Pest Specialist I

Description

Are you passionate about pest management and protecting homes from unwanted pests? At Ryan Lawn & Tree, we want to talk to you! Our company is rapidly growing, and we are expanding our pest control division. This is a primary route-based pest control role — and for the right candidate, it's also a strategic opportunity to grow into termite and rodent exclusion services as we build out that specialty for the future.

As a Pest Specialist I, your day-to-day focus will be running an established residential pest route, delivering expert home insect protection, rodent management, flea, tick, and mosquito control. You will be the face of Ryan Pest Control — trusted by clients to diagnose pest pressures accurately and apply the right products and treatments every time.

Core Responsibilities

Primary — Residential Pest Route Management

• Run and manage an established residential pest control route with professionalism and efficiency

• Provide comprehensive home insect protection services, targeting common household pests (ants, spiders, cockroaches, beetles, and more)

• Deliver rodent management services including baiting, trapping, and monitoring programs

• Perform flea, tick, and mosquito control treatments for residential properties

• Accurately diagnose pest pressures around and within homes, selecting and applying the appropriate products and treatment methods for each situation

• Maintain detailed and accurate service records, treatment logs, and follow-up documentation

• Educate clients on pest prevention strategies, conducive conditions, and treatment expectations

• Provide outstanding customer service and clear communication at every visit

Secondary — Specialty Services (Growth Path)

As Ryan Lawn & Tree strategically builds out its pest specialty division, this role offers a pathway into higher-level services:

• Termite inspections and treatments including liquid soil applications, baiting systems (e.g., Sentricon, Advance), and wood treatments

• Rodent exclusion services: identifying and sealing entry points, installing physical barriers, and designing long-term exclusion plans

Requirements

Core Requirements

• Knowledge of diagnosing pest activity around residential structures and selecting appropriate treatment products and methods

• Good physical ability and comfort working in varied environments (crawlspaces, attics, outdoors, all weather conditions)

• Excellent customer service and professional communication skills

• A team-player mindset with a strong, self-directed work ethic

• Current Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire

• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record

• Ability to pass a DOT physical and drug screening (including marijuana)

Preferred Experience & Qualifications

• 1-3 years of pest experience

• Prior experience running a residential pest route

• Experience with termite control (subterranean, drywood, or Formosan) is a strong plus

• Hands-on rodent exclusion experience is a bonus

• Knowledge of integrated pest management (IPM) principles and pest biology

• Pest management certifications (QualityPro, NPMA, or similar) are a plus

Why Work at RYAN?

RYAN is a leader in lawn, tree, and pest management services across the Midwest. When you join us, you become a partner in the highest-quality, employee-owned company in the region — with a clear path to grow your expertise and your career.

• Starting compensation of $50,000+, with clear pathways to grow

• Excellent benefits package

• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — build real equity in your company

• Advancement opportunities into senior specialist and management roles

• Ongoing training and professional development in pest management