Careers Related to Pesticides and Pest Management

If you are interested in a career in pest management there are a number of job fields to consider.  Pest management careers go beyond applying pesticides to control insects, weeds or fungi.  They include careers which apply integrated pest management techniques such as sanitation, exclusion (property maintenance), non-chemical alternatives or trapping.  As new pests emerge, scientists must also research new management methods. 

Select Job Sector

Agricultural and Private Industry

Educational, Environmental & Scientific

Government

Healthcare

Manufacturing

Advocacy

Agricultural and Private Industry

While a degree in a related field is beneficial for most jobs in these sectors, a number of employers offer training programs for employees who have little or no prior experience with pesticides.  Individuals working in agricultural or the private industry will need to become familiar with specific pest species as well as management alternatives. 

Looking for a career in structural pest management? The National Pest Management Association, Inc. has put together information more specific to careers available in the structural pest management industry on PestWorld. Follow the links below to learn more.

Businesses
The following businesses may employ the use of pesticides and other integrated pest management practices or be involved in the sales and distribution of pesticides.

Many of the businesses involved in applying, manufacturing or selling pesticides participate in industry trade groups such as those listed on the Industry Associations and Related Groups page.  You may find additional information by visiting the associations' websites.

Related Jobs

Individuals working in the following jobs may use pesticides and other integrated pest management options to control pests or be involved in the sales or distribution of pesticides.  While a degree in a related field is beneficial for most jobs, a number of employers offer training programs for employees who have little or no prior experience with pesticides or pest management practices. 

Note:  Many of the above links go to information that is posted on the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

*To learn about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in Virginia read the Certification, Licensing and Registration information posted under the Industry tab at the top of the page. 

Educational, Environmental & Science Careers

Individuals trained in the sciences play a key role in research related to pest identification and management, pesticide impact studies and monitoring, development of new pesticides and other new technologies.  These positions represent the professionals sought by both private and public sector employers including manufacturers and government agencies.

Government Careers

Government agencies not only regulate pesticide usage but serve other functions such as: monitoring for pests which pose a risk to human health, the environment or agriculture; researching new management options including new pesticides; testing food, water or air samples for pesticide residues; educating the public and private industries about the safe and proper use of pesticides; and study impact of pesticides on human health, wildlife and the environment.  Employees in some agencies may apply pest management techniques to protect or preserve parks, forests, historic buildings or even museum pieces.  A brief summary of each agency’s or programs pest management or pesticide related activities is provided.  Backgrounds in the careers listed in the other job sectors may be relevant to employment with government agencies.

Health Related Careers

Healthcare professionals involvement with pest management and pesticides includes not only treatment of pesticide related injuries but also activities related to poison prevention and recognition. 

Manufacturing Careers

Manufacturers need scientists to identify and formulate new pesticides as well as employees that work to get the new products on the market.  They also work with consulting firms and independent laboratories during the state and federal registration process.  Many of the manufacturers have career information on their company website.

To learn more about working in the chemical manufacturing industry click here for information from the Bureau of Labor & Statistics.  Most pesticide manufacturers fall within the agricultural or specialty chemicals segments.

Advocacy Groups

Whether or not you support the use of pesticides, there are advocacy groups involved in representing both sides of the issue.  Advocacy groups depend on staff with a variety of backgrounds depending on their specific focus areas.  A group which focuses on the environmental impacts of pesticides will be interested in people with a background in the environmental sciences while a group that focuses on the impacts of pesticides on the health of farmworkers will be interested in people with experience in medicine, toxicology or a related field.  These groups also need support staff, who, while knowledgeable of pesticides, may not have degrees or backgrounds in one of the sciences.  The support staff may assist in public presentations, outreach, media development and administration of their programs.  Regardless of your background in using pesticides or applying pest management practices, there is probably some way you can be involved with protecting human health and the environment or informing the public about integrated pest management and the safe and proper use of pesticides.  The following are some specific positions within these organizations.

To learn more about working for an Advocacy Organization click here for information from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.