聚光灯

类似标题

Agricultural Consultant, Crop Consultant, Pest Management Consultant, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist, Agricultural Extension Agent, Field Crop Advisor, Crop Protection Specialist, Plant Health Advisor, Pest Control Specialist, Pest Management Technician

工作描述

Roughly 40% of the world’s crop production is lost every year—because of pests! 

With billions of pests ranging from insects to rodents threatening delicate crops and fragile ecosystems, farmers rely heavily on the services of Pest Control Advisors (or PCAs). PCAs are crucial guardians of our agriculture, helping to protect crops, plants, and trees from being eaten or destroyed by invasive creatures. 

PCAs advise farmers on the selection and use of chemicals as well as organic and natural methods of effectively controlling these bothersome pests. Their valuable work directly impacts environmental conservation efforts, public health and food security, and our national economy.

Note, a PCA is not necessarily a pesticide applicator. Someone can be both a licensed PCA and a licensed pesticide applicator, but the two roles have distinct responsibilities and requirements. 

职业生涯的回报
  • Safeguarding the nation’s food supply from damaging pests
  • Implementing environmentally friendly pest management strategies
  • Helping to prevent pests from spreading disease to humans, animals, and plants
标题
2022年就业
10,000
2032 年预计就业人数
10,000
内幕消息
工作职责

工作日程

  • Pest Control Advisors work full-time, sometimes in offices, other times outdoors doing fieldwork. Frequent travel may be needed, causing them to be away from home some nights, weekends, or holidays. During fieldwork, they can be exposed to inclement weather, as well as chemical and pest hazards. 

典型职责

  • Conduct site visits to farms; scout (i.e., assess) fields for pest infestations
  • Identify pests and inform farm owners or other clients of findings
  • Look for conditions that could attract pests (such as leaf clutter, garbage, lighting, overgrown shrubs, dense vegetation, or moisture issues); suggest ways to eliminate or reduce these conditions 
  • Offer ideas for preventing pest access to certain areas via fencing, nets, row covers, etc.
  • Collaborate with agronomists and farmers to strategize pest control measures
  • Design integrated pest management plans that combine cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical strategies 
  • Recommend appropriate chemical treatments or alternatives such as organic and sustainable pest control methods (including the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs or spiders)
  • Monitor the efficacy and environmental impact of treatments
  • Work with pesticide manufacturers or suppliers to understand the properties and applications of products

额外责任

  • Prepare budgets for pest control measures
  • Conduct training seminars for farmers about emerging threats and prevention
  • Stay up-to-date on regulatory guidelines and ensure compliance
  • Participate in professional organization activities and contribute to the advancement of the field
  • Supervise or mentor assistants and scouts
  • Assist with ordering inventory
  • May help with chemical and nutrient application
工作中需要的技能

软技能

  • 分析性的 
  • 注重细节
  • 沟通技巧
  • 好奇心
  • Environmental consciousness
  • 独立的 
  • 人际交往技能
  • 调查性
  • 客观性 
  • 组织能力
  • 耐心
  • Physical fitness
  • 聪明才智
  • Safety oriented
  • 健全的判断和决策

技术技能

  • Ability to recognize poisonous plants 
  • Experience using Agvance Agrian or related recommendation software
  • Familiarity with pesticide application techniques
  • Geographic Information Systems for tracking pest outbreaks
  • Integrated pest management principles 
  • Knowledge of numerous pest types, their biologies, and behaviors 
  • Knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines
  • Organic and sustainable pest control methods
  • PCA (Pest Control Advisor) license (in some states)
  • QAL (Qualified Applicator) license (in some states)
  • Understanding of crop cycles and farming practices
不同类型的组织
  • 农业公司
  • Agricultural consultancy firms
  • Crop protection companies
  • 农场和牧场
  • Government agricultural departments
  • 博物馆和动物园
  • 研究设施
  • Vineyards
期望与牺牲

Pests pose a hazard to the crops and botanical plants we rely on for food and medicines. Thus our lives and health are linked to the actions of certain insects, mites, nematodes, mollusks, birds, and rodents. Indeed, pests pose a danger to ecosystems in general, as well as lawns, physical structures, and stored foods. They’re also prone to spreading diseases or even causing allergic reactions or venomous bites. 

That’s why we rely so heavily on the diligence of Pest Control Advisors to mitigate the harmful effects of pest populations! PCAs play a pivotal role in ensuring our food sources are secure from the ravages of pests, but they also realize that many organisms are beneficial in some settings. For instance, caterpillars might be pests in a garden but they’re an essential food source for many birds.  

当前趋势

Emerging technologies like drones and GIS software aid PCAs in monitoring larger areas more efficiently. Additionally, there's a growing emphasis on organic and sustainable pest control methods, aligning with the broader trend of eco-conscious farming. 

Another trend is the ongoing development of more sustainable pest management strategies, such as using pheromones or living biological control agents (without those creatures turning into pests themselves). In some cases, genetically modified insects are introduced into an area to mate with wild insects and spread mutated genes, with the goal of reducing pest population sizes. 

从事这一职业的人在年轻时喜欢做什么样的事情......

Pest Control Advisors most likely enjoyed being outside when they were younger, perhaps gardening or simply observing nature. They are curious-minded but equally analytical persons who may have liked reading or watching informative videos about earth sciences, wildlife, and insects. 

