Your pest control business is only as strong as your technicians.
A professional and knowledgeable technician can turn a one-time job into a repeat client. On the other hand, hiring the wrong person can lead to sloppy work, bad reviews, and lost business.
That’s why a well-crafted job description is about finding the right fit. The right hire can boost your company’s reputation and keep your schedule packed with repeat customers.
Pest control technician job description template
Use this template to write your own pest control job description. Modify the role summary, responsibilities, qualifications, hours, compensation, and company overview based on your business needs.
Pest Control Technician, Full Time
Bait For It Pest Control Co. is hiring an experienced pest control technician to join our team. The successful applicant will be responsible for identifying, trapping, and removing various types of pests, as well as preventing future infestations.
Job responsibilities:
- Inspect buildings for unwanted pest activity and infestation
- Identify types of insects, animals, and other pests
- Measure dimensions of the area needing treatment
- Recommend pest treatment and elimination options
- Set traps and baits in the infested area and surrounding areas
- Mix pesticides according to area and pest type requirements
- Apply pesticides in and around customers’ homes
- Physically remove trapped or exterminated pests
- Prevent pest re-entry with materials like wood and foam
- Identify and promote upselling opportunities to customers (including pest control contracts)
- Follow workplace health and safety procedures, including use of PPE
- Follow pesticide safety instructions and procedures
- Keep work vehicle tidy and stocked with tools and equipment
- Load and unload tools and equipment from work vehicles
- Prepare cost estimates and project budgets
- Coordinate service with customers and handle complaints professionally
- Suggest pest control service agreements to customers that need ongoing support
- Accurately log billable hours using a time tracking app
- Manage job details, review daily tasks, and follow up with customers using our pest control app
Qualifications and skills:
- High school diploma or GED
- [STATE] pest control license
- 2+ years of experience as a pest control technician
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation
- Knowledge of pest control tools and techniques
- Able to perform basic mathematical calculations and convert measurements
- Able to sit, stand, kneel, crawl, and climb ladders in all weather conditions
- Strong planning, organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills
- Great attention to detail, positive attitude, and strong work ethic
- Good interpersonal and communication skills (multiple languages are a plus)
- Able to follow written and verbal instructions
- Able to safely apply pesticides and chemicals
- Experience using scheduling apps or routing apps preferred (training can be provided)
Working hours:
- Full-time, year-round
- Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm
- Overtime available but not required
Compensation:
- $16–20/hour (based on experience)
- Signing bonus and year-round bonus opportunities
- Health insurance, including dental and vision
- Paid holidays, time off, and parental leave
- 401(k) matching and life insurance
This position will require a background check upon hire.
About Bait For It Pest Control Co.
Bait For It Pest Control Co. provides high-quality pest control services to residential and commercial customers. We specialize in ants, termites, and wasps, but can handle just about any pest infestation with confidence and care.
We are constantly seeking talented, passionate people to join our team and help us grow the business. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and a supportive work environment where employees can develop skills, build careers, and make a real impact for our customers.
To apply for this position, send your resume to [company email address].
Ready to hire pest control technicians to work for your business? Use our guide to write a detailed job description that attracts qualified, licensed technicians.
What to include in your pest control job description:
Download our pest control technician job description template, or jump ahead for our guide on writing a job description of your own. You’ll be interviewing and hiring expert exterminators in no time
1. Role summary
Your job description should start with a summary of the role. This is a short introduction to the pest control service technician role you’re hiring for—it helps applicants understand the job at a glance.
A role summary normally includes details like:
- Position title
- Supervisor
- Seniority level
- Responsibilities
Give an overview of what the role involves and what type of person would be right for the job. This will tell qualified job seekers to apply—and unqualified people to continue their job search elsewhere.
Example role summary
Pest Control Technician, Full Time
Bait For It Pest Control Co. is looking for a skilled technician to join our growing team. The right candidate will handle pest inspections, removal, and prevention. The successful applicant will make sure homes and businesses stay pest-free while delivering top-notch service that keeps customers coming back.
2. Job responsibilities
Write down a list of the pest control technician responsibilities you expect your employee to fulfill.
Whether tackling infestations in homes, restaurants, warehouses, or office buildings, the right hire should get the job done safely and professionally.
A pest control technician’s responsibilities go far beyond simply setting traps or spraying chemicals. They need to:
- Identify pest species
- Assess the severity of infestations
- Choose the most effective treatment plans
- Educate customers on how to prevent pests from returning
To make sure your job description includes all possible tasks, ask yourself these questions:
- What clients does your pest control business work with? For example, residential or commercial.
- What types of pest control equipment will they be using? For example, traps, sprayers, foggers.
- What do your current technicians do in each type of job? For example, insect removal, pesticide application, and termite control.
