Pest Management Professional
Company Background
Who are we?
Cooper Pest Solutions is a privately owned pest control company located in Lawrencville NJ. We are an exciting and actively growing business and are on the cutting edge of the pest control industry, offering a wide variety of innovative and unique pest control services to our clients. We specialize in providing solutions to client’s problems with an emphasis on pursing non-chemical solutions as our primary method. We are often turned to as the company that can offer solutions when all other companies have failed and are proud of this reputation. Our organization is continually performing field efficacy studies with the largest manufacturers in our industry on new products and new formulations. Cooper Pest Solutions continually recruits dedicated individuals with bright minds. By bringing on individuals with these attributes we infuse the new blood necessary to continue our growth into emerging markets.
Our WOW Philosophy
Every person in the company strives to achieve our mission, which revolves around WOW.
WOW is achieved when the experience makes such an excellent impression with the receiving party that it is shared with family and friends. When striving for WOW, the by-product is an incredible experience, which impresses everyone we come in contact with.
Our mission at Cooper is to:
WOW our clients
WOW our teammates
WOW our community
WOW our service partners and
WOW the bottom line
WOW our Clients
During your career at Cooper you will be WOWing your customers. As part of the process you will need to practice WOW through a variety of methods to achieve superior customer service.
WOW Our Teammates
WOWing your teammates is a key element to success at Cooper. By working with teammates we are able to create a positive environment which allows individuals to reach their potential.
WOW Our Community and Service Partners
As part of our mission we WOW our service partners and the community. Our service partners are the businesses that service us or that we subcontract services to. When our service partners fail, we fail together and therefore WOWing our service partners is critical to our success. We also must remember that we are part of a bigger whole and that is our community. To this end, we expect each member of our team to give back to the community as a representative of Cooper Pest Solutions.
Your training
During initial training you must be able to commute to Lawrenceville, NJ five days per week for approximately five weeks in order to complete the initial stages of our Technician Training Program. Once the initial training is completed you will need to attend training sessions in Lawrenceville according to an ongoing training schedule. Field technicians undergo an extensive paid training program to educate them on a variety of subjects regarding pesticides, government regulations, customer perception, methods of providing service and approaches to solving pest problems. An emphasis is placed upon resolving problems with the least reliance on pesticides and a greater reliance on knowledge of specific pest life history, biology and behavior. The concept and principles of Integrated Pest Management will be fostered in order to provide pest control services that minimize the use of pesticides as well as exposure to pesticides. The training process is a continuous one and will include approximately 30 hours of ongoing education per year in addition to the training that all new staff undergoes.
What will a day at Cooper look like?
Technicians will provide maintenance services to both residential and commercial markets. Clients range from private residences to major pharmaceutical companies and everything in between. Performing maintenance services and inspections is a very important and interesting part of the position because it allows you to apply your knowledge to prevent problems by anticipating them before they occur rather than reacting to them after they have occurred. Maintenance services are not based upon the application of pesticides. Rather, they are based upon careful inspection and the reporting of findings to the client. Proper inspection requires possessing the knowledge of what to look for as well as where and when to look for it. In addition, proper inspections also require the ability to recognize when conditions exist that may favor a particular problem to occur. Finally, this information must be able to be clearly communicated to the client both verbally and in the form of a written report.
Communication
Effective communications is one of the most important aspects of the Field Technician role. Field Technicians must posses the skills to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. In order to deliver quality service, you must be able to effectively communicate with your clients to insure that you have a clear understanding of each of your client’s individual needs. It is also very important that through proper communication, our clients develop a high level of confidence and trust in the abilities of their service technician as well as the company. The end result is that each one of your clients should see great value in the services that Cooper Pest Solutions and their service technician provide them.
Perform Preventative Applications
Some preventative programs are based upon preventative applications of pesticides and/or baits. These services are designed based upon the biology and behavior of the target organism.
Non-Chemical Resolution to Pest Problems
As a field technician some pest problems are solved and/or prevented by excluding them from structures through the use of caulks, adhesives, door-sweeps, trimming of vegetation that is in contact with the structure etc. These types of mechanical/non –chemical methods are an area of the field technician position that will continue to increase in importance.
Resolve Active Problems
Technicians will be involved in solving existing pest problems utilizing a wide variety of techniques. Once again, reliance on life histories, biology and behavior are very important in effectively resolving problems. The rewards are great in this portion of the job because you get to see the results of your knowledge as well as the reward of directly helping clients that have existing problems.
