Pest Controller

This position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - at the Salt Lake City Healthcare (VISN 19) VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Salt Lake City, UT, within the Environmental Management Service.

About the role

The primary purpose of this position is to prevent and control the entrance of pests and predators and eradicate infestations within all facilities. Integrated Pest Management is a preventative, long-term, low-toxicity means of controlling pests.

Qualifications

This position includes two Selective Placement Factors (SPF), which are prerequisites for appointment and represent minimum requirements. Applicants who do not meet these factors are ineligible for further consideration:

• Possess a current Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate
• Possess a valid driver's license to operate a GSA vehicle

Applicants will be rated based on the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications using the job element method. Your knowledge, skills, and abilities will be compared against the following job elements for assessment:

• Dexterity and Safety
• Interpret Instructions - Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
• Materials
• Measuring Instruments
• Technical Practices
• Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Without more than normal supervision

A full year of work is considered 35-40 hours per week. Experience must include month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited based on actual hours worked. Experience includes paid and unpaid work, such as volunteer experience through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) or other organizations.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and carry out a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Program
• Plan work required, review and act upon complaints received
• Select, mix, and apply restricted and general-use pesticides necessary for treatment
• Conduct inspections of buildings and grounds
• Develop survey and treatment schedules for areas and select materials and equipment to apply insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, germicides, etc.
• Interpret building plans and blueprints to locate and avoid structural supports, electrical wiring, ventilation ducts, etc.
• Collect and identify common pests including ants, flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, mice, rats, and birds
• Identify seasonal pests such as mites, fleas, ticks, lawn/garden pests, and termites
• Utilize suitable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) control methods to reduce and control hazards to public health, stored products, structures, and vegetation
• Locate and identify pests in stored products and determine the appropriate pesticide toxicity
• Maintain data on infestations, type of treatment applied, results achieved, and conditions encouraging infestation
• Coordinate work with the Infection Control Nurse and other Medical Center staff
• Make pest control troubleshooting inspections and recommendations
• Complete required reports and records to meet all regulatory agency requirements
• Provide exterior treatment for insect or invertebrate infestations at all campus buildings monthly

Physical Effort and Work Conditions

• Lift and handle materials weighing over 50 pounds and carry chemical solutions weighing up to 40 pounds for extended periods
• Work in cramped and uncomfortable positions, including frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in uncomfortable conditions
• Move furniture and equipment as part of the treatment process
• Work indoors or outdoors, encountering heat, cold, dust, dirt, mud, unpleasant odors, and areas with minimal ventilation or limited access
• Wear necessary safety equipment (e.g., respirators, gloves, and other personal protective devices) during all applications
• May be on call 24 hours a day for emergencies to prevent loss of service or delay in patient care
• Travel to remote VA sites for inspections and evaluations

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM