About us

The Portsmouth Housing Authority is a dynamic, team-oriented, and mission driven organization that owns and operates over 660 affordable rental units, spread throughout 13 different properties in the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The City of Portsmouth is known as one of the best small cities in America. Portsmouth is the economic and cultural center of the Seacoast region north of Boston, with a vibrant arts scene, world-class restaurants, miles of waterfront, and a historic downtown.

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Pest Control Technician performs all functions related to elimination of pests in the Portsmouth Housing Authority (PHA). Performs work that may involve operation of motorized equipment, heating units, pesticides, heavy lifting, climbing ladders, moving furniture and using staging. This involves ensuring a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for residents, visitors, and co-workers. The Pest Control Technician will carry out assigned duties in a safe manner and perform related work as directed by the Maintenance Supervisor.

Work is performed individually as well as a member of a group with specific instructions being given and close supervision exercised. Self-discipline and independent scheduling and goal setting are required in the absence of daily supervision. The Pest Control Technician is also responsible for maintaining high standards of property conditions and safety in our neighborhoods and building positive relationships with team members, residents and the wider Portsmouth community.

This is a 40 hour/week, full time position. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Commercial Applicator License: Preference will be given to candidates with a commercial license. Alternatively, candidates must obtain the license within 30 days of hire, with all costs covered by the employer.
• Formally document all inspection and results and forward to the appropriate Property Manager per the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Plan.
• Conduct all business in accordance with PHA policies and procedures, state and federal laws; e.g., OSHA, ADA, Fair Housing, etc.
• Ensure that the privacy and rights of PHA, its residents and program participants are protected at all times.
• Carries out inspections, identification, treatment and eradication of bedbugs utilizing an Integrated Pest Management approach.
• Determines treatment plans required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
• As necessary, spray, dust or place chemical and/or non-chemical solutions, powders, gels and/or gases into rooms (including onto walls, trim or floor components) and onto clothing, furnishings, and other household goods.
• As necessary, set mechanical traps and lures. Assist residents with installation of mattress/box spring covers.
• Educate PHA residents and staff regarding proper prevention of household pests including but not limited to bedbugs.
• When needed, cut or bore openings in building materials to access infested areas to interject pesticide.
• Discuss problem areas with appropriate PHA staff.
• Purchase all non-chemical equipment, solutions, powders and gases and maintain safe storage.
• Request, issue and distribute operational supplies as required.
• Reports fuel and supply inventory levels as needed.
• Perform other non-pest related maintenance duties as assigned by the Maintenance Supervisor such as grounds keeping, maintenance and preventative maintenance.
• Continue to stay current on latest technology for prevention of household pests including but not limited to bedbugs. (conventions, State Meetings, etc.).
• Listens and is attentive to resident’s needs, questions and concerns about Quality of Life issues.

Support of the Mission Statement

The mission of the Portsmouth Housing Authority is to be the leader in making quality affordable housing available for low and moderate income members of the community and to accomplish this mission by a fiscally responsible, creative organization committed to excellence. In pursuit of this mission, it is our intention to:

• Demonstrate excellence in leadership and management by working together as a team of residents, commissioners, staff, government and community;
• Ensure the efficient and effective maintenance and management of our properties;
• Foster a high performance staff with strong leadership, quality professional development opportunities, data-driven evaluation and teamwork in an environment full of pride, enthusiasm and respect;
• Demand and exemplify a commitment to integrity, professionalism and total honesty in a judgement free environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED) and specialized training in the field of pest control. Working knowledge of Integrated Pest Management practices.
• Ability to work in a public housing environment in all weather conditions (hot, cold, humid, dry, or wet). Courtesy to residents, other employees, and the general public at all times.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds. Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move an object. Work involves walking, standing and driving for brief periods of time.
• Ability to work well with minimal direction.

License/Certification Requirements:

Valid driver’s license.

Other Training, Skills, and Experience Requirements:

Equipment Requirement: Required to wear goggles when working with specific equipment, wear coveralls, masks and gloves and other safety equipment as tasks dictate.

Work Hours: 40 hours per week and available for overtime, on-call and holidays as circumstances warrant for emergency pest control situations.

Equipment/Machinery/Tools: Power driven equipment for heat and steam treatment of infestations, operates motor vehicles. An employee in this position must be knowledgeable and skilled in the safe use and maintenance of the following tools:

• Hand Tools: Various wrenches, hammers, grips, saws, snips, manual spray equipment, etc.
• Power Tools: Steam generating equipment, power prayers, vacuum cleaners, wrenches, drills, saws, etc.
• User-Moved Aids: Dollies, hand trucks, buckets, hoists, jacks, step ladders, full ladders, double ladders.
• Mechanical Equipment: Heat remediation equipment.
• Measuring Devices: Tape measures/rulers, etc.
• Electronic: Computer, infrared heat tools.

Working Environment:

Exposure to chemical and non-chemical pesticides, solutions, dusts and gases and fuels. Constant exposure to high temperatures. May be exposed to long periods of sunlight, cold, heat, rain, and snow. May be exposed to poison ivy, oak, sumac, insects such as wasps, hornets, bees, etc. Surfaces on which the Pest Control Technician must work include linoleum, ceramic, wood, tile, and carpet; pavement, concrete, lawn, gravel, mud.

Indoors (60% to 100% of the time). Occasional outdoors (1% to 33% of the time) all conditions.

Occasional exposure (1% to 33% of the time) to paint fumes, solvents, adhesives, etc. Example: Apartments during and after make-ready.

Frequent need (33% to 66% of the time) to work in awkward and confining positions.

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to communicate effectively to common inquiries or complaints from customers or business members of the community.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Portsmouth Housing Authority provided the following inclusive hiring information:

We are an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

• Age-inclusive
• Paid time off

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Overtime
• Year round work

Work Location: In person