Summary This is the full performance level of the position. The position serves as Pest Controller, and is located in the Environmental Management Service at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). This position reports to the Assistant Chief, Environmental Management Service at VAPAHCS, Palo Alto Division. The primary purpose of the position is to provide a complete facility pest control program at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to: Solely responsible or planning, implementing, and carrying out a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Program (IPMP). Identifies, controls, and prevents infestation of common household, structural, public health, nuisance, and plant pests. Inspects for pests in several @types of interior and exterior environments such as domiciliary residences, patient rooms, administrative and medical offices, food service areas, storage, warehouse areas and Medical Center grounds Independently develops pest maintenance schedules, material requirements, and application methods for appropriate pest management measures. Responsible for devising and maintaining all program plans and records, ongoing surveillance, and troubleshooting, and determines which pest control measures are needed without Supervisory guidance Applies in- depth knowledge of pest species and be skilled in the safe handling, mixing, application, and disposal of pesticides requirements within integrated pest management program Determines approaches, methods, and courses of action such as whether to utilize chemical or physical methods in controlling a pest infestation. Plans all work required, reviews and acts upon complaints received; documents treatment provided and identifies developing pest trends Develops inspection, survey and treatment schedules and selects proper materials and equipment. Selects mixes and applies restricted and general/ready-to use pesticides necessary to control identified pests. Provides all interior and exterior pesticide treatment, selects, and sets various @types of baits and traps to control insect, invertebrate, vertebrate and weed pests. Completes required reports and records to meet all regulatory agency requirements and follows all Federal, State, Local and Medical Center directives that are pertinent to an effective Integrated Pest Management Program. Works independently with minimal supervision and may monitor contractor quality control and compliance when applicable. Serves as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for contracts related to pest control. Prepares and submits required reports. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 6:00am-2:30pm Position Description Title/PD#: Pest Controller/PD02154O 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 Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required 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. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 05/15/2026. 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Materials Measuring Instruments Technical Practices Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment 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/Working Conditions: The work requires lifting and handling materials weighing over 50 pounds and carrying chemical solutions and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds for extended periods. May 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. Incumbent may also be asked to move furniture and equipment as well as various carpentry and masonry tools. The individual filling this position must be medically qualified to wear a respirator. Certification: It is management's preference to require the incumbent to be certified, at time of application, as a California Certified Pesticide Applicator, licensed by the Office of Pest Management (OPM), to provide pest management services. Education Additional Information 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.
