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Pest and Weed Controller

Also known as Pest Management Technician and Fumigator.

Pest and weed controllers kill or control plants, animals and insects that are considered troublesome or harmful to agricultural, industrial or domestic activities.

Pest and weed controllers have a lot of contact with chemicals and wear protective clothing such as overalls, gloves and masks.

Pest controllers work both inside and outside and are sometimes required to work in cramped conditions, such as under houses or in attics.

Weed controllers usually work outside.

Pest and weed controllers usually have a lot of contact with clients.

TASKS

Pest and weed controllers may perform the following tasks:

inspect properties, identify problems, determine treatments and provide estimates of costs at the request of landowners or government authorities
advise on preventative measures
apply appropriate pesticides (including sprays, gels, dusts, baits and fumigants) to infested areas
handle, mix and store chemicals following safety precautions and regulations set by manufacturers and government legislation
operate generators, compressors, and manual and electric pumps to inject or spray liquid and gaseous pesticides and herbicides
take care to minimise damage to other plants, animals and the environment
carry out simple maintenance practices to prevent pests entering buildings, such as bird-proofing roofs, and filling cracks and crevices
maintain equipment in safe, efficient working order
maintain work records of each property inspected, the pest or weed problem, chemicals used and the amount of time spent at each location
write reports for clients

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

good communication and customer service skills
able to work independently and solve problems
free from breathing problems and related conditions
no known allergies to the chemicals used
safety-conscious
able to make accurate observations and calculations
responsible attitude

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a pest and weed controller without formal qualifications, but you will need to obtain a special licence, which requires some study. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in conservation and land management, pest management, vertebrate pest management or weed management. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a pest and weed controller through a traineeship in Pest Management, Conservation and Land Management, Vertebrate Pest Management or Weed Management.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Property Services or Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.

In the ACT, the Environment Protection Act requires all persons who apply herbicides or pesticides for a fee or reward to have a licence for the use of commercial chemicals. In NSW, the Pesticide Act requires people working with pesticides to hold a Fumigator or Pest Management Technician Certificate of Competency. Applicants for a certificate of competency must be at least 18 years old. Contact SafeWork NSW or the Environment and Planning Directorate (ACT) for licensing details.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Pest and weed control is largely seasonal work, with high demand for experienced staff in the summer months and less demand in winter. Controllers may work for large pest control companies servicing a wide geographical area, or they may be self-employed, operating in a relatively small area or specialising in a particular type of control. Demand may also be affected by the level of housing construction as new houses are required by law to be treated.