Assistant Greenhouse Manager, Natural Resource Specialist 2
Recruitment #2022-10-6962
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Webster Nursery- Olympia, WA
Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
The need for trees for reforestation efforts has never been higher on a global scale. Webster Forest Nursery is in need of some talented employees to help produce trees for reforestation efforts across the Pacific Northwest. This is your opportunity to be part of a great tradition and help us to reach 1 billion seedlings and beyond.
Join the Department of Natural Resources as an Assistant Greenhouse Manager at Webster Forest Nursery. The Nursery was established in 1957 and consists of 150 acres of bareroot production, 75,000 sq. feet of greenhouses, and an active research program focused on operational production of native forest seedlings.
The Assistant Greenhouse Manager works directly with and reports to the Greenhouse Manager. The position performs a variety of duties related to the crop care of over 1.5 million containerized seedlings grown for transplant and outplant. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, horticulture, agriculture, crop sciences, or closely related field. Attention to detail, ability to operate in a fast-paced production environment, as well as, maintaining a safe working environment are essential to this position. This position is for individuals who enjoy being active while working in all types of weather conditions.
Responsibilities:
Works in collaboration with the Greenhouse Manager to provide efficient and timely production of targeted quantity of seedlings to meet DNR’s reforestation program.
- Monitors container seedlings for disease and insect infestations. Diagnoses anomalies in seedling crops. Consults with Greenhouse Manager and Nursery Scientist and makes recommendations for treatment.
- Performs chemical applications. Tracks and reviews applied treatments. Uses professional knowledge to determine the efficacy of an application and plan follow up treatments.
- Identifies, organizes, and directs seed care and cleaning activities and stratification in preparation of annual seed sowing. Uses specialized knowledge of conifer seed biology to achieve directed results.
- Organizes, directs, and executes work for crop establishment. Judges when to change work priorities as crops and cultural conditions change.
- Organizes, directs, and executes greenhouse harvesting and packing activities.
- Creates and maintains preventative maintenance program for unique greenhouse facilities and equipment.
- Works unsupervised on weekends to oversee both bareroot and greenhouse crop needs such as irrigation, fertilization, and chemical applications.
- In the absence of the Greenhouse Manager makes crop critical decisions for all greenhouse seedling crops regarding irrigation, fertilizer and climate control based on knowledge of plant physiology, water relations, and plant nutrient levels.
- Maintains genetic identity of seedlings during all stages of the production process through accurate inventory, labeling integrity, and seedling quality.
- Oversees, monitors, and assesses work performed by contract labor staff. Determines corrective action to assure work meets quality and performance expectations.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, horticulture, agriculture or closely related field.
- OR the Equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Need to have reliable and punctual work attendance.
- Washington State Public Pesticide Operators license with Agricultural Weeds and Agricultural Pests & Disease endorsements (or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment).
- Forklift driver certification (or the ability to obtain within 3 months of employment).
- Ability to pass Respirator use and fit testing (after hire)
- DNR Core Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Value Others
- Compassionate Communication
- Inspire Others
- Commitment to Excellence
Conditions of Employment:
- 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 will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.
- Required to work in all weather conditions both inside and outside the greenhouses. Requires standing and walking in coolers/freezers and agricultural field settings. Must be able to walk on rough, uneven terrain in all weather conditions. Greenhouse benches are at waist height and require walking sideways and the ability to step over pipe rails located two feet above the ground frequently. Sowing, packing, inventory, crop care, weeding, and thinning require the ability to stand or sit for long periods of time over an 8-hour shift. Working in and around large greenhouse equipment requires the ability to effectively communicate in a loud industrial setting. The ability to lift and move up to 50 lbs. without the aid of equipment.
- Occasional travel to seminars, trade and industry meetings, or to observe field seedling performance. Occasional visits to other nurseries to observe outside contract-grown seedlings or other nursery operations.
- Employees of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. This position is based in an office/fieldwork setting and requires in-person attendance/interactions with no option for full-time telework. Please note that any offer of employment is contingent upon you providing verification of your vaccine status. No start date will be approved until you verify your status.
Desired Qualifications:
- Ability to speak Spanish.
- Professional experience in a production nursery.
- Supervisory Experience.
- Conifer growing experience.
- Knowledge and experience with computer greenhouse climate control systems.
- Knowledge and experience working with computer database programs such as Access and Oracle.
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. 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.
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.
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
- 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.
Application Requirements:
- To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov. You must complete the entire online application to be considered for the position.
- 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!
The 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 of 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.
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.
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Questions? Please contact Jacob Witcraft at jacob.witcraft@dnr.wa.gov, (360) 480-9075 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
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.