Seed Orchard Development Forester

Seed Orchard Development Forester, Natural Resource Specialist 2 (NRS2)
Full-time, Project, Represented position (WPEA)
Anticipated Project is October 2025 – June 2027
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,299.00 – $5,782.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/11/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?
Want to support reforestation in Washington? The Washington Department of Natural Resources is looking for a Seed Orchard Development Forester. Seed orchards are blocks of trees, similar to fruit orchards, that are managed to produce seed that is sent to our nursery to grow tree seedlings. This is part of the team that is responsible for new orchard development, orchard restoration, and improving orchard management practices. In this role, you will learn horticultural skills and tree biology as well as get practical experience with agricultural equipment like tractors and irrigation systems. While our main facility is in the Olympia area, we also manage sites around the state, so you’ll get to travel and see different forest types.

Responsibilities:

• Lay out and establish new orchard sites
• Restore older orchard sites, including inventory and thinning
• Monitors orchard conditions
• Evaluate orchard cultural practices to find improved techniques

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, or a closely related field;
  OR equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of forest stand establishment practices, including site preparation, planting and vegetation management.
• Knowledge of tree maintenance and horticultural care.
• Experience navigating in unfamiliar remote areas using maps, photos, GPS, or other navigational aids.
• Experience using computers and common software applications, such as MS Word and Excel, and ideally MS Access.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.