Responsibilities:

• The incumbent works in collaboration with the Assistant Nursery Manager to provide efficient and timely production of a targeted quantity of seedlings to meet DNR’s reforestation program.
• Monitors all steps in the production process for seed & seedling health.  Tracks seedling development toward established targets
• Maintains the genetic identity of seedlings during all stages of the production process through accurate inventory, labeling integrity, and seedling quality.
• Engages in crop walks.  Records and shares observations about field and plant conditions with senior-level nursery staff.  
• Judges when to change work priorities as crops, labor availability, cultural conditions, and weather change.  
• Organizes, directs and executes seed care and cleaning activities and stratification in preparation of annual seed sowing. Uses specialized knowledge of conifer seed biology to achieve directed results.  
• Oversees quality control program. Identifies shortfalls and weighs the business need for trees against the quality of the product.  Makes recommendations to change crop specifications to meet these needs.
• Research, analyze, and provide recommendations about new products to test to improve seedling culture and performance.  Makes test applications.  Record and follow up based on observations.  
• Oversees, monitors, and assesses work performed by contract labor staff.  Determines corrective action to ensure work meets quality and performance expectations.  
• Directs the work of assigned staff.  Reviews work for quality and performance expectations.

.Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, horticulture, agriculture, crop sciences, or closely related field AND 2 years work experience in a related field.
  OR an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Supervisory Experience.
• DNR Core Competencies:
  • Personal Accountability
  • Value Others
  • Compassionate Communication
  • Inspire Others
  • Commitment to Excellence

• Required to work in all weather conditions both inside and outside. Requires standing and walking in coolers/freezers and agricultural field settings. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Sowing, packing, inventory, crop care, and weeding require the ability to walk, stand, or sit for long periods of time over an 8-hour shift. Working in and around large equipment requires the ability to effectively communicate in a loud industrial setting. The ability to lift and maneuver up to 50 lbs. (seedling bags, boxes, fertilizer/pesticide containers, equipment) without the aid of equipment. The ability to grasp, grab, pull, and use power/hand tools.
• Occasional travel to seminars, trade and industry meetings, or to observe field seedling performance. Occasional visits to other nurseries to observe other nursery operations.
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. 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. 
• Washington State Public Pesticide Operators license with Agricultural Weeds and Agricultural Pests & Disease endorsements (or the ability to obtain within 5 months of employment).
• Forklift driver certification (or the ability to obtain within 3 months of employment).
• Respirator use and fit testing (after hire).

• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Professional work experience in production agriculture, horticulture, or a nursery.
• Conifer growing experience.
• Previous experience operating large farm equipment – i.e. tractor skills.
• Knowledge and experience working with computer database programs such as Access and Oracle.
• CDL.

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). 
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates that move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email from 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.

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

• 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 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.