Internet and Basic Personal Computer Skills
In some instances when a technician lives far from our office you may be a candidate to work out of your home four days per week once you complete initial training. In this option, you will utilize the Internet to access your work and to print your work for the day. This can be explained in detail during the interview process.
Field Technicians may be required to access and retrieve their daily work via the Internet. You must be open to learning this technology if you do not already possess these skills.
Field Technician Position
Detailed List of Principle Duties and Responsibilities, Basic Qualifications and Essential Job Functions Expectations
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Principal Duties and Responsibilities satisfactorily. Listed below are the Principle Duties and Responsibilities, Basic Qualifications and Essential Job Functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the Principle Duties and Responsibilities.
Basic Qualifications
¨ At least 18 years of age.
¨ High school diploma or equivalent.
¨ U.S. citizen or alien authorized to work in the United States.
¨ Able to work before 7:30 AM, after 5 PM Monday through Friday and a pre-determined Saturday schedule.
¨ Valid motor vehicle operator's license.
¨ No more than 4 points on your driving record.
¨ No citations for driving while under the influence within last three years.
¨ Read, speak, and comprehend English.
¨ Good oral and written communication.
¨ Ability to operate a motor vehicle and have ability or learn to drive a stick shift vehicle.
¨ Ability to handle and climb a 24 foot extension ladder and work proficiently at a height of at least 24 feet
¨ Ability to control or learn to control a variety of insect and rodent populations including stinging insects
¨ Ability to ascend and descend stairs.
¨ Willingness to tolerate variety of environmental conditions, including very hot or very cold weather, damp and/or dusty locations as well as attics and craw spaces.
¨ Must be able to do work that requires bending and stooping and be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Essential Job Functions
¨ Ability to work independently as well with a team.
¨ Ability to use or learn to use caulking materials and make basic repairs to structures.
¨ Ability to problem solve and apply logical thinking to come up with solutions.
¨ Ability to use a computer and use or learn Windows based software and Internet browsers.
¨ Knowledge of pests, rodents, and other vermin.
¨ Knowledge of pest control products, services, and treatments.
¨ Knowledge of pest control regulations, and safety procedures.
¨ Skill in providing pest control treatments.
¨ Skill in planning and prioritizing work.
¨ Skill in promoting cooperation, building teamwork, and resolving conflict.
¨ Ability to conduct inspections which may include continuous bending and kneeling.
¨ Ability to enter/exit structures, crawl spaces, attics via access panels.
¨ Ability to climb over and on top of structures
¨ Ability to use required personal protective equipment including a respirator.
¨ Ability to visually inspect for pests, pest harborage, pest entries, etc.
¨ Ability to use application equipment, inspection equipment, small hand tools and small power tools.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities
WOW Customer Service
Is using the WOW process to achieve superior customer service. Takes advantage of WOW opportunities to give the client a WOW experience. Interacts with others in a friendly, positive, and professional manner. Acts quickly and effectively to address actual or potential problems. Maintains composure and self-control at all times.
WOWing Teammates
Shares information with others who should know. Puts interest of team ahead of self when appropriate. Recognizes and celebrates successes of team members. Involves others when necessary to overcome challenges. Shows respect for a diverse range of opinions, ideas, and people. Offers suggestions for improvement; embraces and implements change.
WOW Service Partners & Community
Has knowledge of our service partners. WOWs our service partners. Understands the opportunities to contribute to the community. WOWs the community as a representative of Cooper.
Communication
Solicits and provides constructive and accurate feedback. Effectively uses communication technologies as required (e.g., telephone, pager, computer, fax, email, etc.). Communicates effectively (verbal and written) and in a timely manner with peers, clients, and management.
Individual Skills
Effectively organizes own work and completes on timely basis. Acts dependably to get things done right the first time. Considers positive and negative consequences before acting. Demonstrates a sense of urgency to win (for self and team); takes initiative when necessary (without exceeding boundaries). Maintains and applies appropriate skill in expected area(s) of expertise.
Rule Orientation
Attends training and participates in training programs. Follows company policies and procedures. Is punctual in reporting to work each day. Wears required safety gear when appropriate. Operates company vehicle safely; and maintains vehicle to comply with DOT and company guidelines. Follows safety policies and procedures when carrying out pest control services. Follows FIFRA policies and procedures when carrying out pest control services. Maintains required safety equipment and manuals in company vehicle. Follows company guidelines when using tools, equipment, and materials. Maintains driver's license within company guidelines.
