The Pest Control Technician is responsible for providing professional pest control services for Houston Zoo to protect the health, safety and well-being of the public, staff and collection. The team will utilize best practices to evaluate and provide dynamic support to reduce or eliminate pest problems using industry standard practices and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques.
Our Mission: Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
Our Vision: Houston Zoo will be a leader in the global movement to save wildlife.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Controls pest animals through application of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods including restricted use pesticides.
Designs pest abatement strategies. Perform follow-up inspection and direction for effective and proper implementation of the strategies.
Inspects all facilities on a schedule to identify potential problems and inform area managers of pest concerns in their areas through regular systematic inspections.
Works with grounds and horticulture to assure wholesome browse is available for zoo animals, while maintaining control on biting insects to ensure comfort in the animal collection and zoo guests
Prioritizes safety, animal health and well-being, protection of property and resources, and assures a quality guest experience.
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.
Utilizes effective application rates of chemical control where it is needed, without excess waste.
Utilizes live trapping when appropriate, assuring humane capture and removal of nuisance animals.
Works with animal care staff to understand species and facility specific problems and means to mitigate those problems.
Maintains State and federally mandated records.
Maintains State and federally mandated licenses.
Applies for and obtains relevant State and Federal Permits as needed.
Provides technical and scientific expertise to zoo staff, other institutions, and the general public.
Evaluates order and inventories pesticides. Arrange proper disposal as needed.
Evaluates order and inventories mechanical pest control devices.
Required to safely operate a motor vehicle.
Contributes to saving animals in the wild through: reduction of waste, water and energy use and inspiring guests and staff to take wildlife protection actions.
Must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or equivalent G.E.D.
Hold a current Texas State License for Pest Control Technician or Certified Applicator.
Experience with species in captivity, in a conservation setting.
Experience with basic carpentry and mechanical skills.
Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas driver’s license within 90 days of employment.
Understand the laws and regulations that must be followed in controlling animals, applying pesticides and treatment of animals; work requires independent judgment in the selection of control methods to be used to meet with federal and state laws, regulations and guidelines.
ABOUT HOUSTON ZOO
The Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts with over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care, and, yes, even education! There are over 2 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well-being of our residents and guests. We strive to ensure the protection of all the counterparts of the animals we have at the Zoo and in the wild.
Join the Houston Zoo and become a part of an organization that is focused on the preservation of wildlife and their habitats by combining conservation with education and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in the local communities. Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Disclaimer
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as a complete inventory of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis.
Benefits
Full-time, regular positions are offered the following benefits.
- Medical and Prescription Drug
- Vision
- Dental
- Basic Life AD&D (100% Employer Paid)
- Short Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
- Long Term Disability (100% Employer Paid)
- Supplemental Life
- Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account
- 401k, with employer match
Full-time and Part-Time, regular positions are offered the following additional benefits.
- Free Zoo Membership
- Free Guest Passes
- Discounts on Food, Merchandise, Attractions, Admission and Programs
- Free parking
Houston Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.