Pest Controller Job in Huntington, WV

Vacancy No. CBTF-12813321-26-MH Department Veterans Health Administration
Salary $30.06 to $35.09 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/15/2025 Close Date 10/20/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Huntington, WV


Summary

This position is located within the Environmental Management Service at the Huntington VA Medical Center. The Pest Controller position is responsible for a complete facility pest control program for the Huntington VA Medical Center, outlying buildings, and surrounding grounds coordinating and scheduling the assistance of two lower graded Pest Control Workers.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to current, permanent employees of the Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center and CTAP eligible applicants.

Duties

The Pest Controller must select pesticides for specific conditions and results desired. For example, he must select pesticides according to the areas to be treated such as food handling and eating must be treated differently than patient areas and other areas of the hospital. Applications of pesticides must be accomplished by incumbent to achieve desired results. For example, he must select supplies and equipment according to growth stage
of pest, the residual effect desired from the chemical and the method of eradication desired such as respiratory attacking contact or anticoagulant agents. Pest Controller must be able to formulate standard pesticides according to exact directions and may be required to dilute levels or combine pesticides in the same medium to control several types of insects with the same application

  • The incumbent must record and report types of infestations, the control methods applied and the results of application
  • The Pest Controller is responsible for interior, structural and exterior pest control including rodent control around the perimeter of the hospital grounds.
  • Must select control methods suitable for the hospital environment, being careful
    not to expose patients, visitors or staff to toxic chemicals.
  • Responsible for all applicable reports, budget monitoring and data relative to the
    Pest Control Programs

Duties- Insect/Pest Control and Prevention

  • Collects and identifies disease carriers such as but not limited to, different types of mosquitoes, lice, fleas, scorpions, wasps, fire ants, poisonous snakes, raccoons, bed bugs and bats.
  • Interprets building plans and blueprints to locate and avoid building structural supports, electrical wiring, ventilation ducts, etc., when planning applications within the walls, ceilings, or floors of buildings.
  • Plans work sequences and conducts trouble-shooting inspections of buildings and grounds for evidence of conditions conducive to damage and infestation by insects, rodents, predatory animals, and other pests.
  • Uses wrenches, pliers, screw drivers and similar hand tools to perform operator maintenance on application equipment. Changes nozzles, valves, and hoses; adjusts and calibrates nozzle settings; and lubricates motors, pumps, and agitators.
  • Utilizes suitable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) control methods to reduce and control hazards to public health, stored products, structures, and vegetation. Selects, mixes, and applies restricted and general use pesticides to control a wide variety of insect, vertebrate, and plant pests including those not commonly recognized and often hard to find.
  • Locates and identifies pests in stored products; determines the appropriate pesticide toxicity, chemical solutions, baits, physical characteristics, lifecycles, and feeding habits associated with a wide variety of pests; and plans and carries out appropriate pest control measures.

    Duties- Insect/Pest Control and Prevention

  • Collects and identifies disease carriers such as but not limited to, different types of mosquitoes, lice, fleas, scorpions, wasps, fire ants, poisonous snakes, raccoons, bed bugs and bats.
  • Interprets building plans and blueprints to locate and avoid building structural supports, electrical wiring, ventilation ducts, etc., when planning applications within the walls, ceilings, or floors of buildings.
  • Plans work sequences and conducts trouble-shooting inspections of buildings and grounds for evidence of conditions conducive to damage and infestation by insects, rodents, predatory animals, and other pests.
  • Uses wrenches, pliers, screw drivers and similar hand tools to perform operator maintenance on application equipment. Changes nozzles, valves, and hoses; adjusts and calibrates nozzle settings; and lubricates motors, pumps, and agitators.
  • Utilizes suitable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) control methods to reduce and control hazards to public health, stored products, structures, and vegetation. Selects, mixes, and applies restricted and general use pesticides to control a wide variety of insect, vertebrate, and plant pests including those not commonly recognized and often hard to find.
  • Locates and identifies pests in stored products; determines the appropriate pesticide toxicity, chemical solutions, baits, physical characteristics, lifecycles, and feeding habits associated with a wide variety of pests; and plans and carries out appropriate pest control measures.

Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Duties

  • The duty of the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) is to ensure that the government receives all that it has bargained for. ACOR must be appointed for Architecture and Engineer, construction, hazmat contracts exceeding $25,000, all healthcare contracts for services, and multi-year service contracts.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm.
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Not Authorized.

Requirements

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 dentification 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)
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, 10/20/2025.

Preferred Experience: Must have a working knowledge to be able to identity a wide variety of pests found in this subtropical area. Must know the habits, physical characteristics and their stages, be able to recognize when chemicals and treatment methods must be changed to control same. The Pest Controller must have the skill and technical knowledge to recognize conditions relative to pest infestations and detecting concealed infestations in such areas as within building partitions, packaged items and in soil around grounds adjacent to buildings. The Pest Controller must select pesticides for specific conditions and results desired.

For example, The Pest controller must select pesticides according to the areas to be treated such as food handling and eating must be treated differently than patient areas and other areas of the hospital. Applications of pesticides must be accomplished by incumbent to achieve desired results. Pest Controller must be able to formulate standard pesticides according to exact directions and may be required to dilute levels or combine pesticides in the same medium to control several types of insects with the same application Keeps daily pest management records showing what chemicals are used, when applied, life cycle of insect, etc. and compile them for quarterly report. Mixes and applies both general and restricted-use pesticides. Treatments are accomplished utilizing hand sprayers, electric foggers, electric dusters, hand dusters and other techniques as prescribed. Performs daily care of equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned. Operate a Government vehicle to drive to off site locations.

Selective Placement Factor: The Pest Controller must obtain and keep licenses as required by the State regulations of assigned areas within 6 months of starting the position. Must maintain the licenses by completing the required state(s) yearly credit hours.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. 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. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Materials
  • Oral Communication
  • Pest Control
  • Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment


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/Working Conditions:
The Pest Controller often lifts and handles materials weighing over 50 pounds and carries chemical solutions and equipment weighing up to forty (40) pounds for extended periods. He occasionally works in cramped and inconvenient surroundings requiring manipulation of equipment in awkward positions for prolonged periods. Work frequently requires standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions for extended periods. He may move furniture and equipment and operate high impact pneumatic hammers as well as various carpentry and masonry tools.

Working Conditions:
The work is accomplished both inside and outside. When working outside, pest control workers are often exposed to hot sun for extended periods of time and occasionally to bad weather. Outside work may be done in marsh areas or under hot and dusty conditions for extended periods. Inside work is often accomplished in structural areas with minimum ventilation and/or limited access. The Pest Controller mixes substances and applies pesticides while wearing respirators, gloves, and other personal protective equipment designed to nullify the risk of exposure to toxic dust and sprays, which might
damage their health. Damage to health may occur if appropriate safety procedures are not followed. Discomfort may be experienced while wearing protective clothing, respirators, goggles, or face masks for extended periods of time.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.

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.

Whole Health Statement is to be added to the Marketing Statement in the JOA: Whole Health is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their life to the fullest. The VA is committed to Whole Health and values Veteran and Employee health and wellbeing. As a VA employee, you will practice Whole Health in an environment that supports personalized and proactive care.


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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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.

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.

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Resume
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action


The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please make sure you have included other documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference claims, or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees). You will not be contacted for additional information.
  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • License
  • Other (1)
  • Other (2)
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript


SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):
  • Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee
  • An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade
  • Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
  • Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
    • Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
    • Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
    • SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year old.
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.

How to Apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 10/20/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12813321.

  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions.

Beginning September 27, 2025, Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. Resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility for further consideration for the position. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying for a job. Resumes should include information relevant to the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies of the position to which you are applying. VA is unable to make assumptions about qualifications if not clearly listed.

Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.

Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.

Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
  • Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
  • Use concise, results focused language
  • Align language from the job announcement
  • Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
  • Remove outdated or unrelated experience
  • Use the USAJOBS resume builder
Additional guidance on this new requirement and resume building tools can be found at:

Agency contact information

Melinda Howard
Address
Huntington VA Medical Center
1540 Spring Valley Drive
Huntington, WV 25704
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.

You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.

NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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