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.

Job Type

Full-time

About the Role

Are you passionate about pest management and protecting homes from unwanted pests? Our company is rapidly growing and expanding its pest control division. This is a primary route‑based pest control role and, for the right candidate, a strategic opportunity to grow into termite and rodent exclusion services as we build out that specialty for the future.

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)

• 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 (QualityPro, 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.

Why work at Ryan?

• Full‑time, year‑round employment with starting compensation of $43,000+ 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

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.

Salary

$43,000-$60,000