What are the responsibilities and job description for the Nursery Scientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3) position at State of Washington Dept. of Natural Resources?
Description
Nursery Scientist, Natural Resource Scientist 3 (NRSci3)
Recruitment #2025-3-7185
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Webster Forest Nursery - Olympia, WA.
Salary: $5,643.00 - $7,589.00 MonthlyRecruitment #2025-3-7185
Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
Location: Webster Forest Nursery - 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 Nursery Scientist.
Are you interested in a career helping reforest the Pacific Northwest? The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a Nursery Scientist. The Nursery Scientist is the lead forest seedling scientist for the Forest Resources Division which requires utilization of ingenuity to develop research methods and procedures where precedents are limited to advise the Nursery Program Manager, Assistant Nursery Manager, Greenhouse Manager, and Division and Region reforestation staff. The position also provides technical assistance to private, state, and federal nurseries across the Pacific Northwest. The position regularly develops original research questions, methods, and techniques to answer the operational questions of both Webster Nursery and outside nurseries. This position requires ingenuity in the application of techniques to solve previously unaddressed challenges in the forest nursery industry. As one of the few major research project leaders in the PNW region, the reforestation community relies on this position to move the industry forward. Research results are regularly published in peer reviewed publications and presented at conferences and meetings. Webster Forest Nursery supports reforestation efforts across the Pacific Northwest by providing high quality forest seedlings to public and private land managers. Webster Nursery is made up of staff who are passionate about their work and we are looking for a new team member who will share that passion as they continue to develop their skills and abilities.
Duties
Responsibilities:
- Develop and research novel techniques and methods to solve complex nursery production problems.
- Application of techniques to solve previously unaddressed challenges in the forest nursery industry.
- Consultative services to Nursery Program Manager, Greenhouse Nursery Manager, Assistant Nursery Program Manager, Seed Center, Region Reforestation Programs, Forest Health, and other agency programs conducting seedling or reforestation projects.
- Leader for regional and national cooperative forest nursery research projects.
- Regional leader in nursery technical assistance for non-DNR facilities.
- Introduction of new technologies to increase seedling production efficiencies.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
-
Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Horticulture or closely related field of study,
AND five years of professional research work experience in closely related field of specialty;
OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. - Ability to logically draw valid conclusions and appropriate recommendations.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- 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
-
A major portion of the work is performed at a computer; however, it also requires
standing and walking in cooler/freezers and agricultural settings. In addition to
working around large farm equipment, it requires the ability to effectively communicate
in loud industrial settings. Ability to work in production nursery settings including:- Ability to work in outdoor field and weather conditions.
- Ability to work in fields and greenhouses that have been treated with pesticides.
- Ability to apply pesticides in research installations.
-
Travel is minimal, but some travel to other nurseries, customer reforestation site visits
and conferences are necessary. - Must obtain a Pesticides Applicator’s License.
- Ability to speak Spanish.
-
Knowledge and experience working with statistical analysis and database management software
including MS Access, Oracle, R, SAS, ArcGIS, etc.
Supplemental Information
Application Requirements:
- Apply online: at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above).
- Letter of interest: describing your specific qualifications to the position and position required, desired, and special requirements.
- Resume: that details your experience and qualifications.
- References: at least three professional references with current telephone numbers– you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include it with your resume.
- Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
- Complete all supplemental questions.
- 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 those 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 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.
This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
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 it. 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 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.
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.
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Salary : $5,643 - $7,589
