Plant Worker

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 Monthly 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. 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 Monthly 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. DNR Core Competencies: Personal Accountability Value Others Compassionate Communication Inspire Others Commitment to Excellence Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment: 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. 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. 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. At DNR, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to hiring the best candidate for the job. Don’t let doubts stop you from applying for this position. If you have any questions about the qualifications, please email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Supplemental Information #J-18808-Ljbffr