The Pest Control Technician will provide safe, effective, preventive and responsive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to control pests (including vermin, birds, insects, and others) for Nashville Zoo collection, food services, and grounds.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
With veterinary guidance, the Pest Control Technician is responsible for design, maintenance, application, and evaluation of a responsive and preventive pest control program through both chemical product and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches.
Develops and implements strategies to preclude food sources and harborage for pests in collection, non-collection, and food service areas on grounds.
Maintains direct communication with Zoological Managers and Lead Keepers on pest control problems, including written and electronic reports.
Acts as on-grounds contact with City of Nashville officials in mosquito deterrence and control and consultants for pest control problems.
Responsible for unloading, storage, inventory rotation, safe and appropriate expired waste discard, and ordering chemical pest control supplies. Maintain an organized workspace and work vehicle.
Demonstrated knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in cleaning and ability to work safely with potentially dangerous and toxic chemicals.
Responsible for assisting with unloading, storage, and maintenance of all dry goods and supplies in commissary warehouse and other areas of the zoo as needed.
Safely, legally and efficiently applies chemical agents for the control of pest organisms and humane trapping (lethal and capture depending on species) of vermin, including disposing of carcasses in an appropriate manner
As it relates to pest control management, PCM is responsible for animal transport and deliveries in regard to nuisance wildlife transport, both on and off zoo grounds.
Must demonstrate familiarity with all SDS protocols, application guidelines, and safety procedures and be willing to follow them at all times, especially as it refers to managing and applying pest control products.
Provides routine computerized updates to chemical applications and Integrated Pest Management activities for each area as well as preparing detailed reports.
Provides routine and requested updates to IPM protocols and SDS reviews for pest control products.
Adheres to established safety guidelines. Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures.
Must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in the proximity of potentially dangerous animals.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist in grounds clean up and removal of pest nuisances
Assist other facilities team members and/or Zoo contractors as needed
All duties that pertain to pest control techniques/procedures (hot wire, bird sound deterrent, light deterrent)
Other duties assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions, and otherwise communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and supervisor.
Very good knowledge of computer programs of basic word processing, spreadsheets, and internet database access, and comfort with data entry.
Considerable knowledge of the zoo’s mission and philosophy
Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with the appropriate action
Good interpersonal skills including the ability to get along with diverse groups with tact and maturity.
Ability to represent the Nashville Zoo in a professional manner at all times
Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, co-workers, visitors, and general public
Spanish speaking preferable to allow integration with on-grounds support staff in day to day operations.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Graduation from High School or the equivalent (GED) is required.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Previous experience of three (3) years in performing pest control applications, and preferably in licensed capacity.
Experience in sensitive environments, such as a zoo, aquarium, hospital, food handling establishments, or school, or like institution, is desirable.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
Ability to traverse zoo grounds without a vehicle
Ability to handle and restrain zoo animals
Ability to perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
The employee will be regularly exposed to water, chemicals, and potentially loud noises.
Physical strength, including ability to regularly move 50lb objects and occasionally 80lb objects
Ability to work in small, confined spaces
Ability to work in all weather conditions – including potentially adverse conditions
Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, masks, eye goggles, and airway protection
No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work
No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch balance or the ability of movement that might interfere with the ability to work
Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Available to work any of seven days of the week or special needs or events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as required. Non-infectious tuberculosis status via intradermal skin test, thoracic radiographs, or treatment regimen. Current Rabies vaccinations as required by the department.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES
Must obtain valid State of Tennessee registration as a pest control applicator before starting employment and maintain this license with respect to CE and ethics.
Possession of and ability to maintain a valid driver’s license with good driving record.