Pest Control And Spray Specialist

Join the vibrant community at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)! Located just three miles from the Pacific Ocean, CSULB offers an inspiring workplace and an exceptional Southern California lifestyle. Our 322-acre campus—one of the largest in the CSU system—serves more than 42,000 students and is known for its commitment to student success, innovation, and impactful academic and research initiatives.

About the role

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Grounds and Landscape Services and/or his designee, determines the need for and conducts operations related to the application of horticultural and pest control treatments to campus grounds and landscape and oversees maintenance, modification, and replacements of the university irrigation systems.

Responsibilities

• Determines the needs for and conducts operations related to the application of horticultural and pest control treatments to campus grounds and landscape.
• Responsible for the input and tracking of labor of pest services into FAMIS software.
• Responds to customer calls for work orders.
• Coordinates schedules of chemical treatments with various leads and campus departments.
• Dispenses herbicides and trains employees on the safe and effective means for application of chemicals and herbicides.
• Maintains chemical use records and completes monthly reports of usage and applications of chemicals to the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).
• Oversees maintenance, modification, and replacement of university irrigation systems.
• Identifies plant diseases, pest infestations, and weed conditions; selects appropriate treatment methods.
• Applies chemicals in accordance with established schedules, environmental conditions, and all applicable county, state, federal, and university regulations.
• Maintains and operates specialized spray equipment.
• Manages chemical inventories and storage, supervises the use of restricted-use pesticides.
• Ensures accurate recordkeeping and reporting to regulatory agencies.
• Trains staff in the safe and effective use of pesticides.
• Assists with a wide range of grounds maintenance activities, including planting, pruning, irrigation repairs, turf maintenance, landscape renovations, and tree installation and removal.
• Operates landscape equipment, vehicles, and computerized work order systems.
• Accurately tracks labor, inspections, and operational data.
• Supports campus events, emergencies, and special projects.
• Communicates with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
• Follows all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.
• Contributes to a positive university experience for each and every student and assists in achieving the university’s commitment to a "vision of excellence."

Requirements

• Equivalent to a high school diploma.
• Two years of experience in the care and maintenance of landscaped areas or general grounds, with one year in specialized pest and/or spray control work.
• Valid California Driver’s License.
• Possession of the appropriate State of California license to perform pest control work.
• Qualified Applicator License of pesticides issued by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR).
• Preferred certifications: Category A - Residential, Industrial, and Institutional; Category B - Landscape Maintenance; Category F – Aquatics.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of integrated pest management, landscape maintenance, irrigation operations, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience overseeing chemical application programs in a large and complex landscape environment.
• Ability to coordinate and schedule irrigation specialists and work closely with management and grounds staff.
• Skill in identifying plant diseases, pest infestations, and weed conditions.
• Ability to select appropriate treatment methods and apply chemicals in accordance with regulations.
• Proficiency in operating specialized spray equipment and managing chemical inventories and storage.
• Strong recordkeeping and reporting skills for regulatory compliance.
• Ability to train staff in the safe and effective use of pesticides.
• Experience with planting, pruning, irrigation repairs, turf maintenance, landscape renovations, and tree installation and removal.
• Proficiency in operating landscape equipment, vehicles, and computerized work order systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

At California State University (CSU), we prioritize the health, growth, and success of our employees. Our benefits program reflects our commitment to your overall well-being. To be eligible for full benefits, employees must be appointed at least half-time (0.50 FTE) with an appointment lasting more than six months and one day. Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on appointment type, classification, and applicable collective bargaining agreement.

• Paid Time Off: Up to 24 vacation days per year (based on employee group and/or length of service), 14 paid holidays, and 12 sick days annually with unlimited accrual.
• Health Coverage: A variety of medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Retirement Plans: Participation in the CalPERS defined benefit plan, along with voluntary savings options such as 403(b), 401(k), and 457 plans.
• Educational Benefits: Tuition fee waiver programs for eligible employees; dependent eligibility varies by employee group and bargaining unit.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.
• Additional Benefits: Wellness programs, professional development opportunities, and insurance options including life, disability, and pet insurance.

Candidates are encouraged to review the appropriate CSU Employee Benefits Summary for details specific to their position. Additionally, the CSU Total Compensation Calculator is available to help prospective employees understand the full value of the CSU benefits package and how it complements base salary.

Pay

Salary placement is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department’s fiscal resources. The CSU Classification Salary Range for this position is $3,596 (Step 1) - $5,035 (Step 18) per month.

Schedule

• 1.0 time-base, 40 hours per week.
• This is a temporary position for 1 year with no permanent status granted. Temporary assignments may expire prior to the ending date.

CSULB is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas). A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment.