Pest Control Specialist

Imagine if you were given an opportunity to connect with others who want to keep our community the most livable, beautiful and safe it can possibly be. If you are interested in the betterment of our Parks & Facilities in Hutchinson, you may be a great addition to our team. Make a difference with the City of Hutchinson!

The Pest Control Specialist manages the City's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program to ensure safe and effective pest control across City-owned properties. This role involves planning, implementing, and maintaining pest control strategies while ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The specialist provides training, maintains records, and oversees pesticide use to protect public spaces, trees, shrubs, and turf. Strong mechanical aptitude, organizational skills, and the ability to effectively communicate with the public are essential.

A Day in the Life:

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program Management

• Develop, implement, and manage the City's IPM program, including plans, policies, and procedures for effective pest control.
• Identify and assess pest infestations, and select appropriate control measures for trees, shrubs, soil areas, turf, and other landscapes.
• Monitor state and federal safety regulations and maintain compliance with pesticide use laws, including maintaining accurate records and submitting reports to regulatory agencies.
• Conduct regular follow-up inspections to evaluate the effectiveness of pest control measures and make adjustments as necessary.
• Monitor pesticide inventories, develop specifications, and procure necessary materials.
• Consult with experts and supervisors on methods, chemicals, and pest control techniques.
• Collect data to assess pest conditions in parks, open spaces, and rangelands, and establish thresholds for action.
• Evaluate control strategies using established criteria and track the effectiveness and cost of pest management efforts.
• Assist in identifying potential pest impacts for new land acquisitions and during planning and construction projects.
• Ensure compliance with EPA Worker Protection Standards and other safety guidelines.
• Maintain and update safety data sheets and safety protocols related to pest control operations.

Pesticide Application and Safety

• Apply pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical solutions to control pests, diseases, and weeds on City-owned properties.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain spray equipment and tools used for pest control applications.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and transport of pesticides and related materials.
• Provide guidance and training to City staff on safe and effective pesticide application techniques.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations during pesticide application and maintenance.

Field Operations and Supervision

• Supervise and participate in field activities, including landscape operations, horticulture, and pest management tasks.
• Operate and maintain a variety of equipment, including trucks, tractors, loaders, mowers, and specialized landscaping tools.
• Develop work schedules, prioritize pest control tasks, and adjust plans to meet changing conditions.
• Respond to and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints related to pest control and City services.

Landscape and Grounds Maintenance

• Participate in the installation and maintenance of drainage and automatic irrigation systems, and plant and maintain turf, groundcover, shrubs, trees, and bedding plants.
• Operate, service, repair, adjust, and maintain a variety of equipment and tools including trucks, trailers, tractor/loaders, trenchers, welders, pressure washers, and more.

Administrative and Reporting

• Maintain accurate pest control records and compile reports for submission to regulatory agencies.
• Assist in preparing equipment specifications and make recommendations for purchases.
• Contribute to the annual budget preparation by estimating costs and identifying resource needs.

What You Will Need to be Successful:

Education: High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor's degree in Pest Management, Weed Science, or a related field is preferred.

Certifications/License: This employee must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License with an acceptable driving record. Must possess or obtain within six months a Kansas Commercial Applicator's Certificate (Categories 1C, 3A, 3B, 5, 6, & 9A). Valid Kansas Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or ability to obtain within six months.

The City of Hutchinson employs over 400 employees that serve our community every day. City employees make Hutchinson a great place to live, work, and play. We take pride in our work, and it shows. Come be a part of a workforce that makes a difference! We're always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team.

City of Hutchinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.