Pest Control Coordinator

Provide safe, effective, preventive and responsive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to control pests (including vermin, birds, insects, and others) for Lincoln Park Zoo collection, food services, and grounds

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• With veterinary oversight, PCC is responsible for design, maintenance, implementation, and evaluation of a responsive and preventive pest control plan and program through both chemical product and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) activities consistent with current and progressive industry practices with an emphasis on animal welfare
• Responsible for pest inspections throughout the zoo
• Responsible for identification of pests
• Evaluates pest activity and establishes action thresholds for pest issues
• Evaluates methods of chemical pest control for pest control circumstances
• Applies chemical agents for the control of pest organisms safely, legally, and efficiently
• Install and services mechanical pest control devices and materials
• Responsible for ordering, storing, maintaining, and disposing of chemical, mechanical, and biological pest control supplies
• Generates facility sanitation assessments and sanitation action plans
• Develops and communicates strategies to preclude food sources and harborage for pests in collection, non-collection, and food service areas on grounds.
• Serves as support for and the liaison of pest control services contracted by the food service areas on grounds, the Chicago Park District, and the City of Chicago
• Maintains direct communication with Zoological Managers and Lead Keepers on pest control problems, requesting work order creations as needed
• Provides daily and monthly electronic records or IPM activities performed in all areas of the zoo, including sanitation assessments with action plan
• Demonstrated knowledge of materials, methods, tools and equipment to work safely with hazardous chemicals.
• Responsible for assisting with unloading, storage, and maintenance of all dry goods and supplies in commissary warehouse and other areas of the zoo as needed.
• Humane trapping (lethal and live capture depending on species) of pests and vermin
• Responsible for collection of deceased non-collection animals on grounds for appropriate disposal
• As it relates to pest control management, PCC is responsible for animal transport and deliveries in regard to nuisance wildlife transport, both on and off zoo grounds.
• Must demonstrate familiarity with SDS protocols, application guidelines, and safety procedures and be willing to follow them at all times, especially as it refers to managing and applying pest control products.
• Provides routine and requested updates to IPM protocols and SDS review for pest control products
• Provides routine and requested updates to IPM protocols and SDS reviews for pest control products.
• Adheres to established safety guidelines. 
• Participates in established animal escape drills and procedures   
• Must demonstrate knowledge of occupational hazards involved and the safe work practices to employ while in proximity of potentially dangerous animals.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist in preparation and presentation of training programs for zoo volunteers and new employees as requested.
• Visitor services at special events.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions, and otherwise communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and supervisor.
• Very good knowledge of computer programs of basic word processing, spreadsheets, and internet database access, and comfort with data entry.
• Considerable knowledge of the zoo’s mission and philosophy.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergency situations and to respond with appropriate action.       
• Good interpersonal skills including ability to get along with diverse groups with tact and maturity.
• Ability to represent Lincoln Park Zoological Society in a professional manner at all times.
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, co-workers, visitors and general public.
• Spanish speaking preferable to allow integration with on-grounds support staff in day to day operations.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from High School or the equivalent (GED) is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline is preferred. 

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience of two (2) years in performing pest control applications, and preferably in licensed capacity.
• Experience in sensitive environments, such as a zoo, aquarium, hospital, food handling establishments, or school, or like institution, is desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds without vehicle
• Ability to handle and restrain zoo animals
• Ability to perform a variety of physical tasks that include but are not limited to climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, crawling
• The employee will be regularly exposed to water, chemicals, and potentially loud noises.
• Physical strength, including ability to regularly move 30lb objects and occasionally 50lb objects
• Ability to work in small, confined spaces
• Ability to work in all weather conditions – including potentially adverse conditions
• Ability to wear requisite Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that may include rubber/latex gloves, masks, eye goggles and airway protection
• No allergy related to plants or animals that may interfere with the ability to work
• No impairment of sight, smell, hearing, touch balance or ability of movement that might interfere with ability to work
• Ability to maintain immune response to exposure to infectious and parasitic diseases

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available to work any of seven days of the week or special needs or events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as required. 
• Non-infectious tuberculosis status via intradermal skin test, thoracic radiographs, or treatment regimen. 
• Current Rabies and COVID-19 vaccinations are required by the zoo.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

• Must obtain a valid State of Illinois and City of Chicago registration as a pesticide applicator/certified structural pest control technician with respect to CE and ethics.
• Shall maintain licensure as a certified structural pest control technician in the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago through Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Shall maintain certification in the ‘General Use’ and ‘Restricted use: Insects and Rodents’ categories
• Shall maintain licensure as a pest control applicator through Illinois Department of Agriculture in the categories of ‘Mosquitos’ and ‘Right of Way’ pesticide application
• Possession of and able to maintain a valid Illinois’ driver’s license with good driving record.

OUR PROMISE

• Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people.  For Wildlife. For All.

LINCOLN PARK ZOO BENEFITS

• In addition to such standard benefits ( Blue Cross Blue Shield)  as medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverages, and a 403(b) savings plan with an institutional match, benefits of working at the zoo include (benefits are for regular full time employees):
• Free admission to many other Chicago cultural institutions
• Free on-site parking anytime with access to Lincoln Park, Lakeshore Trail, and North Avenue Beach
• Discounts on event tickets (free admission to select events), attractions, dining, and retail at the zoo
• Quarterly staff mingle events and “LPZooU” training and educational sessions about the zoo, wildlife, ecology, and related subjects
• Company contribution to Health Savings Account (Medical PPO only)
• A working environment with green spaces and regularly available visits with wildlife!
• Salary: $32.78

Salary

• $32.78/hr