Person Specification
Position Title
Pest Control Operative
Division / Section
Environment / Scientific, Bereavement & Registration Service
Service Area
Place
Responsible To
Team Leader – Pest Control
Person Specification
Qualifications,
training &
professional
membership
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Experience of working within the pest control
industry, or considerable alternative experience in
relevant area of work demonstrating sound
technical capabilities.
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Diploma level qualification in general pest control
(British Pest Control Association Part 1) or
equivalent is desirable. Post holders will be
expected to work towards this level of qualification.
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Certification for the operation of mobile elevating
platforms.
Desirable
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Certificate for working on confined spaces and/or
working at height.
Desirable
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Basic computer skills
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Hold a current ordinary class driving licence for the
use of a range of vehicles.
Essential
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The post holder must possess good written and
verbal communications.
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The successful candidate will demonstrate evidence of the following experience,
knowledge, skills and understanding. Evidence will be sought for selection purposes.
SUPERVISON AND MANAGEMENT
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Assist trainees and modern apprentice staff as
necessary.
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KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
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Ensure allocated work is actioned in accordance
with the timescales given and that all equipment is
operated in accordance with the Health and Safety
at Work Act 1974 and associated legislation and
service specific work instructions.
Under the guidance of the Team Leader, will be
responsible for ensuring best practice is
demonstrated and the best approach adopted for a
variety of situations, including the use of
appropriate rodenticides and insecticides,
sometimes in sensitive situations.
Responsible for ensuring all insecticides and
rodenticides are both stored and applied safely in
accordance with the Control of Pesticides
Regulations 1986 and the Control of Substances
Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999.
Experience of working in the pest control industry.
Able to demonstrate examples of using own
initiative and working alone without direct
supervision.
Bird proofing knowledge and techniques.
Working knowledge of relevant legislation, policy
and professional/technical practice.
Knowledge of pest control Legislation including,
Pesticides Regulations 1986 & The Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health Regs 1999
Awareness of insecticides and rodenticides and
their use in accordance with the Control of
Pesticides Regulations 1986 and the Control of
Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999
Awareness of legislation and technical
developments and changing practices in the Pest
Control industry
Air weapon use and understanding.
Ability to keep accurate written and electronic
records.
Maintain proper records of infestations, treatments
applied, service requests, complaints, safety data
sheets and other relevant records as required by
the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974,
Regulations and Codes of Practices. Comply with
the Section's "Safe Working Practices" document
and report any incident which may constitute a
breach of the legislation immediately to the Team
Leader
Vary tactics when dealing with pest control duties to
obtain maximum return for each situation. This
may involve the use of different pesticides, the
trapping of an animal live or the use of different bird
proofing measures, requiring a wide knowledge of
pest control procedures.
Advise stakeholders and the public on
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requirements of legislation enforced, liaising with
the Team Leader on activities of a more complex
nature.
May be asked to assist in the development of
special projects or publicity campaigns.
The nature of pest control work means there is a
need to use potentially hazardous products in
customers’ premises on a routine basis, which
requires a risk assessment to ensure the safe and
appropriate use of products.
Responsible for maintaining all equipment (e.g.
sprayers, dusters) in good working order at all
times, and also ensure that the Pest Control vehicle
allocated to them is kept clean and tidy as set out in
the drivers’ handbook. Responsible for ensuring
that the vehicle is adequately stocked at all times.
Responsible for effective route planning taking
account of any time sensitive calls and information
updates received during the day. Whilst there is no
direct supervision in the field, advice is always
available from the Team Leader.
Regular quality control audits are carried out to
ensure that pest control services are being
provided in line with issued work procedures, best
practice and the Council’s duty of care.
Maintain an impeccably smart, clean uniform and
appearance at all times.
Wear appropriate uniform, safety footwear,
Personal Protective Equipment and Respiratory
Protective Equipment, as provided by the
Department at all times.
Carry out surveys and attend pest infestations in
roof spaces, floor voids, derelict properties, high
level working, dirty and verminous premises,
riverbanks, dock and harbours, warehouses, hotels,
hostels and other commercial properties.
Carry out poison baiting, live trapping, spray
applications, insecticidal treatment of properties,
specialists gel treatments, powder applications, bird
proofing, use of air rifles and removal of obnoxious
material such as pigeon droppings etc.
Dispatch humanely live wild animals and birds in
accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act
1981 and Regulations.
Carry out their duties in a manner which protects
non-target native species, in particular those
identified as endangered and in need of protection.
Responsible for carrying out a risk assessment and
thereafter conducting themselves in such a manner
that where possible the risk is eliminated or where
this is not possible any risk is reduced to the lowest
possible level.
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CUSTOMER FOCUS
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Provide advice and guidance to all clients relative
to the service request in line with the Council's
Customer Care Policy and promote the services of
the Pest Control Section.
Ensure excellent customer care standards are
maintained through effective handling of customer
service requests/complaints, sometimes in
extremely sensitive situations.
Experience of dealing in a professional capacity
with a wide range of people, professionals, etc.
Possession of excellent written skills and excellent
communication skills
Excellent negotiation/mediation skills
Excellent customer care standards are maintained
through effective handling of complaints.
Carry out their duties in a manner which ensures
effective treatment of target pest species whilst
safeguarding people and non-target species.
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It is recognised that in order to treat effectively for
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certain pests e.g. bed bugs, an inevitable amount of
disruption will be caused to the customer’s
property; they must ensure that the customer is not
inconvenienced unnecessarily.
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Documented procedures are intended to protect the Essential
post holder, the Council, customers and the public.
Any unauthorised deviation from procedures will be
deemed to be a breach of the Disciplinary Code
and will be dealt with accordingly.
Essential
Able to work very early in the morning or late at
night to service customer demands
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WORKING TOGETHER
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Daily contact with staff of Place. with frequent
contact with members of the public dealing with
service requests/ inspections / investigations/
enquiries and also with staff from a variety of
different companies/agencies, such as Lothian &
Borders Police, Health & Social Care, Housing
Associations, Scottish Water, Scottish Environment
Protection Agency, Health & Safety Executive,
public and private organisations, for provision of
pest control services on a commercial basis.
Willing to assist in crematorium at times of
emergency.
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Desireable
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Competencies & Values Framework
Applicants will also be measured against the following competencies as per the
Competency Level outlined in Our Competency & Values Framework:
Customer focused
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Works Effectively
with others
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Managing change
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Promotes the importance of quality customer/client services
within the team and aims to exceed customer/client
expectations
Identifies opportunities to improve the way the team delivers
customer/client services
Ensures teams correctly identify customer/client needs and
provide satisfactory solutions
Takes personal responsibility to manage customer/client
relationships
Implements service improvements
Monitors quality of service
Treats team members fairly and equally, recognises and
demonstrates appreciation of their contribution
Identifies with and has a shared commitment to achieving team
objectives
Shares knowledge and information with others
Thanks others for their contribution and efforts
Fosters good working relationships within teams in own
department
Actively seeks others input and values their contributions
Reacts positively to change
Is flexible and adapts plans in response to change
Prepares and supports team members during periods of
change
Constructively challenges current thinking and procedures and
offers alternative solutions
Gains acceptance of necessary changes by communicating
their benefits with conviction and enthusiasm
Taking Ownership
and Responsibility
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Takes the initiative to start activities or actions
Recognises when a decision is needed and commits to act
Is proactive, acts quickly to address current issues
Seeks feedback and takes appropriate action
Takes responsibility for personal development
Modifies own behaviour to influence different situations
Communicating
Effectively
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Uses positive, appropriate language in all situations
Communicates clearly and concisely to influence others
Uses a variety of methods to communicate in the most effective
manner
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Planning and
Decision Making
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Creates a positive confident impression
Uses interpersonal skills to have a positive impact in meetings
Keeps written messages simple
Regularly monitors progress and takes corrective action to
ensure priorities are met
Gathers information from several readily available sources
Considers information objectively to establish logical options
and generate solutions
Considers options and risks before making a decision
Determines resources and co-ordinates work logically to ensure
tasks are completed effectively
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