DescriptionJob Title: Integrated Pest Management Technician
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Hours: Full-Time
Pay Rate: Range starts at $18.62/hour
Summary:
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is a leader in animal care and its mission is to inspire, educate and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for animals and their habitats. The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technician is a key position within our team through support of Integrated Pest Management program at both Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park.
The IPM Technician will support a proactive, modern integrated pest control management strategy while maintaining best practices in human and animal safety. The primary focus of this position will be to mitigate nuisance pests and peridomestic wildlife management. This position will be primarily based in Omaha, but may require travel to Ashland, NE for coverage at the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, a drive-through park located approximately 30 miles west of Omaha. Preferred candidates will have substantial experience in pest management and have excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (include but not limited to):
- Work with the IPM Specialist to evaluate, design, apply, and maintain a proactive, holistic pest management program that prioritizes animal and human health, environmental responsibility, and is aligned with organizational biosecurity practices.
- Proactively communicate with internal stakeholders (area landlords, curators, area supervisors, veterinary and science staff, relevant facilities managers) on pest management problems and proactively identify preventive measures to mitigate pest problems.
- Respond to requests for pest management in a timely and professional manner.
- Maintain knowledge of modern practices and pest control techniques, products, and technology to proactively manage pest populations with an emphasis on non-chemical and targeted, judicious use of chemicals.
- Assist IPM Specialist with coordinated work with external contractors to supplement pest management program.
- Ensure institutional compliance with regulatory agencies (EPA, USDA, FDA, etc.) and adherence to the accreditation standards of accrediting organizations (i.e. Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
- Assist with coordinating all pest management related pick-ups and deliveries and nuisance wildlife transport, both on and off zoo grounds.
- Assist IPM Specialist with hands-on management of peridomestic wildlife in a zoological setting. This requires application of exclusion techniques, humane capture, and relocation as directed.
- Maintain clear records of all pest control applications, plans, and dates of service. Provide routine computerized updates to chemical applications and Integrated Pest Management activities for each area and prepare detailed reports to designated area or building zone landlords.
- Adhere to established safety guidelines, and coordinate efforts with internal safety and security leaders.
- Assist in employee pest control education and training to develop a focus for pest management across all departments
- Perform other duties as needed to ensure the care of the animals in the collection, the smooth functioning of the zoo, and/or the reputation of the zoo as directed by the IPM Specialist and Vice President of Science and Animal Health.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- An associates degree (A.A.) in a related field; a bachelor’s degree is highly desirable.
- Two years related experience working in an animal care field or pest control management; previous zoological pest management experience highly desirable.
- Previous experience working with peridomestic wildlife is highly desirable.
- Must hold (or able to obtain) a Pesticide Applicator License (commercial grade) from Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
- Ability to keep records and communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and supervisors.
- Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations and industry standards related to pest control management.
- Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities.
- Able to work in a team environment with animal care staff and other departments and foster trust-based relationships.
- Knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment used in cleaning to maintain standards of biosecurity and mitigate pest-related disease exposure from.
- Must demonstrate the ability to work safely with potentially dangerous and toxic chemicals.
- Must possess high emotional intelligence, and situational awareness. Ability to clearly communicate pest/wildlife risk, treatment rationale, and preventative strategies with internal stakeholders.
- Strong Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ZIMS medical software preferred.
- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver’s license.
- Proof of negative TB Screening and up to date rabies vaccination.
Candidates might be (depending on position) required to pass a pre-employment background check, drug test, negative skin tuberculosis test, and possess a valid driver’s license with a good history.
Work Environment/Physical Demands:
- Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
- Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist, and have good lateral movement in potential confined spaces
- Ability to perform large amount of walking and walk up and down stairs
- Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms, and hands to perform duties
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round sometimes on uneven terrain
- Ability to work with animals with potential zoonotic disease
- Willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, early mornings, holidays and evening hours and in all weather conditions
- Must be able to be on call as necessary
- Regular exposure to water, chemicals and potentially loud noises and odors.
Travel Required:
- May be asked to travel occasionally to pursue additional training, pick up supplies, animals or facilitate local travel on a regular basis.
- The position is based in Omaha at the zoo but is expected to be a resource and may need to travel to the Wild Safari Park in Ashland, Nebraska.
Remote Work:
- This position is 100% on site, with some project-specific accommodations for remote work.
DISCLAIMER
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.
