Entry Level Operations Manager Jobs in Manteca, CA

Description

Ready to take control of your career?

Join a team that protects businesses, food supply, and public health through specialized commercial fumigation services.

Are you an experienced commercial fumigation professional who thrives on independence-but still values being part of a winning team? Sprague Pest Solutions is looking for a Commercial Fumigation Route Manager with an active Qualified License Applicator (QLA) license to support complex, high-impact commercial clients.

This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in technical expertise, safety, and building long-term client partnerships.

What You'll Do

Be the Expert:

Own a dedicated route of commercial and industrial clients, delivering specialized fumigation and pest management services that keep their businesses compliant, safe, and operational.

Solve Complex Challenges:
Respond to fumigation needs, inspections, and service requests with precision-applying advanced knowledge of fumigants, regulations, and safety standards.

Operate with Flexibility:
Adapt your schedule to meet client and operational needs, including urgent and unscheduled fumigation services.

Grow Trusted Partnerships:
Build strong client relationships, identify additional service needs, ask for referrals, and support the sales team with qualified leads.

Work with Professional Pride:
Maintain a clean, safe, and fully stocked company vehicle, equipment, and documentation that reflect your professionalism and commitment to safety.

What You Bring (Required)

• Active QLA license (or QAL (M) with ability to obtain QLA, where applicable)
• Hands-on commercial fumigation experience (structural, commodity, or industrial environments)
• Strong working knowledge of fumigant products, labels, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance
• Excellent problem-solving, time management, and customer communication skills
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record
• A commitment to safety, professionalism, and service excellence

Nice to Haves

• Experience in food processing, grain, storage, logistics, or manufacturing      facilities
• Additional pest control, safety, or industry certifications
• Experience supporting regulatory audits or documentation requirements
• Interest in mentoring or supporting other technicians

Why You'll Love It

Specialized Work:
This isn't entry-level pest control-you'll focus on highly skilled, commercial fumigation work where expertise matters.

Supportive Team Culture:
You'll work independently, but never alone-our operations, safety, and leadership teams support your success.

Career Growth:
Continue building your credentials through ongoing training, licensing support, and advanced certifications.

Meaningful Impact:
Help protect public health, food systems, and critical infrastructure while building long-term client relationships.

What You'll Get Working Here

• Pay: $26-32/hr to start (depending on experience) Plus performance bonuses and sales commissions
• Take-home service vehicle with gas card
• Company-provided phone, uniforms, and safety equipment
• Ongoing training and licensing support
• Pride in your work and the Sprague mission
• A supportive, family-values-driven team environment
• Unlimited growth opportunities with continuing education and leadership training

Benefits

• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance within 30 days
• 401(k) after 1 year: 100% match up to 3% + 50% match up to 6%
• Paid time off: Personal time available Day 1; holiday and vacation time after 90 days
• Childcare assistance and college savings plan

 Why Join Sprague?

At Sprague Pest Solutions, we're more than a pest control company-we're a team of professionals committed to protecting people, products, and businesses. We invest in our people, value integrity and expertise, and believe meaningful work should come with real growth opportunities.

Requirements

What We're Looking For:

• Professionalism: A friendly and professional demeanor with a commitment to delivering uncompromising service.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to locate, identify, destroy, control, and repel pests using knowledge gained from training and certification programs.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work a flexible schedule to meet client expectations and manage urgent and unscheduled services.
• Team Player: Ability to collaborate with Operations Managers, Sales Reps, and a team of technicians to continually improve business operations.
• Organizational Skills: Maintain proper inventory of tools, equipment, and materials in the company vehicle.

Must haves for this job:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record
• 2+ years' experience in route sales, facilities management, janitorial service, landscaping, environmental services, customer service, sales, retail, or hospitality roles
• Attention to detail and high standards of work quality
• Hunger for knowledge and professional development
• Competitive approach to both individual and team performance

Nice to haves for this job:

• 2+ years' experience in pest control, landscaping, agriculture, or food production
• Pest control, industrial, or safety certifications

Pre-Hire Screening Requirements:

• 5+ years Satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record
• Criminal Background Check: Federal, State, County
• DOT Physical with 5-Panel Drug Screen

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory motor vehicle record report that is checked annually.

