Nancy: Director of Operations Education and Training at Rentokil-Terminix
BUG ENTHUSIAST TO PEST MANAGEMENT EXECUTIVE
What started as a fascination with insects has blossomed into a 16-year career shaping the future of pest management. Today, Nancy Troyano, PhD, BCE, serves as the Director of Operations Education and Training at Rentokil-Terminix, where she leads a global team dedicated to educating and empowering pest control professionals. Learn how science, leadership and passion can pave the way for a fulfilling career in this dynamic industry.
A PASSION FOR SCIENCE PUT INTO ACTION
Nancy’s journey into pest management began with her love of insects. She pursued an undergraduate degree in environmental science, followed by a master’s and PhD in entomology. But as she transitioned into the workforce, Nancy realized academic knowledge alone wouldn’t be enough. To truly make an impact, she needed hands-on experience.
And so, she became an entry-level pest control technician. “This experience provided me with the insights needed to become an educator,” Nancy shares. “I could apply my scientific knowledge in the real world and better understand the challenges technicians face.”
After a year in the field, Nancy transitioned to a training manager role, where she began developing training programs for field teams. Over the years, her expertise and leadership helped her rise to the role of Director of Operations Education and Training, where she now oversees the company’s entire training division.
SKILLS FOR SUCCESS
The key to thriving in pest management, according to Nancy, is a blend of both education and practical experience. Nancy explains that “it’s essential for professionals to both engage with frontline colleagues regularly and stay updated on industry developments.”
In terms of opportunities, the pest management industry offers a wide range of roles beyond pest control technicians. “There’s a wealth of job opportunities, spanning roles from service technicians and sales professionals to office management, entomologists, IT support, and marketing,” Nancy notes. “The industry also provides excellent programs for continuous professional development, college tuition reimbursement and industry certifications and credentialing.”
LOOKING AHEAD: TECHNOLOGY AND OPPORTUNITY
As the pest management industry evolves, Nancy sees technology playing an even bigger role. “We’re seeing more automated traps and connected monitoring devices, which will enable remote pest control,” she says. “For technicians, this shift necessitates training not only on the technology itself but also on critical thinking.”
Nancy also highlights the growing impact of AI in training and development. With the help of AI, training materials can be personalized, and content can be created and delivered more efficiently. However, she emphasizes that human oversight is still essential for ensuring the quality and relevance of the material.
WHAT DRIVES HER PASSION
The pest management industry is dynamic, and Nancy thrives on the variety and challenge it offers. “With emerging technologies, outbreaks of insect-borne illnesses and invasive species, there’s never a dull moment,” she explains. One of the most rewarding parts of her role is shaping the company’s training strategy and educating technicians. By teaching them about pest biology and behavior, Nancy helps technicians provide better, safer pest management solutions for customers.
Although Nancy enjoys the science-based work, she acknowledges the challenges in changing the public’s perception of pest control:
“We’ve evolved significantly to a science-based, integrated approach for long-term control solutions. The term ‘exterminator’ no longer reflects what we do.”
ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
For students considering a career in pest management, Nancy recommends getting hands-on experience as soon as possible. “Seasonal jobs as pest control technicians or in summer sales positions are a great way to see if the industry is a good fit,” she mentions. These roles offer the opportunity to learn while gaining valuable field experience.
Additionally, Nancy encourages aspiring professionals to reach out to state pesticide associations and attend events or training conferences. “Our industry is a bit of a hidden gem, and we’re always looking to attract new talent.”
INSPIRED BY NANCY’S STORY?
Explore a career in pest management, where science, service and opportunity come together. Start your journey today at pestcontroljobs.com.