Integrated Pest Management Specialist

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium (OHDZA) is a leader in animal care and its mission is to inspire, educate and engage people to serve as lifelong stewards for the conservation of animals and their habitats. The Integrated Pest Management Specialist will support our mission by managing and implementing a proactive, modern integrated pest control management strategy while maintaining best practices in human and animal safety. The primary focus of this position is to mitigate nuisance pests and peridomestic wildlife management, but also includes integration of other staff into the management plan through collaborative efforts and educational training. This position reports directly to the Director of Animal Health and is expected to work directly with animal care and management staff. This position will also have responsibilities in consulting at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, located in Ashland, Nebraska, as directed by the Director of Animal Health.

Duties and Responsibilities/Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

• Work with all zoo departments to evaluate, design, apply, and maintain a proactive, holistic pest management program that prioritizes animal and human health, environmental responsibility, and is aligned with organizational biosecurity practices.
• Proactively communicate with internal stakeholders (area or building managers/supervisors, curators, area supervisors, veterinary and science staff, relevant facilities managers) on pest management problems and proactively identify preventive measures to mitigate pest problems.
• Provide campus pest and wildlife assessments to establish clear goals and objectives for acceptable population management.
• Respond to requests for pest management in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain knowledge of modern practices and pest control techniques, products, and technology to proactively manage pest populations.
• Responsible for purchasing, storage, inventory, and appropriate use/disposal of chemical pest management materials to be used on site.
• Serve as a point of contact to work with external contractors to supplement pest management program.
• Ensure institutional compliance with regulatory agencies (EPA, USDA, FDA, etc.) and adherence to the accreditation standards of accrediting organizations (i.e. Association of Zoos and Aquariums).
• Manage the integrated pest management program in such a manner that resident animals, staff, guests and wildlife are not threatened by the pests, contamination from pests, or the control methods used.
• Ensures that the pest control program (both internal and contractor services) and products used are regularly reviewed and approved by the Director of Animal Health prior to implementation.
• Communicate and collaborate with external agencies including, but not limited to, the Nebraska Humane Society, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, and other agencies.
• Responsible for performing or coordinating all pest management related pick-ups and deliveries and nuisance wildlife transport, both on and off zoo grounds.
• Maintain clear records of all pest control applications, plans, and dates of service. Provide routine computerized updates to chemical applications and integrated pest management activities for each area and prepare detailed reports to designated area or building managers/supervisors.
• Adhere to established safety guidelines and coordinate efforts with internal safety and security leaders.
• Assist in employee pest control education and training to develop a focus for pest management across all departments.
• Serve as a resource for the Animal Care staff at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park for wildlife and pest control management.
• Perform other duties as needed to maintain the care of the animals in the collection, the smooth functioning of the zoo, and/or the reputation of the zoo as directed by the Director of Animal Health.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• An associates degree (A.A.) in a related field; a bachelor’s degree is highly desirable.
• Two years’ related experience working in an animal care field or pest control management; previous zoological pest management experience highly desirable.
• Must hold (or be able to obtain) a Pesticide Applicator License (commercial grade) from Nebraska Department of Agriculture.
• Ability to keep records and communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and supervisors.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and industry standards related to pest control management.
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities.
• Able to work in a team environment with animal care staff and other departments and foster trust-based relationships.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in cleaning to maintain standards of biosecurity and mitigate pest-related disease exposure.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work safely with potentially dangerous and toxic chemicals.
• Must possess high emotional intelligence and situational awareness.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ZIMS medical software, preferred.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid state driver’s license.
• Proof of negative TB screening and up to date Rabies vaccination.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Will lift, push, pull, and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds using safe and proper lifting methods.
• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, reach upward, twist, and have good lateral movement in potential confined spaces.
• Ability to perform large amounts of walking and walk up and down stairs.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring heavy use of arms, wrists, and exertion of upper body, arms, and hands.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions year-round and sometimes on uneven terrain.
• Ability to work with animals with potential zoonotic disease.
• Willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and evening hours.
• Must be able to be on call as necessary.
• The Integrated Pest Management Specialist will be regularly exposed to water, chemicals, and potentially odors and loud noises.

Travel Required

• May be asked to travel occasionally to pursue additional training, pick up supplies or animals, or facilitate local travel on a regular basis.
• The position is based in Omaha at the zoo but is expected to be a resource and may need to travel to the Wild Safari Park in Ashland, Nebraska.
• Remote Work
• This position is 100% on site, with some project-specific accommodations for remote work.

DISCLAIMER

• The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.
• It is not designed to contain, nor is it to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.
• Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC.