Job description
The job itself
We have an exciting and rare opportunity from September 2023 for a Trainee to start their career training as a Pest Control Officer in our small but busy Pest Control Team, part of the Environmental Control Service. You will work alongside experienced colleagues, gaining job-specific knowledge and skills. The post is fixed term until 31 March 2025 and is a career graded post to assist with succession planning as we have pest control officers planning to retire next year.
We are initially looking to develop a trainee to learn the required skills to work as a Pest Control Officer but during your 2-year appointment, you will also develop additional skills as an Animal Warden to occasionally cover the dog control tasks required of this joint and varied role. The job is primarily working in Pest Control service activity.
As this is a trainee post we are looking to appoint initially at grade 6 although career progression during the 2-year period will be available (subject to meeting the progression criteria and undertaking all relevant training).
This is a great opportunity to join our specialist and friendly team supporting local residents and businesses by giving advice and providing a range of pest treatments across the East Riding. You will learn how to carry out domestic and commercial pest control treatments assisted and unsupervised when considered competent to do so, as well as gaining the skills to effectively interact with customers in all situations. The work is varied and involves carrying out treatments for a range of pests in a range of domestic and commercial properties including proofing works to buildings to prevent access by pests. The job does requires the physical ability to be able to work in dusty/dirty environments (with PPE), at heights (with use of a ladder), in confined spaces and close to water.
You must have a good basic education and hold a full driving licence as you will be driving a council van issued for your use. You should have an interest in the Pest Control Industry and will need to be prepared to study for the RSPH / BCPA Level 2 award in Pest Management or equivalent. There will be the opportunity to be released from the workplace to complete the qualification.
You must be very organised in planning your day, have great people and communication skills including verbal and written, be computer literate and able to keep accurate records of treatments and be able to deal with a range of clients including some who are vulnerable. A positive can do attitude with the ability to relate to customers at all levels is essential.
Once you have completed your training, you will be expected to work, with minimal supervision as well as being part of a larger team, working towards shared priorities.
The role will also include enforcing legislation relating to pests and once fully trained there will be the opportunity to gain further training in relation to the dog control work that we do, including handling stray dogs, investigating dog attack cases and dog related nuisance cases. This will be needed to ensure successful progression to the top grade.
Occasionally working outside of normal working hours will be necessary for which an overtime allowance is paid.
You will be allocated a fleet vehicle to carry out your duties, which you will need to be able to park safely and securely at your home. A check will be made to ensure the candidate holds a full driving licence. For reasons of accessibility at short notice, the appointed candidate must live within the East Riding or Hull local authority boundaries.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Stuart Allen 01482 396360.