Pest Trainee/Specialist

Description At Ryan Lawn & Tree, our people come first — because they're the reason we've grown into a $100M+ company serving communities across Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. We hire exceptional people, invest in them, and give them work that matters. If you're looking for more than a job — a place that treats you right and pushes you to be your best — this is it.

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 High School Diploma or equivalent required 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 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 (Quality. Pro, NPMA, or similar) are a plus ** SAFETY-SENSITIVE POSITION: This is a safety-sensitive position requiring the operation of vehicles and equipment. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen (including marijuana), criminal background check, MVR check, and DOT physical (where applicable) before starting employment. Candidates must meet all screening requirements as a condition of employment. We hire great people for our employee-owned company. As a member of our team, you'll become a partner in the highest-quality lawn and tree company in the Midwest. Why work at Ryan? In addition to being a non-smoking, EEOC-compliant company with real advancement opportunities, we offer: Full-time, year-round employment with starting compensation of $43,000-$55,000 depending on experience, plus bonus opportunities Excellent benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance 401(k) with company match 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Flexible work schedule Uniforms provided 11 paid holidays plus 1 floating personal holiday 17 Paid Time Off (PTO) Days #ZR