Natural Resource Specialist – Bareroot Crop Advisor in Olympia, WA 98512

Washington Department of Natural Resources

Bareroot Crop Advisor, Natural Resource Specialist 3Recruitment #2023-10-A185Full-time, Permanent, Represented positionLocation: Olympia, WASalary: $4,723.00 – $6,349.00 Monthly
Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/16/23. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.
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 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.
Webster Forest Nursery, established in 1957 on the current site, produces trees for state trust lands across all six regions of the DNR as well as large and small private landowners. The nursery consists of 150 acres of tillable land, 75,000 square feet of climate-controlled greenhouses, and an active research program focused on the operational production of native forest seedlings.
The Bareroot Crop Advisor 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. This position reports to the Assistant Nursery Manager. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in forestry, horticulture, agriculture, crop sciences, or a closely related field. 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. This job is for someone who enjoys being outdoors in all weather and active throughout their workday.
Responsibilities:

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

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree involving major study in forestry, horticulture, agriculture, crop sciences, or closely related field AND 2 years work experience in a related field.

OR an equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Supervisory Experience.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $56,676.00 – $76,188.00 per year
Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

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