Nursery Greenhouse Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 3
Recruitment #2021-05-3860
This is a Full-time, Permanent, Represented position.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Resources Division.  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 made significant investments in facilities and equipment, now we would like to make an investment in hiring a new Greenhouse Nursery 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 Argus climate controlled greenhouses and an active research program focused on operational production of forest seedlings.  This position oversees management of the greenhouse program at Webster nursery.

The Greenhouse Nursery Manager is responsible for growing the container seedling crop and supervising the greenhouse program staff.  The incumbent develops priorities for seedling production, coordinates and allocates resources for the sowing, growing, harvesting, packing, and storage of 2 to 4 million seedlings annually.  Previous supervision of employees and greenhouse growing experience is required.  Experience growing conifers is not required, but is highly desired.

Responsibilities:

• All steps of seed care, seed stratification, and seed sowing.
• Successful crop establishment and all cultural steps to grow the container seedling crop.
• Harvesting, packing and storage of greenhouse seedling crop.
• Development of operational research trials to improve growing practices or trial new products.
• Work with DNR Silvicultural Region Staff and contract customers to provide the best stock-type for successful reforestation.
• Personal Accountability.
• Valuing others, creating a positive work environment that allows each employee to teach others through trust, inclusiveness and equity.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree involving major study in agronomy, horticulture, forestry or closely related field of study. OR a two year Associates degree involving a major study in agronomy, horticulture, forestry or closely related field of study AND five years’ experience in a production nursery.
• Supervisory experience.
• Professional experience in a production nursery.
• Ability to lift, carry, and push/pull up to 50 lbs.  Ability to walk and work in rough uneven terrain in all weather conditions.   Ability to communicate in a loud industrial setting.
• A valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates may be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
• Washington State Pesticide Applicator License; Public Operator with categories Agricultural Weeds and Agricultural Insect and Disease (or ability to obtain within 3 months).
• Respirator use and fit testing.
• Forklift driver certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• First aid, CPR, and biohazard training.

Our ideal candidate will also have the qualifications listed below:

• Conifer growing experience.
• Knowledge and experience with computer greenhouse climate control systems such as Argus.
• Ability to speak Spanish.
• Knowledge and experience working with computer database programs such as Access and Oracle.

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 Olympia. For more information on this area visit, http://olympiawa.gov.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, telework (mobile-work) is expected for most office activities. When approved to return, staff are expected to report to their assigned duty station for work activities or may be approved for telework based on DNR’s telework policy.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 
Our mission is to manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs economically and socially for current and future generations. At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. With nearly 1,500 employees in locations throughout Washington, we manage and protect more than 5 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural and aquatic lands.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those 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 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.

How to Apply: 
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.

Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855)524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Application Requirements:

• 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.
• Complete all supplemental questions.

Additional Information:
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.

Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!

Persons needing accommodation during the screening process or this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff at (360) 522-2500 or (360) 522-0143 or by email at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.  Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) at 1-800-833-6388 or www.washingtonrelay.com.

DNR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind.

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Questions?  Please contact Kila Benge at (360) 902-1274, Kila.Benge@dnr.wa.gov  or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov