Pest Controller

This position is located within the Environmental Management Service at the Huntington VA Medical Center. The Pest Controller position is responsible for a complete facility pest control program for the Huntington VA Medical Center, outlying buildings, and surrounding grounds coordinating and scheduling the assistance of two lower graded Pest Control Workers.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/20/2025. Preferred Experience: Must have a working knowledge to be able to identity a wide variety of pests found in this subtropical area. Must know the habits, physical characteristics and their stages, be able to recognize when chemicals and treatment methods must be changed to control same. The Pest Controller must have the skill and technical knowledge to recognize conditions relative to pest infestations and detecting concealed infestations in such areas as within building partitions, packaged items and in soil around grounds adjacent to buildings. The Pest Controller must select pesticides for specific conditions and results desired. For example, The Pest controller must select pesticides according to the areas to be treated such as food handling and eating must be treated differently than patient areas and other areas of the hospital. Applications of pesticides must be accomplished by incumbent to achieve desired results. Pest Controller must be able to formulate standard pesticides according to exact directions and may be required to dilute levels or combine pesticides in the same medium to control several types of insects with the same application Keeps daily pest management records showing what chemicals are used, when applied, life cycle of insect, etc. and compile them for quarterly report. Mixes and applies both general and restricted-use pesticides. Treatments are accomplished utilizing hand sprayers, electric foggers, electric dusters, hand dusters and other techniques as prescribed. Performs daily care of equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned. Operate a Government vehicle to drive to off site locations. Selective Placement Factor: The Pest Controller must obtain and keep licenses as required by the State regulations of assigned areas within 6 months of starting the position. Must maintain the licenses by completing the required state(s) yearly credit hours. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Environmental Engineering Materials Oral Communication Pest Control Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: The Pest Controller often lifts and handles materials weighing over 50 pounds and carries chemical solutions and equipment weighing up to forty (40) pounds for extended periods. He occasionally works in cramped and inconvenient surroundings requiring manipulation of equipment in awkward positions for prolonged periods. Work frequently requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions for extended periods. He may move furniture and equipment and operate high impact pneumatic hammers as well as various carpentry and masonry tools. Working Conditions: The work is accomplished both inside and outside. When working outside, pest control workers are often exposed to hot sun for extended periods of time and occasionally to bad weather. Outside work may be done in marsh areas or under hot and dusty conditions for extended periods. Inside work is often accomplished in structural areas with minimum ventilation and/or limited access. The Pest Controller mixes substances and applies pesticides while wearing respirators, gloves, and other personal protective equipment designed to nullify the risk of exposure to toxic dust and sprays, which might damage their health. Damage to health may occur if appropriate safety procedures are not followed. Discomfort may be experienced while wearing protective clothing, respirators, goggles, or face masks for extended periods of time.