- Will this employee need to complete any other non-pest control tasks? For example, customer service, estimating jobs, scheduling work, and sending pest control invoices.
Example job responsibilities
- Check homes and businesses for signs of pest problems and infestation
- Recognize different species of insects, rodents, and other pests
- Assess the size of the treatment area to determine proper coverage
- Offer customers effective solutions for pest removal and prevention
- Place traps and bait stations in problem areas and nearby locations
- Mix and prepare treatment solutions based on pest type and coverage needs
- Apply pest control treatments inside and outside of customer properties
- Remove captured or eliminated pests safely and efficiently
- Block entry points using sealants, wood, or other barrier materials
- Identify and promote upselling opportunities to customers (including pest control contracts)
- Adhere to workplace safety protocols, including proper use of protective gear
- Handle pesticides according to industry safety regulations and guidelines
- Keep the work truck stocked, clean, and ready for daily routes
- Load and unload necessary tools and supplies for each service visit
- Provide customers with estimates for pest control treatments
- Schedule and communicate with clients while addressing any service concerns
- Suggest pest control service agreements to customers who need ongoing support
- Accurately log billable hours using a time tracking app
- Manage job details, review daily tasks, and follow up with customers using our pest control app
3. Qualifications and skills
Include all the professional qualifications you expect an exterminator to have before working on your team.
Depending on your service offerings, technicians may also need specialized skills in termite control, fumigation, or commercial pest management.
Your qualifications might include:
- Years of pest control experience
- Experience with a specific type of pest (e.g., bees, ants, mice, skunks)
- Any pest control license that’s required by your state
- Physical demands (e.g., kneeling, crawling, wearing respiratory equipment)
- Soft skills (e.g., customer service, communication, problem-solving)
- Valid driver’s license and clean driver’s record, if they’ll be driving a company vehicle
You can also add any extra skills that aren’t necessary but can help candidates stand out, like being fluent in Spanish or having experience with pest control software.
READ MORE: Top 14 pest control apps for pest ID, scheduling, and more
Example qualifications and skills
- High school diploma or GED
- [STATE] pest control license
- At least two years of hands-on experience in pest control services
- A valid driver’s license with a clean record and dependable transportation
- Familiarity with industry-standard pest control methods, tools, and products
- Comfortable with basic math for measuring treatment areas and mixing solutions
- Physically capable of standing, kneeling, crawling, and using ladders in various weather conditions
- Strong ability to plan, juggle multiple tasks, and troubleshoot issues on the job
- Sharp attention to detail, a can-do attitude, and a commitment to quality work
- Solid communication and customer service skills (fluency in multiple languages is a plus)
- Ability to comprehend and execute both written and spoken instructions
- Trained in the safe handling and application of pest control treatments and chemicals
- Experience using scheduling apps or routing apps preferred (training can be provided)
4. Working hours
List your working hours or shift options so candidates know what the average workday will look like. This will help you attract applicants who can work within your normal schedule.
Include whether the technician’s job is full-time or part-time, seasonal or year-round, and permanent or temporary.
Example working hours
- Full-time, year-round
- Mon–Fri, 9:00am–5:00pm
- Overtime is available but not required
5. Role compensation
Include your technician salary or hourly wage so applicants know what to expect. This keeps you from wasting time interviewing candidates who are out of your budget.
Your pest control job description should also cover non-financial compensation and perks, like:
- An employee bonus program
- Health insurance
- Paid days off
- 401(k) contribution matching
Example compensation
- $16–20/hour (based on experience)
- Signing bonus and year-round bonus opportunities
- Health insurance, including dental and vision
- Paid holidays, time off, and parental leave
- 401(k) matching and life insurance
6. Company overview
Applicants may not know much about your business. The company overview section is your chance to introduce the business and explain why it’s a great place to work. Include details like:
- Your pest control company name
- How many years you’ve been in business
- Company mission, vision, and values
- What kind of employee experience you offer
- Why your employees work with you
- Professional development and career-building opportunities
Example company overview
About Bait For It Pest Control Co.
Bait For It Pest Control Co. takes pride in delivering top-tier pest management services for both homes and businesses. While we have extensive expertise in tackling ants, termites, and wasps, our team is fully equipped to handle a wide range of infestations with precision and professionalism.
We’re always looking for skilled and dedicated professionals to become part of our growing team. Offering competitive pay, hands-on training, and a work culture that values growth and teamwork, we provide an environment where employees can sharpen their expertise and grow their careers. Together, we can make a difference for the customers we serve.
To apply for this position, send your resume to [company email address].
Pro Tip: When your pest control company overview is finished, save it and use it again in all your future job postings.
READ MORE: How to build a business where employees want to work
Specialized roles in pest control
Not every pest control technician handles the same jobs. Some require specialized expertise, certifications, and tools. Whether you’re expanding your services or bringing in experts for specific tasks, hiring the right people can set your business apart.
