What are the responsibilities and job description for the Animal Protection Dispatcher position at CITY OF WACO, TEXAS?
Animal Protection Dispatcher
Full Time
Animal Control or Services
Dispatch and Telecommunications
Minimum starting salary is $21.00 hourly , depending on qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Required:
- H.S. Diploma or GED equivalent
- 1 year customer service or animal services experience
- Valid Texas Driver's License
- Animal Welfare Dispatcher Certification from the National Animal Care and Control Association is required within 60 Days.
- Basic Animal Control Certification from the Texas Department of State Health Services is required within 180 Days.
- Must pass a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check.
- 6 months of experience as a dispatcher, telephone operator, or clerk responsible for receiving, evaluating, and responding to inquiries or complaints.
Position Overview
Under general supervision, performs technical radiocommunications and dispatch work involving the coordination and deployment of Animal Protection Officers in response to citizen complaints, emergency situations, and service requests. Operates multi-line telephone systems, two-way radios, computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, and related software to receive, prioritize, and dispatch calls for service. Maintains accurate records and performs related shelter clerical and administrative duties. Work is primarily performed in an office or communications center environment. Exercises no supervision.
Essential Functions
- Receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls related to stray animals, animal bites, aggressive animals, animal cruelty investigations, wildlife concerns, and ordinance violations.
- Determines call priority and dispatches Animal Protection Officers using the department’s shelter management and dispatch system (Chameleon), telephone, and electronic communication tools.
- Monitors officer assignments and status to ensure effective deployment of personnel and timely response to calls for service.
- Utilizes strong de-escalation and conflict resolution skills when communicating with distressed, frustrated, or emotionally escalated callers.
- Works successfully with a wide variety of individuals, including those experiencing crisis situations, behavioral health concerns, or heightened emotional states.
- Works closely and collaboratively with Police, Fire, EMS, Code Enforcement, and other City departments to coordinate response efforts and share critical information when incidents involve public safety concerns.
- Enters, updates, and retrieves accurate information in Chameleon and other department databases, including call notes, case details, citations, and impound documentation. May access and utilize Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) systems and other public safety communication tools as authorized or required in the future.
- Maintains accurate logs and documentation of calls, incidents, and officer activity within department software systems.
- Processes employee timecards and attendance documentation for payroll in accordance with City policies and deadlines.
- Coordinates, compiles, and prepares responses to public information and open records requests in compliance with applicable laws and departmental procedures.
- Uploads, codes, and reconciles purchase card (P-Card) transactions into City financial software; maintains receipts and supporting documentation in compliance with purchasing and retention requirements.
- Performs general clerical and administrative duties as assigned.
- May operate a City-issued vehicle equipped with animal handling tools, containment units, and safety equipment to attend training, participate in field training alongside animal protection officers, enforce animal welfare laws, and transport animals safely to shelters or veterinary facilities while ensuring proper care and maintenance of all specialized gear.
The City of Waco offers a complete benefits package for eligible employees including; health, dental, vision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Accounts, life insurance, long term and short term disability, retirement, deferred compensation plans, holidays, vacation, sick leave, credit union and savings bonds.
To learn more about the benefits offered, visit our Benefits page.
Why Work For Waco:
- Meaningful and challenging work
- Make a difference and improve communities
- Competitive Salary and Benefits
- Full Range of Benefits, including Health, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
- Mandatory TMRS Retirement Plan with a 2:1 City Match
- Education Assistance Program
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance
- Longevity Pay
- And More!
- Chance to do work you are passionate about
- Desire to give back
City of Waco
Waco is centrally located in the heart of Texas on the I-35 corridor midway between Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. This progressive and diverse city with a vibrant community spirit offers major attractions, museums, recreation, and abundant shopping to more than 140,000 residents. Waco is the 25th largest city in Texas and the county seat of McLennan County.
Waco is not only briming with Texas history, economic opportunity, and a rich variety of cultural experiences, it is also a major seat of high learning within three major colleges in its city limits including Baylor University, Texas State Technical College and McLennan Community College.
The city is also the birthplace of Dr. Pepper, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Waco boasts one of the biggest and best municipal parks in Texas, Cameron Park. While the park is located in the middle of downtown situated on the Brazos and Bosque River it hosts numerous races, triathlons, boat races and much, much more.
Governance and Organization
Waco is a home rule city with a council-manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of a Mayor, elected at-large, and five City Council members representing single-member districts, all serving two-year terms. The City Council sets the tax rate, approves the budget, appoints members to City boards and commissions, enacts City ordinances, and appoints the City Manager, City Attorney, City Secretary, and the Municipal Court Judge.
The City has a strong Financial Management Policy that guides the operation and delivery of quality City services, contributes to excellent AA and Aa1 bond ratings, and maintains an unassigned fund balance reserve in the General Fund equal to 28% of current year budgeted expenditures. The City of Waco has more than 1,600 employees and a total operating budget of over $400 million.
The City provides a full range of municipal services including a regional airport, animal services, building inspections, code enforcement, convention and visitors bureau, emergency management, housing and community development, economic development, fire, public health, library, municipal court, parks and recreation, planning, police, public works, Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum, utilities and zoo operations.
The City Council and City Manager are committed to the mission of providing exemplary municipal services for citizens and visitors in a collaborative and transparent manner while honoring the public’s trust. Waco values include providing excellent and innovative services, promoting equality and inclusion, focusing on teamwork, investing in people and always doing the right thing.
With the City of Waco, you will find our home; where everyone belongs and thrives as move forward together.
Salary : $21