At a Glance
- Tasks: Respond to pest control requests and assist with special maintenance tasks.
- Company: Join a supportive council team dedicated to community health and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26-33 days annual leave, health cash plan, and discounts at major brands.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Must be qualified in pest management and have relevant experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a great working environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
You'll be working primarily as a Pest Control Officer responding to requests from members of the public requesting assistance, occasionally working in commercial premises, but also assisting internal council departments such as Housing and Environmental Health. We are seeking a confident, self-starting operative to work in our busy Special Maintenance team. Key to this role is an engaging, supportive approach to your work as you will often be dealing with distressed individuals, as well as excellent communication skills, as you will need to explain a technical work area clearly and calmly to avoid causing undue alarm or risk.
Responsibilities
- Carry out pest control tasks across a wide range of species from rats to bed bugs, including use of poisons, air weapons, insecticides or traps as required.
- Conduct pest prevention activities such as erecting bird scaring devices or netting on buildings, or installing one-way valves in sewers.
- Perform physical work which may involve ladders, entering manholes, and carrying equipment such as CCTV cameras.
- Demonstrate risk awareness and maintain high safety standards around customers and their premises.
- Be prepared to support the wider Special Maintenance team for high-profile events (elections) or emergencies, acting as a frontline responder when required; this is infrequent.
- Maintain readiness to act across different environments, including residential and commercial settings, with a focus on safe, effective pest management.
- Hold a driving licence as essential and complete a Basic DBS check; IT skills are advantageous as the service moves to a fully digital platform.
Qualifications
- Fully qualified to the Royal Society For Public Health Level 2 award in pest management (or equivalent) across all main pest control disciplines (Rodents/Avian/Insects).
- Demonstrable relevant experience, ideally in a local authority environment; experience in a maintenance environment is advantageous.
Benefits
- Employer paid health cash plan
- Salary sacrifice scheme for cars and bikes
- 26 days annual leave per year rising to 33 days (dependent on length of service)
- 13 days additional flexi leave per year (subject to operational requirements)
- Option to buy up to 5 days additional annual leave
- Free parking (during work hours) at any Winchester Park and Ride
- Membership to the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Discounts at a range of major high street brands and the two leisure centres in the district
- Season Ticket loans
- Excellent working environment
- Support for continuous professional development
Pest Control and Special Maintenance Officer employer: Winchester City Council
Contact Detail:
Winchester City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pest Control and Special Maintenance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its values! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the council's approach to pest control and maintenance. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with distressed individuals, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to explain technical details clearly and calmly. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with this.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific situations where you've successfully managed pest control tasks or worked in maintenance. Use examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly through our platform. This way, we can keep track of your progress and ensure you don't miss out on any updates regarding your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Pest Control and Special Maintenance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pest Control: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for pest control shine through! We want to see that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about helping people and managing pests effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any relevant experience you have, especially in local authority or maintenance environments. We love seeing how your past roles have prepared you for this position, so don’t hold back!
Communicate Clearly and Calmly: Since you'll be dealing with distressed individuals, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills in your application. Use clear language and provide examples of how you've handled similar situations in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Winchester City Council
✨Know Your Pests
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of different pest species and control methods. Being able to discuss specific techniques, like using traps or insecticides, will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also understand practical applications.
✨Communicate Calmly
Since you'll be dealing with distressed individuals, practice how to explain technical information in a clear and calm manner. Role-play with a friend or family member to get comfortable with this, as it will help you convey your message without causing alarm.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work. Think of examples where you've maintained high safety standards, especially in challenging environments. This will reassure the interviewers that you can handle the physical demands of the job responsibly.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Highlight your ability to work well in a team, especially in high-pressure situations. Share experiences where you've supported colleagues during busy times or emergencies, as this role requires a collaborative approach within the Special Maintenance team.