Most structural pesticide applicators work for privately owned and operated pest control firms. There are also opportunities with municipal government departments that oversee recreational facilities and other municipal buildings.
With experience, structural pesticide applicators can move up into supervisory, management, or trainer positions. Self-employment also is an option. This is, however, a highly competitive field.
Structural pesticide applicators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7444: Pest Controllers and Fumigators. In Alberta, 75% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
- Trends and events affecting overall employment, especially in the industries listed above
- Location in Alberta
- Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
- Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
- Size of the occupation
In Alberta, the 7444: Pest controllers and fumigators occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.