Animal Services Dispatcher

Job Summary

Gathers and generates information, to and from the public and outside agencies, and dispatches the appropriate personnel.

Essential Functions

• Answers and processes telephone calls from the public or outside agencies for animal-related services; evaluates information to determine services needed.
• Receives and documents call information in Chameleon database; prioritizes requested field services and notifies animal control officers via two-way radio to respond to requests for service; ensures information in the Chameleon database is complete and accurate.
• Provides callers with general information regarding animal-related laws and ordinances, zoonotic diseases and rabies quarantine procedures, and Division policies and procedures; attempts to resolve complaints or refers callers to appropriate division, County, or outside agency personnel or community resources when appropriate; assists the public with any animal related questions.
• Serves as a resource for Animal Control Officers in the field, researching and relaying requested information (such as activity history or bite reports), and updating officer status and activities in the Chameleon database when connectivity in the field is not available.
• Receives or creates bite reports for all known instances of potential rabies exposure, contacts victims and animal owners for more information if needed, explains associated protocols and procedures to victims and animal owners, determines appropriate protocol and assigns an animal control officer to ensure quarantine procedures are being followed; reviews bite reports for accuracy and ensures completion to then scan and save into the appropriate files; contacts Health Department with irresolvable cases.
• Monitors Animal Control Officer location and safety, contacts Sheriff’s Office to back up or check on Animal Control Officers when they are in danger or do not respond to calls.
• Informs supervisor of critical events and activities.
• Generates notification letters for complaints received that do not require an animal control officer to be dispatched to the area (such as first-time barking dog complaints or running at large) and contacts complainant to advise of procedures and status.
• May be required to testify in trials and hearings.

• Takes phone messages, data entry, greeting customers, receiving, and impounding animals, licensing animals, returning animals to owners, processing animal adoptions, and receiving payments.
• Must have knowledge of or ability to learn “Ten Codes” and “Signal Codes” for abbreviated two-way radio communication.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• One (1) year of related experience.
• Fingerprinting required.

Supplemental information

• Salary offers above the minimum pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared or declared emergency. The County’s Administrative Office will determine who will be required to work on an incident-by-incident basis.
• This job posting is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.