Summary This position is located in the Environmental Management Service (EMS), North Little Rock, AR. The primary reason for this position is to plan, accomplish and maintain the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program at the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center and spray chemical solutions, powders, and gases on or near surfaces of a building or house to eliminate pests. Identify invading pests, including rats, termites, snakes, wasps, ants, spiders, mosquitos, or bed bugs. Responsibilities Major duties include, but not limited to: Maintains treatment records and library of pest control information. Applies Insecticides and Pesticides using a pressure @type hand sprayer in a light or course spray, an electric Duster or fogger depending on the areas to be treated and the targeted pest. Spray chemical solutions, powders, and gases on or near surfaces to eliminate pests. Identify invading pests, including rats, termites, snakes, wasps, ants, spiders, mosquitos, or bed bugs. Set mechanical traps and place bait. Remove dead rodents after extermination. Ensure area is empty when product is applied. Air out area after application. Identify damage to property. Inspect property to ascertain wall and roof porosity and possible sites of pest invasion. Access infested locations. Cut or bore into buildings to access infested areas. Pour pesticides over location. Clean and remove pesticides after application. Study preliminary reports and diagrams of infested area and determine treatment @type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation. Measure area dimensions requiring treatment. Clean and remove blockages to facilitate application. Position and fasten edges of tarpaulins over building and tape vents to ensure air-tight environment and check for leaks. Check for possible leaks or exposure. Utilize appropriate protective gear and equipment during application. Power-spray chemicals onto surfaces. Read, understand and follow chemical label instructions. Properly dispose of all products and containers. Develop a written "bed bug action plan" in advance of problems being identified with specific procedures and responsibilities for responding to a bed bug incident. Estimate materials and time needed to complete task. Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 7:00am to 3:30pm (Subject to change based on the needs of the Agency). Position Description Title/PD#: Pest Controller/PD04441O 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 Pre-Employment physical is required. 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 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. 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, 10/01/2026. 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 control workers often lift and handle materials weighing over 23 kilograms (50 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 ventilation 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 face masks for extended periods of time. They may be exposed to poisonous insects, reptiles, and plants and to wild and rabid animals. Certification required: Pest 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.