Administration and Miscellaneous
Reports and paperwork are thorough, accurate, legible, and on time. Uses company resources/property in a skillful, professional, and respectful manner. Gives adequate notice to person(s) responsible for ordering supplies to avoid out-of-stock situations. Performs other tasks as requested by his/her immediate supervisor.
Solving Pest Problems
Selects most appropriate materials and methods to achieve effective results. Selects most appropriate materials and methods to manage hazard. Ability to correctly identify pests in the field. Exhibit use of reference materials in solving pest problems. Exhibit growth in knowledge of different pests.
Growth Orientation
Follows up promptly when notified of a prospective customer. Suggests additional company services to customers when appropriate. Works cooperatively with sales department to sell company services. Sees services, products and equipment as opportunities to get new customers. Tells customers about new products.
Professionalism
Maintains proper inventory of tools, equipment, and materials on vehicle. Wears clean, company uniform and appropriate footwear. Maintains good personal hygiene. Inspects, diagnoses, and renders appropriate services. Completes services as scheduled, and provides appropriate documentation of services performed. Reports to customer contact person before and after providing pest control services.
Responsiveness
Responds cooperatively with requests for help from fellow employees. Works whatever days and times are required to meet customer expectations. Finds ways to include unscheduled events into daily route. Responds to customer service calls according to company policy (minimum phone contact). Is receptive to suggestions from others on how to be a more effective technician.
Friendliness
Interacts with customers in a friendly and professional manner; builds positive, strong relationships with customers. Whenever possible, explains actual or potential problems to customers face-to-face.
Problem-Solving
Takes advantage of opportunities to exceed customer expectations. Offers suggestions to customers on how to avoid pest problems when appropriate. Involves others in solving customer pest problems when solutions are unclear. Is straightforward and forthcoming with customers about problems. Digs deep into pest problems to try and locate source and solve pest problem at its source.
Productivity
Advises management of accounts making less than dollar per hour rate desired by company. Informs management of work not performed in a timely manner. Assures the route is organized efficiently to maximize productivity.
Typical Hours, Wages, and additional Benefits
The starting rate for a Pest Management Professional is $14.00 per hour.
An average workweek consists of approximately 55 hours per week during the months of April through September and approximately 45 hours per week during the months of October through March. Included in the hours described above, are scheduled Saturdays. Approximately 20 Saturdays per year are scheduled for each field technician and the hours range from 4-7 hours per Saturday depending upon the time of season.
In addition to your paycheck the following benefits are available to you.
Health and dental insurance
401K
Paid initial and on-going training
Paid vacation
Paid personal days
Six paid holidays
Advancement opportunities
Enrollment in Confidential Advisory Program (wellness program)
Direct Deposit
Sporting Event Tickets
Opportunities and Obstacles
Opportunities:
Working Independently
The majority of a technician's time is spent away from the office, and in client residences and/or companies. Service technicians must be able to work effectively without direct, and/or close supervision.
Building Relationships
Our success is dependent on strong relationships between our service technicians and our clients. Your route will include regular stops where you will need to develop strong and positive relationships with clients.
Achieving Expert Status
Over time you will become recognized internally and externally as an expert in pest management. Our clients and your peers will depend on you for expert advice, guidance, and services.
Solving Problems
As your knowledge grows, you will achieve great satisfaction from developing and delivering effective solutions to meet the pest problems of residential and/or commercial clients.
Obstacles:
Managing Time
Meeting and exceeding the expectations of clients on your route requires highly effective time management skills to ensure you are where you need to be, at the appropriate time, with required materials.
Uncooperative/Upset Clients
From time-to-time our service technicians encounter uncooperative and/or upset clients. Our most effective technicians avoid verbal confrontation, and instead focus their energy on resolving the problem.
Unsavory Pests
Service technicians must be willing to come into contact with a wide variety of pests - from ants and cockroaches, to spiders, mice and rats - sometimes in small spaces such as attics and crawl spaces.
Working Conditions
Delivering effective pest elimination/management services requires working in difficult conditions - for example, poor weather (heat, cold, rain, snow), confined/darkened spaces, etc.
