What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seed Plant Worker, Natural Resource Worker 2 (NRW2) position at State of Washington Dept. of Natural Resources?
Description
Seed Plant Worker, Natural Resource Worker 2 (NRW2)
Recruitment #2026-7-8424
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent Employment is August - November 2026
Location: Olympia, WA
Salary: $3,327.00 - $4,406.00 MonthlyRecruitment #2026-7-8424
Full-time, Non-permanent, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Non-permanent Employment is August - November 2026
Location: Olympia, WA
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 Natural Resource Worker 2.
This position supports DNR’s Seed Program, which ensures that genetically appropriate seed is available for reforestation, helping to maintain healthy and productive forests. The primary responsibility is performing semi-skilled natural resource-related labor in support of seed plant operations, both at the facility and in forested locations statewide.
Duties
Responsibilities:
- Assists foresters with technical cone collection activities, including driving to remote temporary cone storage locations, tallying cone quantities from different collection locations, completing inventory paperwork, and hauling cones from statewide locations to the Tumwater seed plant. These tasks require the ability to perform physically repetitive labor that often involves lifting hundreds of 50-pound cone sacks per day, accurately count and document collected information under often monotonous conditions, and to understand and clearly communicate logistical information in English under difficult conditions.
- Assists foresters and technicians in cone inventory management and seed processing activities, including inspections to verify quantities and condition and cone turning to facilitate drying, operation of seed extraction equipment to remove seed from cones, and operation of seed cleaning equipment to separate filled seed from empty seed and other debris. These tasks require the ability to perform close, tedious work with good manual dexterity, to safely operate industrial seed extraction and cleaning equipment, and to safely lift and move large quantities of barrels weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Drives pickups, stake sides, and forklifts; pulls haul trailers and operates small power equipment to transport cones and supplies, prepare cones for extraction, and complete landscape maintenance activities. Tasks include independently driving long distances, safely operating vehicles on forest roads, assisting with facilities projects, performing mowing and trimming, and completing forklift and trailer certification as a central function of the job. Duties may necessitate overnight stays for multiple nights a week and may include some overtime while traveling or receiving cones.
- Works well and communicates clearly with others in a small program, demonstrates reliable and punctual attendance, and performs precise work. Good time management skills and ability to perform tasks independently with oversight from management.
Qualifications
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.
- Capable of performing physical labor, including repetitive procedures.
- Capable of accurately counting and documenting information independently in remote settings.
- Capability to perform close, tedious work requiring good manual dexterity.
- Capability to use seed extraction & cleaning equipment, as well as hand and power tools, safely & efficiently.
- Capability to independently drive long distances and operate trucks on forest roads safely & efficiently.
- English language proficiency & capability to understand and communicate information clearly.
- Physically capable of lifting & moving items up to 50 lbs. without the aid of equipment.
Required Competencies:
- Must work well with others.
- Reliability, good attendance, and punctuality.
- Must be able to concentrate on tasks.
- 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 requests are followed.
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DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others Commitment to Excellence
- Work setting: 45% field/outdoor (cone collection), 45% industrial (cone/seed processing), and 10% office.
- Extensive travel may be required during cone collection August-October and may be more than 1-2 nights a week.
- 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.
These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.
- High School diploma or GED.
- Experience using power tools and hand tools.
- Training or experience with forestry work.
- Experience with forklifts and/or pulling a trailer.
Supplemental 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.
- Online Application: Apply at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
- Cover Letter: Your cover letter should be tailored to this job posting. Be sure to highlight your qualifications for this role, directly address the requirements of the position, and explain why you’re the best candidate for the job.
- Resume: Your resume should consist of your work history, education, volunteer work, life skills, experience, and any other relevant information associated with the position.
- References: References are optional at the time your application is submitted. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three (3) professional references, to include a current or most recent supervisor, along with telephone numbers.
- Complete All Supplemental Questions: Answers to these questions will be used to evaluate candidates. Please provide comprehensive answers to all questions requiring a text response.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (Social Security Number, year of birth, etc.).
- Email Communication: 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 these communications.
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.
About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
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.
Our Vision – Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.
Our Mission – Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Our Core Values:
- 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 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.
- This recruitment may be extended and used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
- DNR does not use E-Verify; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM-Optional Practice Training (OPT). For information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
- Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference, please attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or a USDVA signed verification of service letter. Please black out all PII (personally identifiable information) data, such as Social Security numbers. We thank you and are grateful for your service!
- Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.
- 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 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.
Salary : $3,327 - $4,406