Equipment Operator, Forest Nursery Technician

Equipment Operator, Forest Nursery Technician
Full-time, Career Seasonal, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Seasonal employment is 6 – 9 months annually
Location: Webster Forest Nursery – Olympia, WA
Salary: $3,738.00 – $4,980.00 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 Nursery Equipment Operator. 

Webster Forest Nursery was established in 1957 and has shipped over 900 million seedlings for reforestation in the Pacific Northwest. During the past 10 years, we have made significant investments in facilities and equipment; now we would like to make an investment in hiring new Nursery Equipment Operators. This is your opportunity to be a part of a great tradition and help us reach 1 billion seedlings and beyond.

Webster Nursery has 150 acres of tillable fields, 75,000 square feet of Argus climate-controlled greenhouses, and an active research program focused on operational production of forest seedlings. We are looking for talented equipment operators to safely and efficiently operate our fleet of 120 hp John Deere tractors and numerous seedling nursery implements in bareroot field production. 

The ideal candidate will have previous experience operating large equipment in an agricultural, horticultural, farming, mining, logging, warehouse, and/or construction setting. An equipment skills test will be administered as part of the interview process.

Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be engaged in seasonal activities necessary to produce 10-12 million tree seedlings annually for reforestation efforts. This position will actively participate in;

• Field operations: lifting and transplanting, mowing, and grounds upkeep (hedge trimming, weed-eating, fence maintenance, etc.).
• Operating tractors, backhoes, front loaders, haul trailers, and forklifts.
• Field irrigation pipe layout.
• Repair and maintenance of irrigation systems.

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. 

• Experience with the operation of large farm equipment such as tractors, mowers, haul trailers, bulldozers, backhoes, etc.
• Experience reading and interpreting site maps, plant labels, and understanding verbal instructions. Write/fill-in reports, labels, and tags with numbers and letters.
• One year of experience operating electric and/or propane forklifts in a production setting such as a loading dock, warehouse, or agricultural facility.

Required Competencies: 

• Punctual and reliable 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:

• Work is primarily outdoors in all weather conditions (wind, rain, cold, heat) in an agricultural setting. Must be able to work in coolers/freezers and frequent temperature changes between production areas and outdoor weather conditions. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Must have the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 50 pounds (seedling bags, fertilizer/pesticide containers, and heavy equipment parts) without the aid of equipment. Work is performed around large equipment; must be able to perform sustained equipment operation for long periods of time. Working in and around large warehouse and farming equipment requires the ability to effectively communicate in a loud industrial setting. 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. Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crawl, step over greenhouse rails, and climb on and off equipment. The ability to grasp, grab, pull, and use power/hand tools.
• Minimal travel is required. Mostly to attend offsite training or visit other facilities for technology exchange.
• A current, valid driver’s license and two years of driving experience. Additionally, DNR requires state drivers to possess a license that is not suspended, revoked, or restricted (for example, Occupational/Restricted Driver Licenses or requiring ignition interlock devices). This position requires driving as an essential function. 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.

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.

• Knowledge and experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, and/or database systems (Access or Oracle).
• Ability to speak Spanish.