Fumigator
If you serve commercial clients, adding a licensed fumigator to your team can open the door to high-value contracts. Fumigators handle full-scale pest eradication using gas-based treatments that penetrate every inch of an infested structure.
Qualifications typically include:
- Knowledge of respiratory protection and confined space safety.
- Knowledge of chemical properties, ventilation procedures, and airtight sealing techniques.
- Strong understanding of structural sealing and gas dispersion.
- Experience handling and storing fumigants safely.
Commercial pest control technician
Unlike residential pest control, where homeowners call when they see a problem, commercial clients need ongoing solutions. Commercial pest control technicians focus on large-scale properties, food safety regulations, and long-term pest prevention plans.
Their work often involves:
- Conducting facility-wide inspections for vulnerabilities.
- Implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
- Adhering to strict industry regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, or HACCP standards).
- Managing recurring service contracts with business clients.
Termite technician
If you operate in high-risk termite zones, having a dedicated termite technician can be a game-changer for customer trust and your bottom line. A termite technician specializes in detecting, preventing, and eliminating these silent invaders.
Skills and responsibilities include:
- Knowledge of termite species, soil treatment methods, and structural vulnerabilities.
- Conducting wood and soil inspections for termite activity.
- Using moisture meters and infrared technology to detect hidden infestations.
- Applying termiticides through trenching, drilling, or bait systems.
Getting the most out of your job posting
A well-written job description helps filter out unqualified applicants while drawing in the skilled professionals you need. Here’s how to maximize your job posting to build your team.
Write to stand out
Use clear, straightforward language that spells out exactly what you’re looking for in a candidate. Highlight the specific skills, certifications, and experience required. Your job posting should:
- Be specific about daily tasks, from pesticide applications and customer service.
- Highlight benefits like competitive pay, ongoing training, company vehicles, or bonuses.
- Showcase your company culture, which might include that you value professionalism, customer service, or teamwork.
Use job boards and online platforms
To reach as many qualified candidates as you can, post your job on the right platforms, including:
- General job sites: Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn can connect you with job seekers actively looking for pest control work.
- Industry-specific boards: Websites like PestControlJobs.com, National Pest Management Association (NPMA), or state pest control association job boards often attract experienced professionals.
- Social media and referrals: Posting on your company’s Facebook, Instagram, or even industry-related Facebook groups can expand your reach. Encourage your employees to share the job posting and refer candidates.
Make it easy for candidates to apply
Provide instructions for applying to your pest control job posting. Tell applicants if you want them to apply by email, on your pest control website, or using an application form on a job board like Indeed.
Include the application deadline and make it clear if you need a cover letter and references.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A pest control technician identifies, removes, and prevents infestations in homes and businesses. They inspect properties, determine treatment plans, apply pesticides, and implement exclusion methods to keep pests from returning.
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A pest control technician conducts property inspections, identifies pest species, applies treatments, sets traps, and advises customers on prevention. They also maintain equipment, follow safety protocols, and document service details.
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Pest control technicians should have a high school diploma or GED, as well as previous job experience that includes inspections, trapping or spraying, and prevention.
The role also requires technicians to pass certain state-level exams and get certified, since this role involves handling harmful chemicals.
Some employers can offer apprenticeships for new technicians to learn the trade under supervision before getting certified.
Check your state’s pest control licensing guidelines to see rules for pest management industry certification and apprenticeships in your area. -
Good pest control technicians are properly certified, have on-the-job experience, and can safely work with a wide range of dangerous chemicals.
They also have a good eye for detail, the ability to work within tight spaces, and the strength to lift and use heavy equipment. -
This career offers steady demand, hands-on work, and opportunities for specialization. Pest control technicians often enjoy job flexibility, competitive pay, and the satisfaction of solving customer problems while protecting homes and businesses.
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The median salary for a pest control worker in the U.S. is $44,650/year, or $21.46/hour. Actual pay can vary depending on factors like:
– What pests they specialize in (e.g., roaches, wasps, lizards)
– Experience level
– Geographic area
– Local pest control industry demand and competition
Pro Tip: Update your pest control business plan and budget to ensure you’re prepared to pay for new employees in the long term. -
There are a few different titles for pest control workers, depending on how they work:
– Pest control technicians and pest control specialists can manage pests by either live trapping or killing them, depending on company policy or the client’s needs.
– Exterminators focus on killing pests through trapping, baiting, chemical spraying, and fumigation. They typically don’t offer live removal.
You can hire for any of these job titles, but be aware that exterminators typically need licensing to apply pesticides. Be sure your top candidate has the necessary license before hiring them. -
Use clear, engaging language that highlights key responsibilities, company culture, and growth opportunities. Emphasize competitive pay, training programs, and benefits to attract top talent. Post on job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn to reach more candidates.