General Statement of Duties: Under general supervision inspects for and maintains control of insects, rodents, domestic animals/wildlife and other pests in and around the University community buildings and grounds. This is skilled specialized work that requires knowledge of insect and pest identification, prevention, suppression and control including the use of monitoring and trapping devices and the application of pesticides in a safe and environmentally sound manner according to the manufacturer's directions and applicable University and Federal and State regulations.

Environmental Factors/Occupational Exposures: 

• The primary physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in both extreme heat and cold conditions, as well as conditions that are wet/humid, dry, and during times when temperatures are below 32°F for more than one hour periods.
• Employee must lift, tug, pull, and transport, with or without assistance, both small and heavy equipment and material, as necessary.
• The employee may be required to bend, squat, stretch, and stand and/or work in cramped areas for prolonged periods of time while inspecting and/or spraying for insects and pests overhead, and/or in confined space areas.
• Environment may include fumes, dust and/or airborne particles, and occasionally loud noise, chemicals, and gases, bio-hazardous materials and substances. For this reason, employee is required to wear designated personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to, ANSI-approved safety eyewear, respirator, gloves, hearing protection, and footwear to prevent exposures to hazardous materials, noise, dust and/or airborne particles.
• Specialized personal protective equipment may be required to access certain confined spaces.  

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Requires competence in the use and handling of pesticides and knowledge of the principle and practices of pest control and safe use of pesticides.
• Requires the ability to read, interpret, and follow SDS and product labels.
• Requires technical knowledge of pesticides, application techniques, and applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of technical equipment such as: compressed air sprayers, termite sniffers, fly control equipment, and termite control equipment.
• Working knowledge of technical aspects of pest control such as the recognition of pests to be controlled and understanding of their habits and biology, avoidance of human and animal exposure, and environmental influences on the use of pesticides such as weather conditions. Must understand the effects of chemicals on pests and the knowledge of effective control measures and application methods.
• Ability to communicate and understand verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

Required Minimum Training and Experience:

• Requires a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Minimum of four (4) years of commercial pest control experience.
• Requires specified minimum credit hours of attending approved continued education courses, seminars or programs in the competent use and handling of pesticides to maintain State of Delaware “Pesticide Applicator” certification.
• The minimum credit hours can change based on the State of Delaware requirements yearly.

Special Requirements:

• Requires the ability to routinely move, lift and/or carry, with or without assistance, equipment, parts, and job-related materials exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move, lift and/or carry objects.
• Must be able to climb ladders and stairs that may exceed 12-ft., use ramps and work from other high areas using appropriate harness and tether equipment, and use 32-ft. aerial lift devices above ground.
• Works over, under, and behind equipment in places such as dining halls to place traps or perform necessary treatments.
• Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license in order to drive University of Delaware vehicles to get to and from job sites.
• Must be certified under current State of Delaware regulations for the application of pesticides throughout the entire time employed in this occupation.
• An employee in this classification is required to pass an annual (and at any time the employee reports to the Department of Occupational Health and Safety unusual difficulty breathing while being fitted for or while using a respirator) University-specified medical evaluation. Such evaluation to determine the fitness of the individual to wear a respirator and to test for the build-up of pesticide residues in the body as required by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety.
• Employment is dependent upon passing a University-specified medical evaluation related to the use of respiratory protection equipment.