Pest Control Operative
Trafford Council
Working Pattern: Full time,
Working Arrangements : Days start and end at Trafford Town Hall, with most of the time spent out in the Borough undertaking pest control work
Interview Date/Type: 18th or 24th June 2026 / Face to face
About the Role
You will spend most of your work days out in Trafford, driving a really nice electric van, attending your day’s worklist of appointments, or investigating reports of rats in public spaces. You will need to set your own route based on appointment times and locations, normally working either in the north or the south of the Borough.
The pest control service aims to provide a low-cost service for properties situated within Trafford Borough (domestic and non-domestic including schools), ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, high-quality pest control service.
Pest Control also assists the Environmental Health and Housing Enforcement teams with their regulatory functions.
The main priorities of the role are to carry out treatment/monitoring/proofing works to control and eradicate pests in domestic and commercial situations in accordance with Trafford’s policies and procedures and current legislation.
About You
We are looking for someone who would like to join a small, closely-knit team, whilst still working for a large, desirable employer.
You will need to be keen to learn and/or keep learning about the best methods and products to use to secure pest-free properties via formal and informal training.
You will need to be able to follow precise instructions relating to hazardous products.
Experience and Knowledge
- Experience of organising own work activities, including route planning
- Basic understanding of pest biology and pest control methods is desirable but not essential. Most of our pest controllers have joined our team without previous experience of the role.
- Experience using basic hand tools.
Skills and abilities
- Computer literate for completion of records and data inputting
- Effective communications skills (verbal and written): such as telephone enquiries, preparation of simple reports, interviewing members of the public and liaison with staff from other departments
- Ability to assess and determine the nature of a problem and provide a solution
- Ability to work as part of a team and without close supervision, using own initiative
- Able to organise own workload and adjust priorities within the working day
- Ability to erect and climb ladders
- Flexible approach to work to meet the needs of the service
- Commitment to continuous personal and professional development
A clean driving licence is required.
Additional Information
This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
- You will be required to drive in this role. You will be asked for a copy of your driving license as part of the recruitment process and annually afterwards.
- You may be required to work outside core hours as we deliver services from 7:00am until 7.00pm on some days using a rota system (7.25hrs per day, 36.25 hours/week).
- During very busy (predominantly summer) periods, extended hours may be required, for which time-off-in-lieu will be accrued.
Find Out More.
For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with David Dale (07760167325) or Karen Whalley (07760167337) or email at PestControl@trafford.gov.uk
About us...
Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.
Why Trafford?
We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”
Our Culture...
Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.
They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.
What you'll love about working with us...
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
Guaranteed Assessment Scheme...
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel by way of a Guaranteed Assessment Scheme. Our application form asks you to indicate if you meet any of the criteria within this scheme. To find out more and if you qualify please click here. If you apply under this scheme you will need to demonstrate that you meet the essential requirements of the job as set out in the ‘About You’ section of the role profile.
Greater Manchester Continuous Service...
We will recognise your previous service with other public sector organisations. This means that if you are joining us from a participating organisation, you can retain valuable service-related benefits such as annual leave entitlement. You can find out if this applies to you by visiting Greater Manchester Continuous Service Commitment | greater.jobs
Using AI in Your Application
At Trafford Council, we’re always open to new and innovative tools, including AI, that can help people work smarter. However, when it comes to job applications, what matters most to us is you. We really want to see your personality, your experience, and what excites you about joining our team.
If you choose to use AI for support, please be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure your application is written in your own words, reflecting your genuine skills, knowledge and enthusiasm. Please see our guide on using AI in your application.
We’re looking forward to hearing your story.
Key Information...
- Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Some roles may also require a DBS check and/or police vetting, which will be noted on the role profile.
- Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
- Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council
Make an Impact. Apply Today....
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.
We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk
After reviewing the role profile and submitting your application, successful candidates will be invited to a values-based interview to learn more about your skills and experience. This is your opportunity to show how you connect with our EPIC values and can contribute to our vision.