Forest Nursery Manager, Bareroot

Description

Bareroot Crop Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 3 (NRS3)
Recruitment #2026-7-A185
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position (WFSE)
Location: Olympia, WA
Salary: $5,111.00 - $6,870.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 7/23/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has an exciting opportunity within our Forest Resources Division as a Bareroot Crop Manager.

The Bareroot Crop Manager is a senior member of the Webster Nursery grow team. This position performs a variety of crop care duties during all stages of seedling production for 10 to 15 million trees annually. This position reports to the Assistant Nursery Manager. The ideal candidate has previous professional work experience in large-scale commercial production of agricultural and/or horticultural products. Attention to detail is essential in our fast-paced production setting. Safety is critical to protect people, the seedling crop, equipment, and facilities. This position is for individuals who appreciate the challenges and rewards of large-scale plant production, enjoy being outdoors in all types of weather, and are active throughout their workday.

Responsibilities:

• The incumbent works in collaboration with the Assistant Nursery Manager to provide efficient and timely production of targeted quantities 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 genetic identity of seedlings during all stages of the production process through accurate inventory, labelling 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 such as crops, labor availability, cultural conditions, and weather change.
• Organizes, directs, and executes seed care and cleaning activities and stratification in preparation for 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.
• Researches, analyzes, and provides recommendations about new products to test to improve seedling culture and performance. Makes test applications. Records and follows up based on observations.
• Oversees, monitors, and assesses work performed by contract labor staff. Determines corrective action to assure work meets quality and performance expectations.
• Directs the work of assigned staff. Reviews work for quality and performance expectations.

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. It is important that you clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, horticulture, agriculture, crop sciences, or a closely related field AND 2 years of work experience in a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and Teams.
• Supervisory experience.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $5,111 - $6,870