Pest Control Specialist
Agriculture & Farming
A program that focuses on the application of scientific principles to the control of animal, insect and weed infestation of domesticated plant populations and other settings, including agricultural crops; the prevention/reduction of attendant economic loss; and the control of environmental pollution and degradation related to pest infestation and pest control measures.
What Pest Control Specialists Do
A program that focuses on the application of scientific principles to the control of animal, insect and weed infestation of domesticated plant populations and other settings, including agricultural crops; the prevention/reduction of attendant economic loss; and the control of environmental pollution and degradation related to pest infestation and pest control measures.
Common Tasks
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- 2Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- 3Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- 4Supervise laboratory sessions and field work and coordinate laboratory operations.
- 5Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
What You'll Learn
Types of Pest Control Specialists
Work Environment
Locations
- • Farms and ranches
- • Greenhouses and nurseries
- • Agricultural research stations and labs
- • County extension offices and field sites
- • Aquaculture facilities and hatcheries
Schedule
Schedules are often seasonal and weather-dependent, with early starts and occasional long days during planting, scouting, or outbreak periods.
Physical Demands
Work typically involves a mix of walking fields, standing, bending, and handling equipment or samples, with moderate overall physical activity. Some roles include outdoor exposure (heat, cold, rain) and careful handling of pesticides and other chemicals.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 879,900 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Demand can rise as farms, nurseries, and greenhouses adopt integrated pest management to protect yields and reduce losses from invasive species and changing weather patterns. Stricter environmental and food-safety expectations can also increase the need for trained pest monitoring and control.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Work that combines science with hands-on field problem-solving
- • Direct impact on crop health, yields, and environmental outcomes
- • Variety of work sites and day-to-day tasks
- • Skills transfer across agriculture, horticulture, and research
- • Opportunities to specialize (weeds, insects, plant disease, IPM)
Cons
- • Outdoor work in variable weather and seasonal peaks
- • Potential exposure to pesticides and allergens (requires strict safety practices)
- • Time pressure during infestations or production deadlines
- • May require travel between sites and irregular hours
- • Some roles require advanced education for research or teaching positions
Common Questions About the Pest Control Specialist Trade
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