DNR Forest Nursery Warehouse Operator – Olympia

Job Description

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity at Webster Forest Nursery as a Warehouse Operator 1. The Nursery was established in 1957 and consists of 150 acres of bareroot production and 75,000 sq. feet of greenhouses. Annually, the Nursery ships out over 8 million seedlings for reforestation in the Pacific Northwest. Webster Forest 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 the forest seedlings produced at Webster Forest Nursery. Annual seedling inventories include over one 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. Candidates without experience who are motivated to learn how to operate a forklift are encouraged to apply. 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.

Compensation

Warehouse Operator 1
Recruitment #2025-10-6324
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent 12/01/2025 – 05/01/2026
Location: Webster Nursery – Olympia, WA
Salary: $3,317.00 – $3,811.00 Monthly

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.

Application 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.

Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications for the position and the position required, desired, and special requirements.
Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least 3 professional references with current telephone numbers, including your current or most recent supervisor.
Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security number, year of birth, etc.).
Complete all supplemental questions.
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 those communications.
Questions? Please contact Kathryn Minnema at kathryn.minnema@dnr.wa.gov / (360) 480-1954 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.

You can access the full job announcement here.

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