Summary This is a full-time position located in Environmental Management Service (EMS), Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks (VHSO), Fayetteville, AR. The incumbent must have certification from the state of Arkansas in the performance of pest control and be able to perform with a minimum amount of supervision. The incumbent is responsible for planning, implementing, and carrying out a complete and comprehensive integrated pest management program for this Medical Center. Responsibilities Duties: Plans work to be completed, develop survey, inspection and treatment schedules and completes required reports and records operations, including chemicals used and areas treated. Conducts Environment of Care Rounds to check for signs of pests or things which may attract pests. Identify pests, locate the source and determine appropriate control method; either physical or chemical and sanitation needs to achieve the most effective results. Use, identify, store, transport, handle, mix and dispose of toxic chemicals and media; and to consider factors such as compatibility, synergism, persistence, resistance and animal and plant toxicity. Determine and dispense agents to control a wide variety of insects, vertebrate pests, plant pests and weeds. Coordinate work with other people within and outside the Medical Center and advise on preventive measures such as housekeeping requirements and removal of pest hiding areas. Utilize various public and private sector agencies; EPA, VA Headquarters VHA handbook 1850.02, Agricultural Center publications and directives to ensure the overall program is within guidelines for safety, chemical application and control methods. Maintains service Safety Data Sheet binders, performing annual chemical inventories and ensuring SDS sheets are kept current. 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 Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (Subject to change based on the needs of the Agency). Position Description Title/PD#: Pest Controller/PD03171O Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Pre-Employment physical is required. Must have a valid drivers license. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Driver's License: A current, valid state-issued Driver's License is required for this position. NOTE: We cannot accept photographs, therefore; please do not submit a copy of your license with your application package. If an interview is requested, you will be required to provide a copy of your current, valid state-issued Driver's License. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/05/2026. 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, 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: 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 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 Controllers often lift and handle materials weighing over 23 kilograms (53 pounds) and carry chemical solutions and equipment weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) for extended periods. They occasionally work in cramped and inconvenient surroundings requiring manipulation of equipment in awkward positions for prolonged periods. Work frequently requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions for extended periods. They may move furniture and equipment and operate high impact pneumatic hammers as well as various carpentry and masonry tools. Working Conditions: The work is accomplished both inside and outside. When working outside, pest control workers are often exposed to hot sun for extended periods of time and occasionally to bad weather. Outside work may be done in marsh areas or under hot and dusty conditions for extended periods. Inside work is often accomplished in structural areas with minimum ventilations and/or limited access. The workers 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 fac e masks for extended periods of time. They may be exposed to poisonous insects, reptiles, and plants and to wild and rabid animals. Certification required: Pet Controller Certification from the state of Arkansas is required. Education Additional Information Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
