What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pest Controller position at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs?
Summary
The incumbent is the principal Pest Controller and is responsible for following the overall Integrated Pest Management Program in conjunction with the Environmental Management Service - (EMS) Hospital Housekeeping Officer at the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS).
Qualifications
To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 06/08/2026. 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. Ability to do the Work of a Pest Controller Without More Than Normal Supervision - examples of work include: identifying the pest encountered and applying the proper control procedure - independently determines appropriate pest control measures - such as how and when the work should be accomplished - and how to estimate manpower - equipment - and material requirements; assists the EMS Housekeeping Officer in the devising and maintaining of all program plans and records; surveillance and troubleshooting techniques - and able to determine most pest control measures needed without benefit of professional or supervisory guidance; uses biological - chemical - and mechanical products to control pests; knowledgeable in the various pesticides and rodenticides their chemical composition and proper formulation for each specific application; identifying/controlling a wide variety of pests; very knowledgeable in the physical characteristics - lifecycles - feeding habits - and potential harborages for these pests; can utilize floor plans and blueprints to locate potential harborages and to locate and avoid building structural supports - wiring - plumbing - duct work - etc. when planning applications; adheres to pest control plans - actions - policies - practices - procedures - training materials and other guidance that meet state - federal and agency regulatory requirements. 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. Licensure: Must have or be able to obtain licensure in the State of Oregon within 11 months from their start date as listed above and below. Failure to receive and maintain these licenses throughout the time in the position will result in immediate removal from the position and potentially termination from Federal service. The Incumbent must maintain Licensure in the areas listed below: 1. 3a: Ornamental Pest Management. 2. 3b: Turf Management. 3. 6: Industrial Weed Management. 4. 7a: Industrial - Institutional - Structural and Health-Related Pest Management. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions - Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision 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: Pest Controller may lift - and handle materials weighing over 50 pounds and carry chemical solutions weighing up to 50 pounds for extended periods. Incumbent may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions. Frequent stooping - bending - kneeling - climbing and working in uncomfortable conditions will be encountered. Incumbent will move furniture - equipment - etc. - as part of the treatment process. Incumbent will have to crawl into area that are not normally accessed by staff or human beings in order to inspect and treat areas properly. Incumbent may use ladders or lifts and will frequently work from heights exceeding 20 feet - e.g. - removing pests such as bees from trees or buildings - pests in the roofing - etc. Working Conditions: Incumbent may complete assignments indoors or outdoors. Incumbent may encounter heat - cold - dust - dirt - mud - unpleasant odors - etc. Incumbent may be exposed to areas with minimal ventilation and/or limited access. Incumbent is required to wear necessary safety equipment (i.e. - respirators - gloves - and other personal protective devices) while completing and preparing all applications.
Duties
The incumbent is the principal Pest Controller and is responsible for following the overall Integrated Pest Management Program in conjunction with the Environmental Management Service - (EMS) Hospital Housekeeping Officer at the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS).
Qualifications
To qualify for this position - applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement - 06/08/2026. 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. Ability to do the Work of a Pest Controller Without More Than Normal Supervision - examples of work include: identifying the pest encountered and applying the proper control procedure - independently determines appropriate pest control measures - such as how and when the work should be accomplished - and how to estimate manpower - equipment - and material requirements; assists the EMS Housekeeping Officer in the devising and maintaining of all program plans and records; surveillance and troubleshooting techniques - and able to determine most pest control measures needed without benefit of professional or supervisory guidance; uses biological - chemical - and mechanical products to control pests; knowledgeable in the various pesticides and rodenticides their chemical composition and proper formulation for each specific application; identifying/controlling a wide variety of pests; very knowledgeable in the physical characteristics - lifecycles - feeding habits - and potential harborages for these pests; can utilize floor plans and blueprints to locate potential harborages and to locate and avoid building structural supports - wiring - plumbing - duct work - etc. when planning applications; adheres to pest control plans - actions - policies - practices - procedures - training materials and other guidance that meet state - federal and agency regulatory requirements. 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. Licensure: Must have or be able to obtain licensure in the State of Oregon within 11 months from their start date as listed above and below. Failure to receive and maintain these licenses throughout the time in the position will result in immediate removal from the position and potentially termination from Federal service. The Incumbent must maintain Licensure in the areas listed below: 1. 3a: Ornamental Pest Management. 2. 3b: Turf Management. 3. 6: Industrial Weed Management. 4. 7a: Industrial - Institutional - Structural and Health-Related Pest Management. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions - Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision 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: Pest Controller may lift - and handle materials weighing over 50 pounds and carry chemical solutions weighing up to 50 pounds for extended periods. Incumbent may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions. Frequent stooping - bending - kneeling - climbing and working in uncomfortable conditions will be encountered. Incumbent will move furniture - equipment - etc. - as part of the treatment process. Incumbent will have to crawl into area that are not normally accessed by staff or human beings in order to inspect and treat areas properly. Incumbent may use ladders or lifts and will frequently work from heights exceeding 20 feet - e.g. - removing pests such as bees from trees or buildings - pests in the roofing - etc. Working Conditions: Incumbent may complete assignments indoors or outdoors. Incumbent may encounter heat - cold - dust - dirt - mud - unpleasant odors - etc. Incumbent may be exposed to areas with minimal ventilation and/or limited access. Incumbent is required to wear necessary safety equipment (i.e. - respirators - gloves - and other personal protective devices) while completing and preparing all applications.
Duties
- Major duties include - but are not limited to
- Responsible for implementing and carrying out a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Program
- Plans work required - reviews and acts upon complaints received - documents treatment provided - develops treatment schedules - and selects proper materials and equipment
- Selects - mixes - and applies restricted and general use pesticides necessary for treatment
- Incumbent is also required to complete required reports and necessary records to meet all regulatory agency requirements using automated computer systems and software such as Microsoft Word - Excel and Windows or other government programs developed or in use for this purpose
- Follows all Federal - State - Local and Medical Center directives that are pertinent to an effective Integrated Pest Management Program
- Maintains a professional relationship with Pest Management officials such as Federal - State - Local and consulting entomologists in areas of program development or special program needs
- Works independently with minimal supervision and shall monitor contractor quality control and compliance when applicable
- Organizes and performs pest control program under administrative supervision of the Service Chief and Assistant Chief
- Maintains effective line of communication as to potential problems - assistance needed - etc
- Incumbent will advise management and facility support personnel on practical aspects of pest management and control - and utilize technical handbooks - consultations with pest management professionals at other facilities - and regulatory instructions
- Provides general monitoring of procedures and techniques applied by the Pest Control Helper and Waste Handlers
- Responsible for the safekeeping of all materials - supplies - and/or equipment related to Pest Control and waste management operations
- Ensures that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are maintained as required and that all pesticide related materials are stored and disposed of in accordance with Federal and State guidelines
- Licensure: Must have or be able to obtain licensure in the state of Oregon within 11 months from their start date as listed above and below
- Failure to receive and maintain these licenses throughout the time in the position will result in immediate removal from the position and potentially termination from Federal service
- The Incumbent must maintain Licensure in the areas listed below: 1
- 3a: Ornamental Pest Management
- 2
- 3b: Turf Management
- 3
- 6: Industrial Weed Management
- 4
- 7a: Industrial - Institutional - Structural and Health-Related Pest Management
- Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
- 07:00 a.m
- - 3:30 p.m
- Position Description Title/PD#: Pest Controller/PD217260 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved
- Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.
Salary : $39 - $45