Summary The position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma VA Health Care System (OKCVAHCS) in the Environmental Management Service. The primary purpose of this position is to prevent and control the entrance of pests and predators and eradicate infestations within all facilities. Integrated Pest Management is a preventative, long-term, low toxicity means of controlling pests. Duties Major Duties include: Seeks out and recognizes a wide variety of pests on the campus such as fire ants, mosquitoes, snakes, termites, undesirable animals, weeds, turf and ornamental plant diseases, and insect pests. Infestations may be concealed in outside structures, soil, trees, etc. Inspects and treats pests in all spaces which includes building crawl spaces, interstitial spaces, shops, electrical closets, and within building structures. Understands and reads blueprints and construction drawings to make inspections and plans for treatment. Coordinates treatments with environmental and mechanical system schedules and other environmental concerns to eliminate or minimize exposure to people, support systems, non-target organisms, and the environment. Selects and mixes any of 20 or more chemicals in varying strengths and combinations according to label directions and pest control guides for Oklahoma. This often requires mathematic formulas, area measurements, and volumetric measurements to arrive at proper concentrations to achieve results. Maintains an inventory of chemicals both restricted and non-restricted. Maintains and operates hand and powered equipment such as a tractor-mounted granular spreader, scooter-mounted spray tank, spray rigs, 60-foot snorkel lift, and hand tanks. Operates a variety of motor vehicles such as diesel tractors, trucks, sedans, backhoe, forklift, motorized spray equipment, and special pest control vehicles. 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. Work Schedule: Full-Time; Monday through Friday; 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized. Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved. Qualifications SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR (SCREEN-OUT) - A Selective Placement Factor (SPF) has been identified for this position. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who do not meet the SPF are ineligible for further consideration. 1. Must possess a valid Oklahoma Commercial Pesticide Applicator License that includes the following categories: Category 7A - General Pest, Category 7B - Structural, Category 3 - Ornamental & Turf, and Category 8 - Public Health. In addition to the Selective Placement Factor above, to qualify for this position at the WG-09, you must meet one of the following: SCREEN OUT: The ability to perform the duties of Pest Controller without more than normal supervision. Experience includes independently performing integrated pest management work such as identifying common pests by sight, physical characteristics, habits, hiding areas, and signs of infestation; determining appropriate pest-control measures; selecting, measuring, mixing, and applying approved general- and/or restricted-use pesticides and chemicals in accordance with label instructions and safety requirements; using and maintaining pest-control tools and equipment; and properly storing, handling, and disposing of pesticides and containers in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local requirements. PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: Often lifts and handles materials weighing over 50 pounds and carries chemical solutions and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds for extended periods. Occasionally works in cramped and inconvenient surrounding requiring the handling of equipment in awkward positions. Work frequently requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions for extended periods. Frequently moves furniture and equipment to accomplish their tasks. Work is performed indoors and/or outdoors. Work is often accomplished in structural areas with minimum ventilation and/or limited access. Mixes chemical compounds and applies pesticides and spays which might damage their health. There is a constant possibility of exposure to toxic vapors, liquids and powders due to frequent use of chemical; therefore, incumbent is required to undergo a biannual cholinesterase test to ensure that his/her level is within normal limits. This test is to ensure that the incumbent has not been exposed to a toxic level of pesticide that would result in an occupational illness. (Note: Cholinesterase is an enzyme that affects the nervous system and voluntary muscles.) You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Without more than normal supervision IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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.