Pest Control Workers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Record work activities performed.92
• Clean work site after completion of job.85
• Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.80
• Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.80
• Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.79
• Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.74
• Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment.74
• Direct, or assist other workers in, treatment or extermination processes to eliminate or control rodents, insects, or weeds.66
• Cut or bore openings in building or surrounding concrete, access infested areas, insert nozzle, and inject pesticide to impregnate ground.64
• Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.60
• Post warning signs and lock building doors to secure area to be fumigated.60
• Set mechanical traps, or place poisonous paste or bait in sewers, burrows, or ditches.57

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Active Listening69

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking69

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Monitoring66

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Speaking66

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Writing66

  Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Time Management63

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Social Perceptiveness60

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Complex Problem Solving56

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Service Orientation56

  Actively looking for ways to help people.

• Active Learning53

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Coordination53

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Judgment and Decision Making53

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Customer and Personal Service85

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Chemistry64

  Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

• Mathematics62

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Biology56

  Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

• Law and Government55

  Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

• Public Safety and Security53

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• English Language49

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Education and Training48

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Sales and Marketing48

  Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

• Transportation45

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Communications and Media39

  Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

• Building and Construction38

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Near Vision75

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Comprehension69

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Oral Expression69

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Speech Clarity69

  The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

• Deductive Reasoning66

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Problem Sensitivity66

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Speech Recognition66

  The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

• Written Expression66

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

• Far Vision63

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Inductive Reasoning63

  The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Category Flexibility56

  The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

• Flexibility of Closure56

  The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Getting Information83

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events82

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment80

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials79

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems76

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates75

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Communicating with People Outside the Organization72

  Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public72

  Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings70

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Performing General Physical Activities69

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge69

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships67

  Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability71

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail70

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness69

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Integrity51

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Perseverance51

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Self-Control40

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Stress Tolerance40

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation32

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Cooperation31

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Initiative25

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

• Optimism20

  A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

• Social Orientation20

  A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic98

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional53

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative32

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Enterprising20

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social11

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

  • Every day95%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day81%
  • Once a week or more but not every day12%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day81%
  • Once a week or more but not every day11%

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day72%
  • Once a week or more but not every day20%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day66%
  • Once a week or more but not every day25%

• Freedom to Make Decisions

  • A lot of freedom48%
  • Some freedom52%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others55%
  • Contact with others most of the time31%
  • Contact with others about half the time13%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day64%
  • Once a week or more but not every day21%

• Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

  • A lot of freedom50%
  • Some freedom35%
  • Limited freedom15%

• Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

  • Very important results35%
  • Important results56%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day43%
  • Once a week or more but not every day33%
  • Once a month or more but not every week19%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important35%
  • Very important41%
  • Important24%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word, Report writing software

• Video creation and editing software

  YouTube

• Data base user interface and query software

  Database software, Marathon Data Systems PestPac

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Electronic mail software

  Email software

• Accounting software

  Intuit QuickBooks

• Document management software

  Microsoft SharePoint

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Calendar and scheduling software

  Work scheduling software

• Inventory management software

  Supply inventory software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials
• National Pest Management Association

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Grounds Maintenance Workers
• Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
• Miscellaneous construction workers, including solar photovoltaic installers, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
• Grounds Maintenance Workers
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
• First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
• First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers
• Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
• Miscellaneous agricultural workers, including animal breeders
• Agricultural Inspectors
• Miscellaneous life, physical, and social science technicians, including social science research assistants
• Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters
• Other Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Miscellaneous managers, including funeral service managers and postmasters and mail superintendents
• Agricultural and Food Scientists
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Construction and Building Inspectors
• Environmental Engineers
• Janitors and Building Cleaners

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Document work hours or activities.
• Clean facilities or sites.
• Estimate maintenance service requirements or costs.
• Treat greenery or surfaces with protective substances.
• Recommend products or services to customers.
• Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
• Inspect buildings or grounds to determine condition.
• Supervise maintenance workers.
• Treat facilities to eliminate pests.
• Evaluate reports or designs to determine work needs.
• Block physical access to restricted areas.
• Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Exterminator, Termite