Exciting Opportunity: Ornamental/Turf Pest Control Technician at the University of New Mexico – Facilities Department

Are you an expert in pest management and weed control with a passion for keeping landscapes healthy and thriving? The University of New Mexico Facilities Department is looking for an Ornamental/Turf Pest Control Technician to join our team. In this role, you’ll develop, implement, and work within an established Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program to maintain the beauty and health of our campus landscape by controlling pests and undesirable plants across the exterior areas of the university.

Key Responsibilities
Perform pest and weed control for exterior areas, using a mix of physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological methods working closely with our IPM Technician and ACE certified supervisor.

• Ensure compliance with chemical application policies, laws, and regulations, while maintaining detailed records to meet State, Federal, and University requirements.
• Identify pests and provide expert recommendations on treatments, adhering to IPM principles.
• Make recommendations for procedural and maintenance changes to reduce pest presence on campus.
• Keep work areas, storage facilities, and equipment safe and fully operable, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
• Handle all necessary mixing, loading, application, and disposal of chemicals safely and efficiently.
• Maintain accurate chemical inventories and manage the procurement and disposal processes.
• Assist with interior pest management tasks when required.
• Participate in snow removal operations during winter months to ensure a safe campus environment.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned to support the Grounds and Landscaping team

Why Join Us?

Working as a staff member at the University of New Mexico (UNM) offers a range of exciting benefits including:

1. Comprehensive Healthcare: Access to competitive health insurance plans including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
2. Retirement Plans: Pension and enrollment in a choice of additional retirement plans with generous employer contributions.
3. Paid Time Off: Generous annual vacation leave (up to 168 hours per year), sick leave (up to 96 hours per year), and 11 paid holidays to support work-life balance.
4. Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, career advancement, and tuition remission for employees and dependents.
5. Wellness Programs: Access to wellness programs, fitness facilities, and resources promoting employee health and well being.
6. Community Engagement: Involvement in a vibrant campus community with diverse cultural and recreational activities.
7. Job Security: Stable employment with competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement within our respected flagship institution of New Mexico.

These benefits underscore UNM's commitment to supporting its staff members both personally and professionally, fostering a rewarding and supportive work environment.

As part of the University of New Mexico Facilities Department, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the campus’s landscape health and aesthetic quality. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a passion for pest management and a desire to work in a dynamic, supportive environment. You’ll be part of a team committed to ensuring our campus remains a beautiful and sustainable place for students, faculty, and visitors.

Apply today and help us protect and enhance the vibrant outdoor spaces at the University of New Mexico!

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.
• Must be able to obtain within 6 months of hire the following New Mexico Pesticide License categories: Category 5, 6, 7A, 7B, and 8.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: State of New Mexico 3A Pesticide License in Ornamental and Turf Pest Control: Insecticides. State of New Mexico 3B Pesticide License in Ornamental and Turf Pest Control: Herbicides.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Familiarity with herbicides for preventative and post emergent control and safe application
• Familiar with truck mounted hose end spray operations and calibration
• Proficient in computer applications, including Microsoft Office and mobile devices such as iPad
• Familiar with identification of plants and weeds
• Familiar with common ornamental pests in the southwest
• NMDA pesticide license categories 7A and 7B (Must be able to obtain within 6 months of hire the following New
• Mexico Pesticide License categories: Category 5, 6, 7A, 7B, and 8)

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.