Pest Control Operator

Title Code: 7381 

Occ. Group: 

Pest Control Operator

Expectations for All Employees

East Tennessee State University pursues its mission based upon core values. An employee's job performance must support and exhibit the university's core values:

PEOPLE come first, are treated with dignity and respect, and are encouraged to achieve their full potential;
RELATIONSHIPS are built on honesty, integrity and trust;
DIVERSITY of people and thought is respected;
EXCELLENCE is achieved through teamwork, leadership, creativity, and a strong work ethic;
EFFICIENCY is achieved through wise use of human and financial resources; and COMMITMENT to intellectual achievement is embraced.

Definition 

Employees in this class are under general supervision. Work performed in designing and/or directing pest control operations, mixing and applying pesticides and herbicides and performing related work as required. 

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Conducts routine surveys throughout campus facilities and grounds to detect the prevalence of any insects or other pest infestations.

Performs pest identification and determines appropriate control measures, i.e., mechanical, chemical, to eliminate the infestation.

Applies pesticides and conducts follow-up surveys to determine treatment effectiveness; performs follow-up treatments as necessary.

Mixes concentrated toxic chemicals to proper dilutions for treatment of all types of structural surfaces.

Disperses pesticides with 200 gallon, high pressure, tractor pulled sprayer to control insects on campus grounds.

Attends workshops and classes, reads professional journals and does research to maintain knowledge of latest technology and maintain state certification.

Fogs sewers, streamlines, drains and dwellings as required for elimination of disease carrying insects.

Removes rodents by dispersing bait traps, etc.; removes dead animal bodies from campus.

Evaluates chemicals for toxicity, active and inert ingredients, residual effects of application, and effectiveness.

Inspects and treats trees, flower beds and turf for aphids, bagworms and other botanical destroying insects.

Communicates with professionals/faculty in biology/entomology as needed to evaluate metamorphosis, life span habits and diseases caused by certain insects.

Coordinates with campus health and safety officer to review pest control program.

Maintains equipment and chemical inventory; performs maintenance on equipment.

Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Required Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of a wide variety of pests including their life cycle and types of formulations appropriate for their control.

Knowledge of safe methods of chemical application to avoid contamination of food, damage and contamination of habitat and exposure of people and pets.

Knowledge of specific factors which may lead to a hazardous condition, i.e., continuous exposure.

Knowledge of environmental conditions relating to chemical application.

Knowledge of pest control materials/equipment, and chemicals. Ability to identify signs and symptoms of chemical poisoning.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with campus employees and students. 

Recommended Qualifications

High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma. Possession of a valid Tennessee operator's license as issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety. Two years of experience with a licensed pest control company. Commercial Pest Control Operator license, as issued by the State of Tennessee. Current certification in required subcategory. 

Date         Skill         Eval           
3/19/91        5     532032213

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position.