Specialist, Integrated Pest Management

Howard County Public School System • Thomasville, NC

7d

About The Position

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist plays a vital role in maintaining safe, healthy, and welcoming environment. The Integrated Pest Management Specialist is responsible for ensuring safe, healthy, and well-maintained learning environments across the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) by directing the development and implementation of comprehensive pest management strategies for all facilities. This position administers and oversees the IPM program to mitigate risks to students, staff, and the community while ensuring full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) requirements. The IPM Specialist works collaboratively with school administrators, facilities personnel, and contracted vendors to systematically identify potential concerns, address active pest that are present, and implement long-term prevention measures. The Specialist partners closely with the Office of Grounds to establish and maintain consistent processes for identifying, monitoring, and treating weeds and unwanted vegetation using pesticides in accordance with MDA guidelines and best practices. In addition, the position provides technical expertise, training, and guidance to stakeholders on effective and sustainable pest and vegetation management practices. By safeguarding school facilities from pest- and vegetation-related health and safety hazards, the IPM Specialist advances HCPSS’s mission to support excellence in teaching and learning through secure, well-managed environments. This role further upholds the system’s vision by promoting sustainability, wellness, and operational efficiency to ensure that every school remains a safe and supportive setting for students and staff.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent from an accredited institution required.
• Five years of integrated pest mitigation experience which may include inspecting, identifying pests, setting action thresholds, using prevention methods, implementing targeted controls and evaluating results.
• Principles and practices of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), including environmentally responsible methods of control.
• Excellent oral and written communication and human relations skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft office and outlook email.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Federal, state, and local regulations related to pesticide use, safety, and reporting.
• Building systems, grounds maintenance, and environmental conditions that contribute to pest activity.
• Safe handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and equipment used in pest control.
• Record-keeping, documentation, and compliance procedures required in a school setting.
• Ability to develop and implement pest management programs that balance effectiveness, safety, and cost-efficiency for a large organization or school system.
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills for identifying pest issues and determining appropriate control methods.
• Skill in using pest control tools, equipment, and technology safely and effectively.
• Communication and training skills to educate staff and stakeholders on prevention strategies.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple sites, priorities, and service schedules.
• Ability to interpret and apply regulatory requirements to ensure full compliance in all school facilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with administrators, custodial staff, and outside contractors.
• Ability to respond quickly to urgent situations while maintaining thorough and accurate documentation.
• Ability to promote a culture of health, safety, and sustainability aligned with the school system’s mission.
• Physical ability to perform job duties, including lifting, climbing, and working in varied environments (classrooms, kitchens, mechanical rooms, outdoor grounds, or confined spaces).
• Ability to navigate Computerized work order system such as, Asset Essentials to input, monitor, and close out work orders.
• Ability to effectively mediate conflicts among staff members; assist with analyzing problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, implement sustainable practices, and make recommendations in support of the goals of the Department of Facilities, and HCPSS.
• Ability to respond to emergency events 24/7, as required.
• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Prior to any employment offer, the selected candidate will need to provide a copy of their license and consent to a review of their driving record.

Nice To Haves

• Integrated pest management experience in a commercial, institutional or educational setting.
• Experience training staff on pest management protocols.
• Experience in developing and monitoring operating budgets.
• Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) pest control applicator certification in Category VI (right-of-way weed), VII-A (general), VII-B (termite), VII-C (bird), VII-D (rodent), VIII (public health), Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife permit.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement school systems integrated pest policy.
• Oversee the execution of the policy by staff and third-party vendor to ensure compliance with Maryland Department of Agriculture regulations.
• Lead third-party pest control vendor services; review service reports; ensure contractual and regulatory adherence; coordinate service schedules.
• Provide training for staff, custodians, and administrators on pest identification, sanitation, reporting protocols, and IPM principles.
• Develop and Manage IPM budget; track expenditures; prepare reports for school system leadership; evaluate program effectiveness.
• Review contractor monthly inspection results; monitor pest activity trends; verify facility conditions.
• Decide when and type of intervention required based on pest biology, thresholds, and risk levels.
• Conduct independent inspections, weekly, of buildings and grounds to ensure the program goals are achieved.
• Maintain logs of pest sightings, treatments, structural issues, and sanitation deficiencies; ensure accurate data collection and reporting.
• Ensure sanitation, exclusion, and mechanical/physical controls are implemented before chemical methods are utilized.
• Approve pesticide use only when necessary; ensure applications are performed by certified applicators.
• Maintain complete records of postings, pest treated, formulation, applicator, location, and date for every pesticide application. Including Grounds staff.
• Oversee annual notifications to parents and staff about IPM operations and potential pesticide use, both inside and outside school facilities.
• Maintain and update lists for parents, staff, and sensitive populations requiring prior notice before pesticide applications.
• Serve as the central point of contact for parents, staff, administrators, and the public regarding pest-related concerns.
• Collaborate with the management and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) staff to review work order request ensuring work is assigned and addressed in a timely manner by staff or the third-party pest vendor.
• Provide coordination and oversight for emergency response to high-priority pest issues (e.g., removal of bats, snakes, stinging insects).
• Provide on-the-ground coordination for specialty projects such as wildlife removal or specific pest trappings.
• Conduct or support audits to ensure school system adherence to local, state, and federal IPM requirements in accordance with MD. Department of Agriculture.
• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents.
• The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job.
• The employee is further responsible for correcting any IPM-related conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator.

Benefits

• HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.
• Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.
• Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED