Pest Controller

Veterans Health Administration • Oklahoma City, OK

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Pest Controller position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, at the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System in the Environmental Management Service. The role prevents and controls the entry of pests and predators and eradicates infestations throughout the facilities using integrated pest management, a preventative, long-term, low-toxicity approach.

The position identifies and treats a wide range of pests and other grounds-related problems in buildings and outdoor areas. It involves inspecting concealed and difficult-to-access locations, planning treatments using blueprints and construction drawings, coordinating work with environmental and mechanical-system schedules, and minimizing exposure to people, support systems, non-target organisms, and the environment. The Pest Controller selects, measures, mixes, and applies pesticides; maintains chemical inventories, equipment, vehicles, and daily records; and compiles quarterly pest management reports.

The work schedule is full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position requires a valid Oklahoma Commercial Pesticide Applicator License covering Category 7A (General Pest), Category 7B (Structural), Category 3 (Ornamental & Turf), and Category 8 (Public Health). Applicants must be able to perform the work without more than normal supervision. Work occurs indoors and outdoors and can involve physically strenuous tasks, confined or poorly ventilated structural areas, and exposure to pesticides and other chemicals. A pre-employment physical and biannual cholinesterase testing are required.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid Oklahoma Commercial Pesticide Applicator License with Category 7A - General Pest, Category 7B - Structural, Category 3 - Ornamental & Turf, and Category 8 - Public Health.
• Must be able to perform the duties of Pest Controller without more than normal supervision, including identifying common pests, determining appropriate controls, selecting and applying pesticides according to label instructions and safety requirements, using and maintaining pest-control tools and equipment, and properly storing, handling, and disposing of pesticides and containers.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• A pre-employment physical is required.
• Subject to background and security investigation.
• Selected applicants must complete an online onboarding process and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Often lifts and handles materials weighing over 50 pounds and carries chemical solutions and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds for extended periods.
• Must be able to work in cramped or inconvenient spaces and handle equipment in awkward positions; work may require prolonged standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring positions.
• Frequently moves furniture and equipment.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors, including structural areas with limited ventilation or access, and work with chemicals and pesticides that may pose health risks.
• Must undergo biannual cholinesterase testing.
• Education is not required for this job.

Responsibilities

• Identify a wide variety of pests and related problems on campus, including insects, fire ants, mosquitoes, snakes, undesirable animals, weeds, and turf and ornamental plant diseases.
• Inspect and treat pests in buildings and outdoor areas, including crawl spaces, interstitial spaces, shops, electrical closets, and building structures.
• Read and interpret blueprints and construction drawings to inspect areas and plan treatments.
• Coordinate treatments with environmental and mechanical-system schedules and other concerns to minimize or eliminate exposure to people, support systems, non-target organisms, and the environment.
• Select, measure, and mix pesticides and chemicals in appropriate strengths and combinations according to label directions and pest-control guidance.
• Maintain inventories of restricted- and non-restricted-use chemicals.
• Operate and maintain hand and powered pest-control equipment, including spreaders, spray tanks, spray rigs, lifts, and hand tanks.
• Operate motor vehicles and specialized equipment, including tractors, trucks, sedans, backhoes, forklifts, motorized spray equipment, and pest-control vehicles.
• Maintain daily pest management records, including chemicals used, application dates, and insect life-cycle information, and compile records for quarterly reports.
• Mix and apply general- and restricted-use pesticides using prescribed equipment and techniques, including hand sprayers, electric foggers, electric dusters, and hand dusters.
• Perform daily care and maintenance of equipment.
• Store, handle, and dispose of pesticides and containers in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits and eligibility depend on the position and employment status.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed