Pest Controller

Full Job Description

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 New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System, completes all pest management activities independently and will be licensed through the state of New Mexico.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

LICENSURE REQUIREMENT: Per VA Directive 1850.02, Pest Control Operations, Chapter 5, all Pest Management Programs, VHA or commercial, must be licensed by the state and local municipalities where the work is being performed.

You must possess a New Mexico state license in the following areas: public health, structural, and ornamental insect and disease control.

(COPY OF CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: If you do not submit a copy of your certification, your application may not be reviewed.) EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position.

Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume.

Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.

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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices 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.

Major Duties:

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: Tour of Duty to be Determined Compressed/Flexible Schedule: Not Applicable Position Description Title/PD#: Pest Controller/PD00078O 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.