Animal Control Dispatcher I

Butte County

Oroville (CA)

On-site

USD 42,000 - 56,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Job summary

Butte County is seeking an Animal Control Dispatcher I to receive and prioritize calls, dispatch officers, and provide information on state and local animal laws. The role operates under supervision in a busy public-safety setting.

Progression to Dispatcher II depends on performance, training, and licensure. The position requires accuracy, calm under pressure, and strong communication.

Qualifications

Completion of high school diploma or GED or equivalent.
Ability to operate dispatch and public safety communication systems.
Ability to handle emergency and non-emergency inquiries calmly and accurately.

Responsibilities

Receive and evaluate emergency and non-emergency calls; transfer or dispatch as needed.
Dispatch Animal Control Officers; monitor and log activities and locations.
Operate multiple communication devices and computers to relay information.
Read maps and directories to locate areas; provide directions to field personnel.
Maintain accurate records and prepare required reports; handle payments and licensing where applicable.
Liaise with other agencies and respond to public inquiries and requests for service.

Skills

Emergency call handling

Dispatch coordination

Public safety communication

Map reading

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Two-way radio

Computer systems

Job description

Summary

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

The salary range 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.

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.

Essential Job Functions

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.

Minimum Qualifications

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.

Teamsters-General Unit Benefits Summary

THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA HELP EMPLOYEES

Public Safety Dispatcher Pay

POST Dispatcher Certificate: 2.5% Communication Training Officer, 3.5% Intermediate, 4.5% Advanced.

Salary Step Increases

The beginning salary and the top of the salary range are usually shown on the job announcement. Upon satisfactory service, salary increases of approximately 5% may be given annually until the top of the salary range has been attained.

Longevity Pay

2.5% at 10 years, 2.5% at 15 years, 2.5% at 20 years, for a total 7.5% after 20 years of service.

Boot Allowance

Members of this Unit shall be eligible for a work boot/footwear reimbursement up to $275.00 annually. For eligible classifications only. This reimbursement shall be for the purchase, maintenance and/or repair of safety boots/shoes authorized by the Department Head.

Holidays

13 paid holidays per year.

Vacation

0-4.99 years: 15 days/yr.; 5-9.99 years: 20 days/yr.; 10-19.99 years: 25 days/yr.; 20+ years: 27 days/yr.

Sick Leave

96 hours of sick leave are earned each year with no maximum accrual.

Bereavement Leave

Maximum of 40 hours for each occurrence in the immediate family.

Health Plan Including Dental Insurance And Vision Insurance

Coverage under the Butte County Health Plan is for employees and their eligible dependents. Depending upon the plan selected by the employee, the County contributes a substantial amount of the total cost of the complete health package, which consists of medical, vision, and dental insurance. Currently, the amount the County contributes for family coverage is $1342.00/month. For those employees who have health coverage from other sources, and who elect to not participate in the Butte County Health Plan, the County offers a monthly taxable Cash-Back allowance. The current of the taxable Cash-Back allowance is $550.00 per month (prorated for less than fulltime employees).

Teamsters General Unit Employee Medical Insurance Plans and Rates

Life Insurance

The County provides $25,000 in life insurance with additional coverage available at a minimal cost.

Retirement

The County is in the Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) coordinated with Social Security.

"Classic Members"- 2% @ 55

Final compensation based on Single Highest Year. Employee responsible for full 7% employee share effective 1/1/2013.

"New Members" to PERS- 2% @ 62

Final compensation based on Highest Three-Year Average. Employee responsible for one half (1/2) the normal cost of the CalPERS Pension.

"New Member" is defined by law (PEPRA) as an "1) individual who has never been a member of any public retirement system prior to 1/1/2013 or 2) An individual who becomes a member of a public retirement system for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who was previously a member of a public retirement system, but who was not subject to reciprocity. or 3) An individual who was an active member in a public retirement system and who, after a break in service of more than six months, returned to active membership in that system with a new employer.

Deferred Compensation

The County offers a 457 Deferred Compensation program. Deposits into this plan are strictly voluntary and are made through a payroll deduction on a tax-deferred basis. The County does not make contributions to the employees' Deferred Compensation accounts.

Disability Insurance

For short-term disability, the County participates in California State Disability Insurance (SDI) fund. County employees are also covered by an employee-paid long-term disability program. The long-term disability insurance benefit is 60% of the disabled employee's biweekly wage.

Flexible Spending Program

County employees can elect to participate in a Flexible Spending Program. This program allows employees to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain health care and/or dependent care expenses. In addition, employees can choose to have their portion of the monthly Health Plan premium withheld from their checks on a pre-tax basis as well. Generally, employees who participate in the Flexible Spending Program have less taxes withheld for their payroll checks than if they had elected not to do so.

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $500/year.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County of Butte provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for employees and their eligible dependents. The EAP offers confidential, professional counseling services.

Refer to specific labor agreements (Teamsters-General) for additional benefit information.

BUTTE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Any information on this page or links is subject to change without notice.

Butte County Human Resources Department

3 County Center Drive, Oroville, CA 95965

(530) 552.3552

Comments, please email: personnel@buttecounty.net

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. ***Please explain how you meet the minimum qualifications listed. In your explanation, please include reference to work experience detailed in this application.

What answer accurately reflects the number of years' experience of general office and computer experience do you have . *One year equals 2,080 hours.