Having a job as a pest control officer and the duties
Pest control officer’s deal with many issues regarding pests which may cause a danger to health and other issues regarding personal safety. The responsibility of the council is to make sure that house, public buildings and streets are kept clean and pest free. Pest control officer jobs are usually based in environmental health departments of councils and local authorities. They work closely along side colleagues from health and safety, pollution control, street cleaning and food hygiene, just to name a few government departments.
Environment
Pest control officers spend a large amount of time visiting homes, factories, shops, farms and warehouses to deal with any pest related issues, but are mainly located at their council office base. This type of job is not for the faint hearted as you are also required to venture into dirty conditions such as roof spaces or sewers. Protective clothing is needed in these environments such as goggles, respirators, gloves and overalls that would protect them against bites, stings as well as poisons, dust and toxic substances.
Hours
37 hours Monday to Friday. Overtime work may occasionally be required.
Job description
The daily activities required consist of both office and outdoor work. These also include spending a large amount of time making calls and visiting premises as well as picking up details from the office in the morning. You are also required to deal with a range of different pests which include rodents, ants, cockroaches, fleas, woodlice, flies etc. At the same time you are required to make reports, maintain records and advice the public on prevention of pests and the treatment required to get rid of them.
Interests and Skills
The skills and interests required form a pest controller include, good communicational skills, being physically fit for the job purposes, good at investigating and problem solving etc.
Training and qualifications
The requirements needed to be able to become a pest controller include a good standard of both numerical and literacy skills as well as GCSEs in maths, English or science.
Salary
The estimated amount of salary you will get from this job ranges between, £15,000 – £20,000 per year.
Future prospects
You may be promoted to a higher status such as managing a small team through supervising and post managing.
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