需要的教育和培训
  • Pest Control Advisors usually need a bachelor’s degree in agronomy, entomology, pest management, forestry, natural resources management, environmental studies, environmental science, biology, or a related field 
  1. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree, depending on the level of responsibilities involved
  • 常见的本科课程包括
  1. Aquatic habitats    
  2. Biological control of insects and weeds 
  3. 化学
  4. Genetically modified insects
  5. Ecology of pest management
  6. Forest entomology    
  7. Insect biodiversity and biology 
  8. Insect societies    
  9. Insect-transmitted diseases
  10. Invertebrate neurobiology
  11. Parasites and pestilence
  12. 授粉者
  13. 统计数据
  • Some states require pesticide applicators to get licensed and to complete continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on emerging pests and treatment methods
  • Pest Control Advisor license (in some states)
  • Some roles may require an International Society of Arboriculture credential
  • A valid driver's license is also often required since the job entails traveling to various sites
  • Some positions may require a pre-employment substance screening exam
在大学中需要注意的事项
  • Look for accredited colleges offering majors in agronomy, entomology, pest management, forestry, natural resources management, environmental studies, environmental science, biology, or a related field
  • 寻求有实习或获得实践经验机会的计划 
  • 查看他们目前的研究和研究设施
  • 比较学杂费,注意州内与州外的费用对比
  • 审查奖学金和经济援助选项
  • 查看校友的毕业和就业统计数据 
高中和大学的事情
  • 高中阶段,学习与农业相关的课程,以及英语、数学、地球科学、化学、生物和植物学。选修实验课,参加科学展或研究项目
  • 参加与自然和农业相关的俱乐部和活动,如 "监督农业体验"和 "美国未来农民"活动
  • 户外活动!尝试徒步旅行、园艺或露营,接触大自然。开始写昆虫观察日记或视频博客 
  • Volunteer or get a part-time job at a local farm, nature reserve, zoo, insectarium, botanical garden, or research facility
  • 阅读与昆虫学相关的学术文章和观看纪录片视频
  • Popular YouTube channels with pest control videos include:
  1. DoMyOwnPestControl 
  2. NaturePest Natural Pest Control
  3. Orkin Pest Control
  4. Pestworld
  5. Town and Country Pest Solutions
  • Speak with a working Pest Control Advisor about how they got started. Check out online discussion forums
  • 报名参加edXUdemy等提供的特别在线课程,学习昆虫知识、实验技术、数据分析和科学方法论。
  • 为简历和/或大学申请记录你的成就
  • 决定是否要专门研究某一物种或行为 
典型线路图
害虫控制顾问
如何找到你的第一份工作
  • 扫描Indeed.comGlassdoorZipRecruiterUSAJOBS 等招聘门户网站
  • Some positions require years of prior related work experience, so consider starting as a pesticide applicator or technician, an agricultural field tech, an entomology research assistant, a wildlife control operator, or even a farm, greenhouse, or nursery worker! 
  • 向您的关系网打听即将发布的职位空缺。大多数工作都是通过关系找到的!
  • 询问以前的教授和主管是否可以将他们列为推荐人
  • Review sample Pest Control Advisor resumes and interview questions
  • 与朋友或学校的职业中心进行模拟面试 
  • Keep up-to-date on pest control-related technological developments. Demonstrate awareness of trends and terminology during interviews
  • 面试时穿着得体
如何爬梯子
  • Let your supervisor know you are interested in advancement. Offer to take the lead on tough projects! 
  • 完成额外的教育和培训,如更高级别的学位或新的认证 
  • Focus on a specific type of pest or method that’s in demand 
  • Become an expert in areas like organic pest control. Embrace new pest control technologies and methods
  • Attend events where you can learn about the latest tools, chemicals, or biological methods
  • Create training materials for new hires and to keep staff updated on best practices and emerging trends
  • Analyze the current methods and practices of your organization. Propose more efficient or cost-effective alternatives
  • Stay current on regulatory changes. Engage with local, state, or federal bodies to ensure your organization is always compliant
  • Document pest control interventions and get published in industry magazines
  • Partner with universities or research institutions for studies or projects
  • Grow your reputation as a subject matter expert. Start a website, write online articles, make educational videos, mentor peers, and participate in professional organization events
  • Strengthen relationships with customers, clients, coworkers, and managers
  • Consider applying to a larger employer or relocating to where there are more (or higher-paying) job opportunities!
B计划

Pest Control Advising is a crucial but relatively small career field. As a result, there may not be an abundance of jobs where you want to live and work. If you’re interested in related occupations, check out the suggestions below! 

  • 农业和食品科学家    
  • 农业工程师
  • 农艺师
  • 植物学家
  • 化学技术员    
  • 保护科学家和林务员    
  • 生态学家
  • 昆虫学家
  • 环境科学家和专家    
  • 农民、牧场主和农业经理    
  • 园艺师
  • 工业生态学家
  • 微生物学家    
  • 自然学家
  • 苗圃技术员
  • 农药处理员
  • 植物生物学家
  • 精准农业技术员
  • 土壤学家
  • 葡萄园经理
  • 动物学家和野生生物学家

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