Pest Control Technican
Ecolab
You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.
Job Description
Want to build a brighter, bolder future and cultivate your career? Join Ecolab’s team and help create a world in which we all thrive. Our Pest Elimination team proudly serves our communities and customers by safeguarding public health, food safety and property from the damaging effects of pests. Focused exclusively on commercial pest solutions, we deliver science-based expertise and cutting-edge innovation to solve the industry’s most complex pest challenges. By partnering with our customers in these markets, you can be part of a team that helps protect facilities, employees, and brands at a time when it’s more important than ever. Ecolab is seeking a Pest Control Technician Trainee to join our team in Houston, TX . As a Pest Control Technician Trainee, you’ll be at the forefront of protecting public health and commercial businesses by delivering science-based pest elimination solutions. Through our industry-leading training program, you’ll gain the skills and certifications needed to build a long-term career in service, sales, or management. This is your opportunity to grow your career while helping others thrive. How You’ll Make an Impact: Participate in a 5-week paid training program to learn pest detection, elimination, and prevention techniques Establish effective working relationships with a variety of commercial customers, including those in the hospitality and foodservice industries Partner with customers on best practices to identify and solve pest elimination needs Maintain expertise in Ecolab’s product and service offerings to enhance service and sales Use handheld computerized equipment to document structural, sanitation, and pest issues Deliver timely, cost-effective, and high-quality service under close supervision Obtain required pest control licensing and/or certification as mandated by state/local law Position Details: Location: Houston, TX Territory: Pearland, TX and League City, TX Work Week & Shift: Night Shift (Sunday-Thursday 9pm-5am) Training Pay: $20.09/hour Overtime Travel Requirement: Training in Eagan, MN for 1 week during training period (You are responsible to have the proper documentation to fly, such as a Real ID or other acceptable form of identification) What’s Unique
About This Role
Work independently in a flexible, field-based environment Help protect customer brands and public health through science-based solutions
Minimum Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent Two years of work or military experience Position requires a current and valid Driver’s License with no restrictions Availability to work overnight shifts and be on call during off-hours and weekends as needed Due to the nature and hours of the work, must be 18 years of age or older Position requires obtaining pest certification and/or business licensing pursuant to state/local law Ecolab conducts a background check on all candidates who receive a job offer Due to federal contract requirements, this position requires a drug test including THC for all candidates who receive a job offer Immigration sponsorship is not available for this role Physical Requirements of Position: Lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying up to 50 pounds chest high Wearing and using a respirator Working in a variety of conditions including confined spaces, damp/dusty areas, and extreme temperatures Climbing ladders and performing physical tasks such as stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and standing for extended periods Driving a company vehicle as required (ongoing motor vehicle record checks will be performed) Ecolab is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with a disability.
What Most Pest Control Job Listings Don't Tell You
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
Pest control in Texas is licensed by the Department of Agriculture. Technicians who apply pesticides need a certified applicator or technician license, which involves training hours and an exam. Many companies hire you first and sponsor the license while you learn. Pay is usually hourly with route bonuses or commission on new accounts, and sales-minded techs who grow their routes earn more.
The work is route based and seasonal. Summer brings the heaviest volume as mosquitoes, ants, roaches, and rodents thrive in Houston humidity. You drive a company vehicle, follow a daily stop list, and manage chemicals safely with the right protective gear. New hires are surprised by how much of the job is customer relationships and how much is physical, from crawling under homes to climbing into hot attics. Steady recurring contracts make this trade more predictable than storm-driven trades, and reliable techs build loyal routes that follow them for years.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
A technician starts the day by loading products and reviewing the route of scheduled stops. At each home or business you inspect for activity, identify the pest, and apply the right treatment inside, outside, and around the foundation. You set traps, treat entry points, and note conditions that invite pests back.
Customer communication runs through every stop. You explain what you found, what you did, and what the homeowner can do to help. Safety and documentation are constant. You follow label instructions, record products and amounts, and keep children and pets clear of fresh applications. Some visits are quick recurring services and others are involved, such as termite inspections, rodent exclusion, or crawl-space work. You finish by closing out each stop and confirming the next visit. Expect a lot of driving, physical inspection in tight and hot spaces, and the satisfaction of solving a problem that was stressing a customer out.
What Pest Control Jobs Pay in Houston
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area (Pest Control Workers).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area. Median is about $17.89/hr.
Becoming a Licensed Pest Control Technician in Texas
Pest control is licensed by the Texas Department of Agriculture. A new technician works under a certified applicator and must earn a technician license within a set window, which involves training hours and an exam. With experience you can become a certified commercial applicator in categories like general pest, termite, and lawn and ornamental. Many companies hire you first and sponsor the licensing while you train. Termite and fumigation work require additional category certification and command higher pay.
Career Ladder and Pay
- 1 Technician (in training) $36,171/yr
Run routes under a certified applicator while earning your license.
- 2 Licensed Technician $37,211/yr
Service routes solo and treat common household and commercial pests.
- 3 Certified Applicator / Termite Tech $44,304/yr
Handle termite, fumigation, and specialty categories for more pay.
- 4 Branch Manager / Route Supervisor $44,304/yr
Manage technicians, routes, and quality across a service area.
- 5 Business Owner $60,050/yr
Hold the business license and run your own pest control company.
Licensing paths and timelines are general guidance for this trade in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the relevant state agency.
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