Summary The position of Pest Controller is in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at (Portland) VA Portland Health Care System in Portland, OR. This position is organizationally assigned to the Pest Control Section of 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. Responsibilities Plan, implement and carry out a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Program. Plans, organizes, and carries out work on his/her own accord. Reviews and acts upon complaints received, and documents treatment provided, Identifies the pest encountered and applies the proper control procedure. Develops treatment, schedules manpower needed and selects proper materials and equipment. Selects, mixes, and applies restricted and general use pesticides necessary for treatment. 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. Follows all Federal, State, Local and Medical Center directives that are pertinent to an effective Integrated Pest Management Program. 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. Works independently with minimal supervision. Monitor contractor quality control and compliance when applicable. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 7:00AM - 3:30PM Recruitment & Relocation 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 required 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 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, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications Note: The incumbent must have or be able to obtain licensure in the state of Oregon 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. This position includes two (2) Selective Placement Factors/SPF (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristics are basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placements Factors are a prerequisite to appointments and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet the Selective Placement Factors are ineligible for further consideration. The Selective Placement Factor for this position is: "Possess the current Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certificate". PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK CONDITIONS: Pest Controller may lift, and handle materials weighing over 50 pounds and carry chemical solutions weighing up to 50 pounds for extended periods. Incumbents may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions. Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and working in uncomfortable conditions will be encountered. Incumbent s will move furniture, equipment, etc., as part of the treatment process. Incumbents will have to crawl into areas that are not normally accessed by staff or human beings in order to inspect and treat areas properly. Incumbents 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. Incumbents may complete assignments indoors or outdoors. Incumbents may encounter heat, cold, dust, dirt, mud, unpleasant odors, etc. Incumbent may be exposed to areas with minimal ventilation and/or limited access. Incumbents are required to wear necessary safety equipment (i.e., respirators, gloves, and other personal protective devices) while completing and preparing all applications. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume. You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes 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. 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.
