Summary This position is located in the Environmental Management Service (EMS) at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX. The incumbent is responsible for assisting in the planning, implementing, and carrying out a complete and comprehensive integrated pest management program for this Medical Center. This includes the performance of interior and exterior pest control measures in all areas of the facilities, and campuses. Responsibilities Selects and maintains pesticide PAR levels and equipment used in operations such as hand sprayers, fogging devices, power sprayers, dusters and traps. Operates and maintains pesticide equipment in accordance with specified guidelines. Uses publications and directives to ensure the overall program is within guidelines for safety, chemical application and control methods. Applies regulations for use of chemicals and proper application. Maintains updates of changing laws relating to chemical use, restrictions and regulations. Determines and dispenses agents to control a wide variety of insects, vertebrate pests, plant pests and weeds. Uses, identities, stores, handles, and disposes of toxic chemicals and media. Maintains updates on safety and preventive treatment requirements for storage and exposure to controlled or regulated products. Identifies insect, disease and fungal damage to ornamental plants, trees and lawns to achieve appropriate controls. Remove s and cleans areas where dead pests, rodents, and animal fowl have been identified, such as attics, basements, light diffusers, etc. Accomplishes day-to-day tasks necessary for an effective Integrated Pest Management Program. Plans work to be completed, develops surveys, inspection, and treatment schedules. Completes administrative records which document the target pest treated, date of treatment, pesticides used, application methods, etc., and other applicable logs or records as required. Completes required reports and records operations, including chemicals used and areas treated. Secures printed and electronic files containing sensitive information. Trains staff on the proper use of chemicals and proper application. Advises on preventive measures such as housekeeping requirements and removal of pest hiding areas. Maintains a library of appropriate reference materials. Work Schedule: 6:00am-2:30pm / 7:00am-3:30pm / 8:00am-4:30pm / 2:30pm-11:00pm / 3:30pm-12:00am (Subject to changed based upon facility needs). Position Description Title/PD#: Pest Control Worker/PD03679A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. This position is covered by AFGE bargaining unit. Per the Master Agreement, Status Eligible applications will be reviewed and referred in the following order: 1st Area of Consideration - current permanent "Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center" employees including satellites and CTAP eligibles; 2nd Area of Consideration - current permanent Veterans Healthcare Administration employees; 3rd Area of Consideration - current permanent VA Nationwide employees; 4th Area of Consideration - All Other Status Applicants. Note: Veteran' preference is not applicable to VA employees or employees of other Federal Agencies. 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 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/18/2024. 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, 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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than 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. Required: This position requires a Certification from the state of Texas in the performance of pest control. This certification must be reflected on your resume and a copy must be uploaded to receive credit for your response. Physical Requirements: Pest Controllers often lift and handle materials weighing over 23 kilograms (50 pounds) and carry chemical solutions and equipment weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) for extended periods. They occasionally work in cramped and inconvenient surroundings requiring the 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. They may move furniture and equipment. 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 under hot and dusty conditions for extended periods. Inside work is often accomplished in structural areas with minimum ventilation and/or limited access. The workers mix substances and apply 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. They may be exposed to poisonous insects, reptiles, and plants and to wild and rabid animals. Education 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. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal/VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation (a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location) and be found well-qualified for this vacancy. To be well-qualified: applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in most of the required competencies of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. 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.