Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

Pest Controller

Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Health Administration
Veterans Health Administration

Summary

The incumbent is the principal Pest Controller and is responsible for following the overall Integrated Pest Management Program in conjunction with the Environmental Management Service, (EMS) Hospital Housekeeping Officer at the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS).

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 06/08/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 8, 2026
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$38.87 - $45.35 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 10
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBSV-12969911-26-WSN
Control number
870698600

Videos

Duties

Help

Major duties include, but are not limited to;

  • Responsible for implementing and carrying out a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management Program.
  • Plans work required, reviews and acts upon complaints received, documents treatment provided, develops treatment schedules, and selects proper materials and equipment.
  • Selects, mixes, and applies restricted and general use pesticides necessary for treatment. Incumbent is also required to complete required reports and necessary records to meet all regulatory agency requirements using automated computer systems and software such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Windows or other government programs developed or in use for this purpose.
  • Follows all Federal, State, Local and Medical Center directives that are pertinent to an effective Integrated Pest Management Program.
  • Maintains a professional relationship with Pest Management officials such as Federal, State, Local and consulting entomologists in areas of program development or special program needs.
  • Works independently with minimal supervision and shall monitor contractor quality control and compliance when applicable.
  • Organizes and performs pest control program under administrative supervision of the Service Chief and Assistant Chief.
  • Maintains effective line of communication as to potential problems, assistance needed, etc.
  • Incumbent will advise management and facility support personnel on practical aspects of pest management and control, and utilize technical handbooks, consultations with pest management professionals at other facilities, and regulatory instructions.
  • Provides general monitoring of procedures and techniques applied by the Pest Control Helper and Waste Handlers.
  • Responsible for the safekeeping of all materials, supplies, and/or equipment related to Pest Control and waste management operations.
  • Ensures that Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are maintained as required and that all pesticide related materials are stored and disposed of in accordance with Federal and State guidelines.
Licensure: Must have or be able to obtain licensure in the state of Oregon within 11 months from their start date as listed above and below. Failure to receive and maintain these licenses throughout the time in the position will result in immediate removal from the position and potentially termination from Federal service.

The Incumbent must maintain Licensure in the areas listed below:
1. 3a: Ornamental Pest Management.
2. 3b: Turf Management.
3. 6: Industrial Weed Management.
4. 7a: Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health-Related Pest Management.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 07:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Position Description Title/PD#: Pest Controller/PD217260
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
  • 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).
  • Is required to currently possess or obtain licensure in the State of Oregon within 11 months from their start date for the following:1. 3a: Ornamental Pest Management; 2. 3b: Turf Management; 3. 6: Industrial Weed Management; & 4. 7a: Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health-Related Pest Management.
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.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/08/2026.

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. Ability to do the Work of a Pest Controller Without More Than Normal Supervision, examples of work include: identifying the pest encountered and applying the proper control procedure, independently determines appropriate pest control measures, such as how and when the work should be accomplished, and how to estimate manpower, equipment, and material requirements; assists the EMS Housekeeping Officer in the devising and maintaining of all program plans and records; surveillance and troubleshooting techniques, and able to determine most pest control measures needed without benefit of professional or supervisory guidance; uses biological, chemical, and mechanical products to control pests; knowledgeable in the various pesticides and rodenticides their chemical composition and proper formulation for each specific application; identifying/controlling a wide variety of pests; very knowledgeable in the physical characteristics, lifecycles, feeding habits, and potential harborages for these pests; can utilize floor plans and blueprints to locate potential harborages and to locate and avoid building structural supports, wiring, plumbing, duct work, etc. when planning applications; adheres to pest control plans, actions, policies, practices, procedures, training materials and other guidance that meet state, federal and agency regulatory requirements. 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.

Licensure: Must have or be able to obtain licensure in the State of Oregon within 11 months from their start date as listed above and below. Failure to receive and maintain these licenses throughout the time in the position will result in immediate removal from the position and potentially termination from Federal service.

The Incumbent must maintain Licensure in the areas listed below:
1. 3a: Ornamental Pest Management.
2. 3b: Turf Management.
3. 6: Industrial Weed Management.
4. 7a: Industrial, Institutional, Structural and Health-Related Pest Management.

The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:

  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes 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 Controller may lift, and handle materials weighing over 50 pounds and carry chemical solutions weighing up to 50 pounds for extended periods. Incumbent may work in cramped and uncomfortable positions. Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing and working in uncomfortable conditions will be encountered. Incumbent will move furniture, equipment, etc., as part of the treatment process. Incumbent will have to crawl into area that are not normally accessed by staff or human beings in order to inspect and treat areas properly. Incumbent may use ladders or lifts and will frequently work from heights exceeding 20+ feet, e.g., removing pests such as bees from trees or buildings, pests in the roofing, etc.

Working Conditions: Incumbent may complete assignments indoors or outdoors. Incumbent may encounter heat, cold, dust, dirt, mud, unpleasant odors, etc. Incumbent may be exposed to areas with minimal ventilation and/or limited access. Incumbent is required to wear necessary safety equipment (i.e., respirators, gloves, and other personal protective devices) while completing and preparing all applications.

Education

There is no education required at the Wage Grade 10 level. Please refer to licensure in Duties Section.

Additional information

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.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

RESUME REMINDER: Your resume must include the following information each job listed:

  • Job title;
  • Duties (be as detailed as possible);
  • Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2007 to April 2008);
  • Full-time or part-time status (include hours worked per week);
  • Salary/Rank etc.;
  • Series and Grade, if applicable, for all Federal positions you have held;
  • References, current or recent supervisor.

Do not include the following types of information in your resume:
  • Classified or Government sensitive information
  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Photos of yourself
  • Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.

Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.

Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.

Narrative responses are not required at this time. If you are referred for consideration, you may be asked to submit additional job related information, which may include, but not limited to; responses to the knowledge, skills and abilities; completion of a work sample, and/or contact for an interview. Your resume and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.

For more information on the "Who may apply" eligibility requirements, please refer to the OHRM Status Candidates and Other Candidate Definitions document.

Placement Policy: The posting of this announcement does not obligate management to fill a vacancy or vacancies by promotion. The position may be filled by reassignment, change to lower grade, transfer, appointment, or reinstatement. Management may use any one or any combination of these methods to fill the position.

It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

Veterans Health Administration

OUR MISSION: To fulfill President Lincoln's promise "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors" - by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans. How would you like to become a part of a team providing compassionate whole health care to Veterans?

VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) is a Level 1A major interdisciplinary teaching and quaternary facility with service-lines serving primary care, emergency medicine, medicine, surgery, specialty, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care inpatients and outpatients throughout Oregon and Southwestern Washington. In addition to the two main divisions located in Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington, VAPORHCS operates nine community-based outpatient/outreach clinics (CBOC) and is a consulting and referral center for many patient care specialties not offered at other VHA medical centers within VISN 20.

Agency contact information

Wayne Newport
Phone
541-440-1000 X40116
Email
Wayne.Newport@va.gov
Address
VA Portland Health Care System
3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road
Portland, OR 97239
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Veterans Health Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.va.gov/jobs/

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.