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Pest Control Technician

Pest control technicians manage pests, such as insects, rodents, rabbits, feral goats, possums and pest birds, in homes and businesses, parks and reserves, and on farmland. They also advise people on how to keep properties and buildings free from these pests.

 

Tasks & duties

Pest control technicians may do some or all of the following:

  • inspect buildings, industrial land, farmland, houses, market gardens, parks and reserves for any signs of pests
  • determine the cause and extent of the pest problem
  • plan how to control the pest
  • lay bait, spray chemicals or set traps
  • shoot animal pests
  • give advice to land or building owners on pest control and prevention
  • recommend food hygiene standards
  • fumigate incoming and outgoing cargo on the request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF)
  • take action to protect land or buildings against further pest invasions

 

Specialisations

Pest control technicians may choose to specialise in a type of pest to control.

The National Certificate of Urban Pest Management, which is the only such course in New Zealand, allows you to choose any of these specialisations:

  • fumigation (using gaseous pesticides to suffocate or poison pests)
  • vertebrate pests (pests with a spinal column, such as rats and possums)
  • wood borer
  • shooting and bird control
  • ant control
  • textile pests

 

Skills & knowledge

Pest control technicians need to have:

  • knowledge of pests, including knowledge of methods for trapping, poisoning, controlling or removing pests 
  • understanding of insect and animal biology and habits
  • skill in evaluating pest problems 
  • understanding of safety rules and methods when using and handling pesticides and poisons
  • knowledge of pest control regulations such as the Urban Pest Control Code of Practice and the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
  • good decision-making ability for deciding which pesticide or poison to use in a given situation 
  • maths skills to calculate the amount of pesticide required 
  • an understanding of public relations practices 
  • good communication skills 
  • report-writing skills 
  • expertise in using firearms 
  • some bushcraft skills 

 

Entry requirements

To become a pest control technician you need to have a current driver's licence.
Most larger employers have it as a condition of employment that you work toward a National Certificate in Urban Pest Management.

 

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements, but School Certificate or NCEA equivalent is preferred. Useful subjects include science and biology.

 

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job.

Most employers require you to complete the National Certificate in Urban Pest Management, available via correspondence through the Open Polytechnic. You generally complete the certificate while working, as it includes some job-based assessments.

 

Registration

Many local authorities, companies and government departments require the pest management companies they employ to be members of the Pest Management Association of New Zealand (PMANZ). PMANZ is a voluntary registration body for pest control professionals.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for pest control technicians may include:

  • voluntary conservation work and/or an interest in the environment
  • farm work or hunting
  • customer service work or any other work involving contact with people

 

Related courses

Pest and Weed Control

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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