Integrated Pest Management Specialist

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18^th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.  

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

About the Position

The IPM Specialist develops, leads, and implements a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Plant Health Care (PHC) program for all properties managed by the Landscape and Horticulture Department. The program integrates chemical and biological controls—including beneficial insects, natural predators, parasitoids, and trapping—with an emphasis on preventative, low-toxicity methods. The Specialist performs pesticide applications, ensures the safe and lawful use of pesticides by staff, and provides training and re-certification for Registered Technicians and Certified Pesticide Applicators in compliance with Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) regulations.

Main Duties:

•  Stay current with regulations, research, and best practices from the EPA, VDACS, USDA,Department of Conservation, CDC, and OSHA to effectively manage and treat companylandscapes, retention ponds, and buffer areas. Monitor emerging ornamental pests, diseases,invasive species, and other plant health threats.
•  Supervise all pesticide and chemical applications performed by landscape and horticulturestaff and contractors, ensuring proper material selection, safety, recordkeeping, andcompletion of work. Coordinate treatment activities with horticulture leads, certifiedarborists, department managers, and other teams as needed.
•  Inspect and survey trees, shrubs, gardens, aquatics, native areas, and nursery stock for signsof pests or disease. Develop and implement prevention and treatment protocols thatprioritize least-toxic, science-based methods in accordance with OSHA, VDACS, and EPAstandards.
•  Apply pesticides independently or with staff to ensure safe and effective chemical use.Provide and coordinate training for personnel to obtain and maintain required CommercialPesticide Applicator and Registered Technician certifications.
•  Order, distribute, and oversee the safe storage and disposal of pest management materials.Maintain accurate records of pesticide applications, inventory, Safety Data Sheets, andpersonnel certifications in compliance with VDACS requirements.
•  Represent the organization and the Landscape and Horticulture Department at professionalconferences, training sessions, and educational forums. Deliver presentations and adviseinternal departments and contractors on integrated pest management practices.
•  Serve on safety committees and lead biosecurity initiatives, including monitoring andresponse to issues such as Boxwood Blight and other USDA-regulated concerns.
•  Operate and perform routine maintenance on hand-operated and portable spray equipment.
•  Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education and Experience:

•  Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent education, experience and training in Horticulture,Plant Science, Urban Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Landscape Management, Turf-science, or related field.
•  Four years' experience in integrated pest care, or related field.
•  Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Sciences Commercial Pesticide ApplicatorCertification in Categories 3A & 3B or ability to obtain by reciprocity from another statewithin 30 days of hire date.
•  Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license and have an acceptabledriving record based on The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s criteria.

• Must be able to provide a 5-year Motor Vehicle Record prior to employment
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• May not have more than 1 moving violation or at fault accident within 12 months
• May not have more than 2 moving violations or at fault accidents within 36 months
• May not have any serious motor vehicle violations including but not limited toexcessive speeding, reckless driving, DUI/DWI, suspended or revoked license, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Master’s degree or equivalent education, experience and training in Horticulture, PlantScience, Urban Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Landscape Management, Turf-science, orrelated field.
•  Six years' experience in integrated pest care, or related field.
•  Experience as a horticulturist, entomologist, or plant pathologist at a comparable largeinstitution where Integrated Pest Management is taught and is practiced.
•  In-depth knowledge of plant pests and diseases, and control measures on herbaceous andwoody ornamentals, vegetable crops, and turf.
•  Familiarity with plants in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Key Skills / Competencies:
•  Good communications skills, both oral and written, and excellent organizational skills.
•  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.Ability to collaborate with others.
•  Knowledge of recordkeeping, inventory management, and safety procedures related tochemical and pesticide use.
•  Strong analytical and decision-making skills for developing science-based prevention andtreatment strategies.
•  Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a dynamic outdoor environment.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

•  Must be able to walk, bend, stoop and kneel to perform work. (up to 8 hours/shift)
•  Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time. (up to 8 hours/shift)
•  Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions including extreme heat and coldweather. (up to 8 hours/shift)
•  Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays asneeded.
•  Must be available for work on an emergency basis seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Typical Work Schedule:  

• Regular Full time 40hrs per week
• This position is deemed as essential personnel and is required to report whether the Foundation is closed or not, regardless of the emergency weather related, or otherwise.
• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the FairLabor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peaktimes, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.