Animal Services Dispatcher

County of Riverside; Jurupa Valley (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Riverside seeks an Animal Services Dispatcher in Jurupa Valley to handle emergency and non-emergency animal-control requests, dispatch Animal Control Officers, and maintain case records in Chameleon. The role supports citations, hearings, and related duties.

Experience with Chameleon and call-center dispatch is preferred; bilingual Spanish/ASL skills are highly desired. A valid California driver license is required, with a 9/80 schedule.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, certificate from the California State Board of Education, or GED.
• Six months of customer service with responsibility for handling inquiries or complaints.

Responsibilities

• Receive calls for service from staff, public and outside agencies; determine action; route to appropriate personnel.
• Dispatch calls for service using case management software, mapping tools and radio; assign priority and location.
• Track Officer locations via GPS; perform safety checks and provide back-up as needed.
• May perform administrative duties: process kennel permits and citations, schedule hearings, filing and correspondence.

Skills

Call center experience

Dispatch experience

Customer service

Bilingual Spanish/ASL desired

Education

High school diploma or GED

Certificate of proficiency from California State Board of Education

Job description

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has an opportunity for an Animal Services Dispatcher located in Jurupa Valley.

The Animal Services Dispatcher will work in a fast-paced environment receiving emergency and non-emergency animal-control related requests for service from staff, the public, and outside agencies, including law enforcement. They will dispatch Animal Control Officer personnel via computer, radio, and/or phone. Operate telephone and radio equipment while entering and updating calls in the department's case management system Chameleon. Document actions taken, update pending calls, and handle follow-up inquiries and requests for estimated arrival times. Provide administrative support as assigned, including citations, collections, permits, hearing scheduling, and related duties.

Competitive candidates will have experience using Chameleon software, experience in a call center or dispatch role handling a high volume of inquiries (for a large enterprise), along with strong customer service skills. Experience operating two-way radios, using mapping tools, and maintaining detailed electronic records while handling telephone or radio traffic. Candidates that are bilingual in Spanish and ASL are highly desired.

This position currently follows a 9/80 schedule.

The Animal Services Dispatcher is a journey level classification and reports to an appropriate supervisory or management level position. This class is characterized by the responsibility for receiving and responding to a variety of routine and emergency animal-related calls for service and dispatching Animal Control Officers in the field. Incumbents may also have responsibility for performing clerical and administrative support duties.

Meet the Team!

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity. The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve. The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.

• Receive calls for service from departmental staff, the public and outside agencies and determine appropriate action to be taken; evaluate calls and provide information in accordance with departmental policies and procedures, as well as local and state animal control ordinances; route calls to appropriate personnel as necessary.
• Dispatch calls for service; utilize department case management software, mapping tools and radio systems; assign priority level to call based on established departmental procedures and guidelines and dispatch animal control officer staff based on appropriate geographical location.
• Track the location of Animal Control Officers; monitor Officer location via a GPS tracking system; perform routine safety checks, dispatch for back-up assistance and take appropriate action as needed to ensure the safety of Animal Control officers.
• May perform administrative and clerical support duties (e.g., process kennel permits and citations, schedule hearings, maintain filing systems, and generate and mail out departmental correspondence).

Education:

Graduation from high school, possession of a certificate of proficiency issued by the California State Board of Education, or attainment of a satisfactory score on a G.E.D. examination.

Experience:

Six months of providing customer service with responsibility for receiving, evaluating, and responding to inquiries or complaints.

Other Requirements

Possession of a valid California Driver License

Knowledge of:

Laws, ordinances, and regulations related to the animal control; techniques, procedures, and methods used in operating a public service communications or dispatch center; techniques and procedures in dispatching and operating radio transmitters; modern office practices and procedures including filing, recordkeeping and operating standard office equipment

Ability to:

Operate radio and telephone equipment; follow oral and written directions quickly and accurately; provide prompt, accurate and efficient service; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the public and outside agencies.

Environmental Requirements:

Ability to work in an environment with exposure to animals, which may include animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids and wounds.

Who May Apply:

This recruitment is open to all applicants.