Sprague Pest Solutions is an Equal Opportunity employer and promotes diversity through a culture of inclusion and opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. We are a drug and smoke-free environment.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Position Summary

The primary function of the Commercial Pest Control Technician (Route Manager) is to manage a dedicated route, providing pest control and inspection services to commercial clients according to established standards for timeliness and quality. The Route Manager will develop cordial professional relationships with clients to fully understand their unique business challenges, offer knowledgeable guidance, recommend actions, and solve a wide variety of pest management problems. The Route Manager reports to the Branch Manager and partners with Operations Managers, Sales Reps, and a team of technicians to continually grow and improve business operations.

Detailed Job Description

Position Title: Route Manager (Commercial Pest Control Technician)

Department: Operations

Reports to: Branch Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Exemption: NA

EEOC Class: Individual Contributor

Salary: $26-32 per hour (depending on market, experience, and licensing) plus incentives

Position Summary:

The primary responsibility for a Route Manager is to provide pest control and inspection services assigned client locations according to established standards for responsiveness and quality. The Route Manager will develop professional relationships with clients to understand their unique business challenges, offer knowledgeable guidance, recommend actions, and solve a wide variety of pest management problems. This position reports to the Branch Manager and partners with Operations Managers, Sales Reps, and a team of Route Managers (technicians) to continually enhance client satisfaction and business operations.

Essential Functions:

Scheduling Ownership:

• Manage a dedicated route of commercial clients.
• Work a flexible schedule to meet client expectations, managing urgent and unscheduled services in a timely manner.

Client Satisfaction:

• Provide proactive, knowledgeable guidance to customers, effectively communicating options and recommendations for managing new or complex pest problems.
• Respond quickly and professionally to client complaints and service requests.
• Seek out opportunities to grow accounts and branch sales by asking for referrals, speaking with clients about add-on services, products, and equipment, and logging leads for the sales team.

Safety:

• Drive and maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized company service vehicle according to Sprague and DOT standards.
• Set up, monitor, and tear down equipment for new installations and specialized treatments.

Continuous Learning & Improvement:

• Engage in regular training sessions to earn and maintain certifications and stay updated on the latest pest control methods and technologies.
• Partner with clients and technical specialists to create action plans for solving and preventing pest management problems.

Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED

2+ years in route sales, facilities management, janitorial service, landscaping, or environmental services

2+ years' experience in customer service, sales, retail, or hospitality roles

Excellent communicator, both written and verbal, able to communicate complex concepts and risk factors to stakeholders and influence decision making

Ability and aptitude with Microsoft Office Suite and other technology necessary for successful day-to-day functioning in a business environment.

Ability to pass background screening requirements, including identity, criminal history and motor vehicle records checks

Ability to meet DOT physical standards, including a 5-panel drug screen

Preferred Qualifications:

- Previous pest control experience

- Pest control, industrial, or safety certifications

Physical Requirements:

• Physical Strength and Stamina: Ability to handle pest control equipment and work in various conditions and environments.
• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials, which may weigh up to 50 pounds.
• Bending, Stooping, and Crawling: Frequent bending, stooping, and crawling to access and treat pest-infested areas.
• Standing and Walking: Prolonged periods of standing and walking while inspecting and treating areas.
• Working in Confined Spaces: Ability to work in tight or confined spaces, such as crawl spaces, equipment rooms, and silos.
• Climbing: Ability to climb ladders and work at heights when necessary.
• Driving: Must possess the physical ability to safely operate and drive a vehicle, including maintaining control and awareness during extended periods of driving
• Use of Protective Equipment: Wearing protective gear, including gloves, goggles, and respirators, to reduce the risk of harm from pesticides
• Working in various weather conditions: Preparedness to work outdoors in all types of weather, including extreme heat, cold, and rain.
• Safety awareness: Ability to follow safety protocols and wear personal protective equipment to minimize health risks from exposure to chemicals and pests

Disclaimer:

W. B. Sprague Company Inc. reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Sprague Pest Solutions is an Equal Opportunity employer and promotes diversity through a culture of inclusion and opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. We are a drug and smoke-free environment.