Pest Control Operator

Class Specifications – G.15
Pest Control Supervisor – 8085
Pest Control Operator – 8086

July, 1974

Series Concept

Pest Control Operators identify and eradicate noxious animals, insects, plant diseases, and weed conditions for campus grounds and buildings; and perform other related duties as required.

Class Concepts

Pest Control Supervisor

Under direction, incumbents plan, organize and supervise the work of three or more Pest Control Operators or laborers engaged in a pest control program for a campus; instruct and train pest control personnel in the use of equipment and chemicals, work methods, and new procedures and techniques; may instruct other University personnel in sanitation and basic pest control methods; and assist Pest Control Operators and laborers in the performance of their duties as necessary.

Incumbents ensure that sprays and poisons are properly applied; inspect campus buildings for evidence of infestation by a wide variety of noxious insects; determine the most practical and effective method of eradication where special methods must be used to avoid danger to humans, research experiments in progress, or valuable items such as rare books or musical instruments; maintain safety precautions in the fumigation of rooms and buildings; determine extent of damage of termite infestation and take appropriate action; appraise the effectiveness of pest control measures on the campus; estimate need and order appropriate chemicals and equipment; and prepare, apply and store chemicals and maintain all pest control equipment.

Pest Control Operator

Under supervision, incumbents perform at the operational level of pest control work, and may act in a lead position over one or two laborers engaged in routine pest control activities. Persons principally engaged in agricultural disease control or weed abatement in large undeveloped areas are not included in this class.

Pest Control Operators select and mix sprays and poisons and determine where to spray or place poisons or traps, requiring a thorough knowledge of the areas to be treated, the characteristics and effects of a variety of poisons and sprays, and the living habits of the pests to be exterminated.

Incumbents typically inspect campus buildings for evidence of infestation by noxious insects; determine most practical and effective method of eradication after considering all environmental factors; apply chemical sprays, fogs and poisons; fumigate rooms or buildings following strict safety precautions; examine frame structures for evidence of termite infestation and structural damage and take corrective action; spray ornamental plants for pests and apply fungicides where needed; may apply various types of herbicides to roads, walks, lawns, etc., to control weeds; treat water areas for control of algae and mosquitoes; trap or poison noxious animals such as rats and mice; may be called on to recapture animals escaped from animal quarters; maintain up-to- date knowledge of a wide variety of chemical agents and control techniques; may be responsible for ordering, preparing and storing chemicals used in pest control; and maintain pest control equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Pest Control Supervisor

Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations; three years of experience in pest control work including two years as a licensed operator or field representative (must be licensed in at least two branches of pest control work by the State of California at the Operator level); and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.

Pest Control Operator

Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations; one year of experience in pest control work (must be licensed in one branch of pest control work by the State of California at the field representative level); and knowledges and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.