What career roles are there in pest control?

What it entails:

• Assisting experienced technicians on site visits

• Learning to identify pests, signs of infestation, and entry points

• Supporting treatments

• Training and working towards qualifications

• Developing customer service skills

Skills and qualifications

• No prior qualifications required

• Problem-solving attitude, communication and teamwork

A typical day:

• Observing and assisting inspections and treatments

• Attending training or workshops

• Recording learning experiences from handling real-world situations

What they do

Deliver pest management services independently across domestic and commercial environments.

What it entails

• Managing scheduled visits and urgent call-outs
• Inspecting a variety of sites, from homes and restaurants to warehouses and farms
• Identifying pest activity and applying approved treatments
• Advising clients on prevention and long-term solutions
• Meeting all reporting, safety and compliance standards
   

Skills and qualifications

• RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management
• Strong knowledge of pest biology, safe chemical handling and proofing techniques
• Good organisational and record-keeping skills
• Confidence making decisions and solving problems alone
• Customer service skills

A typical day

• Travelling to sites within your patch for inspections, treatments and follow-up visits
• Responding to urgent calls
• Updating service logs and reporting findings

What they do

Manage advanced pest treatments and provide technical leadership to colleagues.

What it entails

• Tackling the most complex infestations and high-risk sites
• Using advanced treatment techniques and detailed pest knowledge
• Mentoring and supporting junior technicians in the field
• Producing detailed reports and ensuring work meets compliance standards
   

Skills and qualifications

• RSPH Level 2 and working towards Level 3
• Strong technical knowledge and problem-solving ability
• Communication and leadership skills to support others

A typical day

• Visiting challenging sites such as hospitals, food manufacturing sites and large commercial contracts
• Leading on technical and specialist treatments
• Supporting and training colleagues
• Acting as a senior client contact

What they do

Assess sites, identify risks, and design tailored pest management plans.

What it entails

• Conducting inspections and risk assessments of buildings and surrounding environments
• Producing detailed reports with recommendations and action plans
• Advising clients on preventative measures and long-term management strategies
• Supporting compliance with industry and audit standards such as HACCP or BRC

Skills and qualifications

• RSPH Level 2 in Pest Management or equivalent
• Strong report writing and analytical skills
• Audit and compliance knowledge
• Good communication skills to present findings and recommendations

A typical day

• Visiting client sites such as factories, warehouses, or food production facilities
• Inspecting structures, processes, and environments to identify risks
• Writing detailed reports with clear recommendations
• Working to ensure recommendations are acted upon

What they do

Specialise in bird management, environmental auditing, and complex pest investigations.

What it entails

• Surveying sites to identify bird species, nesting or roosting behaviour, and risks
• Designing and advising on proofing and deterrent solutions such as netting or spikes
• Producing detailed compliance reports and training teams in best practice
• Balancing legal, ethical, and ecological responsibilities in all recommendations

Skills and qualifications

• BPCA Certificated Field Biologist or RSPH Level 3 in Pest Management
• Strong understanding of bird behaviour, legislation, and control techniques
• Excellent observational, analytical, and report-writing skills

A typical day

• Conducting detailed audits, often in food manufacturing or urban environments
• Assessing bird activity, taking photographs, and recording evidence
• Producing comprehensive reports with recommendations
• Training technicians and ensuring legal compliance

What it entails

• Handling incoming calls and emails
• Booking technician visits and managing schedules
• Updating job management systems
• Supporting customer queries and follow-ups
   

Skills and qualities

• Strong communication skills
• Good organisation and attention to detail
• Confident using computer systems
• Customer-focused mindset

A typical day

• Taking customer enquiries
• Scheduling technician visits
• Updating service records
• Liaising with technicians and managers

What it entails

• Maintaining training and qualification records
• Supporting audits and accreditations
• Managing documentation and certificates
• Assisting with reporting

Skills and qualities

• Strong attention to detail
• Organised and methodical
• Comfortable with documentation and systems

What they do

Lead and manage a team of technicians across a region, ensuring service quality and compliance.

What it entails

• Overseeing technician schedules, logistics, and performance
• Ensuring treatments, reporting, and compliance are consistently delivered
• Handling escalated technical or customer issues
• Supporting staff development through training, mentoring, and reviews

Skills and qualifications

• Significant experience of pest control in a senior capacity
• Strong organisational and leadership skills
• Good understanding of compliance, audit standards, and industry regulations
• Excellent communication and people management skills

Typical Day

• Reviewing technician schedules and ensuring resources are allocated effectively
• Supporting, mentoring, and reviewing technicians
• Acting as a point of escalation for clients
• Balancing office and site-based working

What they do

Oversee operational performance across multiple teams or regions.

What it entails

• Managing budgets and performance targets
• Improving service quality and efficiency
• Supporting managers and supervisors
• Ensuring compliance and safety standards

Skills and qualifications

• Strong leadership experience
• Commercial awareness
• Knowledge of pest control operations
• Excellent people management skills

Typical day

• Reviewing KPIs and reports
• Meeting managers/ team members
• Customer meetings
• Resolving escalated issues
• Planning improvements

What they do

Provide technical guidance on pest control products to customers and technicians.

What it entails

• Answering technical product queries
• Supporting product selection
• Liaising with R&D and sales teams
• Supporting training delivery

Skills and qualifications

• Pest control knowledge or science background
• Strong communication skills
• Problem-solving ability

What they do

Support storage, picking, packing, and dispatch of pest control products.

What it entails

• Receiving stock
• Preparing orders
• Stock control
• Health and safety compliance

Skills and qualities

• Reliable and organised
• Good attention to detail
• Comfortable with physical work