforestation across the Pacific Northwest. The role assists with packing the current year’s crop, cleaning and preparing growing containers and greenhouses, and sowing the next year’s crop. It also assists with directing daily operations during packing and sowing and maintaining quality control and seedling genetic identity. The work takes place in a busy production environment and requires attention to detail, safety awareness, and the ability to work both under direction with a group and independently as needed. This is a physical, career-seasonal position with anticipated employment of 5–6 months annually. Work takes place indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including variable temperatures and occasional high humidity. The role involves frequent lifting and extended periods of standing or sitting, as well as working around warehouse equipment and pedestrian traffic.

Requirements

Ability to consistently understand, respond to, and communicate in English.
Experience with equipment such as UTVs, blowers, power washers, or pallet jacks.
Experience with basic repair skills, such as using a hammer, nail, or crowbar.
Experience working in a group setting.
Knowledge of and interest in horticulture, agriculture, or plant biology.
Reliable and punctual work attendance.
Ability to work independently while staying alert and focused.
Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including temperatures ranging from 30 to 90 degrees F and occasional high humidity.
Ability to walk over uneven terrain.
Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds without the aid of equipment.
Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods during an 8-hour shift.
Ability to walk sideways or step over pipe rails approximately two feet above the ground while working at greenhouse benches.
Ability to communicate effectively in a loud industrial setting.
Ability to work safely around warehouse equipment and constant pedestrian foot traffic.

Nice To Haves

Nursery, agriculture, or greenhouse production work experience.
Forklift experience.
Spanish language skills.
Pesticide applicator license.

Responsibilities

Assist with and help direct daily operations during seedling packing and sowing.
Monitor quality control of packed seedlings, media-filled growing containers, and the sowing process.
Assist with sanitizing growing containers and greenhouses.
Operate mobile equipment safely.
Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
Create and maintain respectful working relationships.
Perform assigned duties consistently with applicable laws, regulations, and public records retention requirements, and ensure requests are followed.