Summary The incumbent is the Pest Controller at Thomas E. Creek VA Health Care System Center in Amarillo, TX and is organizationally assigned to the Environmental Management Service. Incumbent is responsible for implementing and carrying out a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Program. Responsibilities Duties may include but are not limited to: Incumbent plans work required, reviews and acts upon complaints received; documents treatment provided, develops treatment schedules, and selects proper materials and equipment for treatment. Incumbent 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. Incumbent follows all Federal, State, Local and Medical Center directives that are pertinent to an effective Integrated Pest Management Program. Incumbent 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. Incumbent works independently with minimal supervision and shall monitor contractor quality control and compliance when applicable. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00a.m. to 3:30p.m., includes weekends at the needs of the service and rotating holidays Position Description Title/PD#: Pest Controller/PD08603A 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 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 identification 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, 08/12/2026. 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/Working Conditions: 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./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. The SPCS (Structural Pest Control Service) Certified Applicator License is desired at hiring but will be required to be obtained within 11 months of starting. The incumbent must have or be able to obtain licensure in the state of Texas 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: (List all Categories for site) 1. 3a: Ornamental Pest Management 2. 3b: Turf Management 3. 6: Industrial Weed Management 4. 7a: Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health-Related Pest Management 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.
