Animal Control Dispatcher I

Butte County; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Butte County seeks an Animal Control Dispatcher I to operate a variety of communication equipment, receive and prioritize calls, dispatch officers, and provide information on animal care laws. Entry-level with supervision, training provided.

Responsibilities include maintaining records, processing licenses, and coordinating with agencies. Requires completion of high school and may require a California driver’s license; FLSA non-exempt.

Qualifications

• Completion of the 12th grade or equivalent.
• A valid California Driver's License may be required.
• Ability to read maps and use dispatch systems.

Responsibilities

• Receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch officers.
• Operate multiple communication devices and maintain logs.
• Prepare accurate reports and coordinate with partner agencies.

Skills

Communication

Prioritization

Map reading

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.

This recruitment is for level I. The salary rage for level I is $1,607.20 - $2,152.80 biweekly ($20.09 - $26.91 per hour).

This recruitment will be limited to the first 50 applicants.

Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. See Resume is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.

FLSA: Non-Exempt

DEFINITION

Under immediate or general supervision, operates a variety of communication equipment in receiving, prioritizing, transferring, and dispatching animal control calls regarding complaints, bites, and general information request; provides information related to state and local animal care and control laws, rules, and regulations; performs a variety of clerical support duties for the Animal Control Program; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Animal Control Dispatcher I) to general (Animal Control Dispatcher II) supervision from the Program Manager or designee. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Animal Control Dispatcher I: This is the entry-level classification in the Animal Control Dispatcher series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine dispatch of Animal Control Officers to the field. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Position at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the position at the Animal Control Dispatcher II-level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgement in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Animal Control Dispatcher II: This is the journey-level classification in the Animal Control Dispatcher series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Animal Control Dispatcher II-level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgement and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Animal Control Dispatcher class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the II-level may be filled by advancement from the I-level; progression to the II-level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the II-level.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Some duties, knowledge, skills and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity for entry-level (I Level) positions.

• Receives and evaluates emergency and non-emergency telephone calls, inquiries, and complaints from the public and law enforcement agencies relating to state and local animal cruelty and regulatory laws, ordinances, and codes; transfers calls to appropriate parties or creates a call for dispatch.
• Dispatches Animal Control Officers into the field, monitors and logs activities, documents officer locations and results; dispatches assistance to officers and/or takes appropriate action in consultation with the program manager to ensure the safety of officers.
• Operates multiple communication devices and computers concurrently to communicate information to Animal Control Officers in the field and ensure appropriate response to calls.
• Reads road and street atlas, wall maps, business and residential directories and manuals, and computer-generated maps and directories to pinpoint inquiry or emergency areas and to give accurate directions to Animal Control personnel.
• References and explains state and local animal care and control laws, regulations, rules, and procedures.
• Responds to public inquiries, complaints, and requests for service; documents responses or action, and makes referrals as appropriate.
• Liaises with other animal control, law enforcement, and other public and private agencies on animal control issues and shelter operations.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records and logs; completes and submits monthly reports including state reports for required local rabies case reports.
• Processes animal license forms; accepts payments in check or cash, issues receipts and reconciles cash against receipts in order to balance cash drawer.
• Performs a variety of clerical work including statistical computations, typing, and filing.
• Compiles and prepares information from a variety of sources including complaint forms, animal bite records, laboratory forms and correspondence.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Techniques, procedures, and methods used in operating a public service communications or dispatch system/center.
• Techniques for eliciting and providing accurate and timely information in emergency situations.
• Terminology used in animal control and dispatch operations.
• Topography and communities of Butte County.
• General symptoms, causes, and control of rabies and other common animal disease.
• Animal breeds and identifying characteristics.
• Principles and practices of file and records management.
• Principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to the area of responsibility.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Assess and prioritize emergency and non-emergency situations while remaining calm and using sound, independent judgement.
• Dispatch appropriate response units for a diverse range of situations.
• Memorize codes, names, street locations, and other information.
• Read and interpret maps and other pertinent documentation.
• Obtain necessary information from individuals over the phone and/or in stressful situations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare accurate, clear, and concise reports.
• Perform technical, detailed, and responsible office support work.
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records system.
• Enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade; and

Animal Control Dispatcher I - Two (2) years of general office and computer experience or field experience in an animal care or control facility or related agency with public contact or one (1) year of experience as a dispatcher, telephone operator, or clerk responsible for receiving, evaluating, and responding to inquiries or complaints.

Certifications and Licenses:

• A position assigned to this class may require possession of a valid California Driver's License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, two-way radio, printer, card reader, microchip scanner, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.