Pest Controller

The position is located under the Environmental Management Service (EMS) /Pest Control Section, under the Chief of Environmental Management Service (EMS). Incumbent is responsible for the complete facility integrated pest control program for the San Diego Veterans Affairs Health Care System, completes all pest management activities independently and will be licensed through the state of California.

The major duties include but are not limited to: Identifies, controls and prevents infestation of common household, structural, public health, nuisance and plant pests; Designs and maintains all program plans and records, ongoing surveillance and troubleshooting and determines which pest control measures are needed without Supervisory guidance; Applies in-depth knowledge of pest species and is to be skilled in the safe handling, mixing, application and disposal of pesticides requirements within integrated pest management program; Uses equipment such as wrenches, pliers, screw drivers and similar hand tools to provide operator maintenance of application equipment; Changes nozzles, valves and hoses and adjusts and calibrates nozzle settings, lubricate motors, pumps and agitators; Determines approaches, methods and courses of action such as whether to utilize chemical or physical methods in controlling a pest infestation; Plans all work required, review and act upon complaints received; documents treatment provided and identify developing pest trends; Develops inspection, survey and treatment schedules and selects proper materials and equipment; Selects mixes and applies restricted and general/ready-to-use pesticides necessary to control identified pests; Provides all interior and exterior pesticide treatment, selects and sets various types of baits and traps to control insects, invertebrate, vertebrate and weed pests; Completes required reports and records to meet all regulatory agency requirements; Follows all Federal, state, local and medical center directives that are pertinent to an effective Integrated Pest Management Program; Contacts regulators, waste management firms, recyclers and product buyers to compile information to establish or change waste management and recycling programs as needed to conform to current regulations and/or market trends; Uses broad knowledge of pesticide toxicity, chemical solutions and baits and possesses in depth knowledge of the physical characteristics, lifestyles and feeding habits of a wide variety of pests; and, Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 07:00am-3:30pm, Wednesday 12:00pm-8:30pm Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Applicable Position Description Title/PD#: Pest Controller/PD09909A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized PHYSICAL EFFORT: The person in the position is required to often lift, and handle materials weighing over 23 kilograms (50 pounds) and carry chemical solutions and equipment weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) for extended periods. May work in cramped and inconvenient surroundings requiring manipulation of equipment in awkward positions for prolonged periods. Work requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions for extended periods.

May also be asked to move furniture and equipment as well as various carpentry and masonry tools. May be required to move regulated medical waste containers that weight up to 75 pounds. Must be medically qualified to wear a respirator.

WORK CONDITIONS: Work is accomplished both inside and outside. When working outside, incumbent may be exposed to hot sun for extended periods of time and occasionally to severe weather. Outside work may be done under hot and dusty conditions for extended periods.

Inside work is often accomplished in structural areas with minimum ventilation and/or limited access. May mix substances and apply 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.

May be exposed to poisonous insects, reptiles and plants and to wild and rabid animals.