Animal Services Dispatcher

Job Summary

This position is responsible for a wide variety of complex administrative duties such as overseeing administrative activities of a specialized nature; conducting research and proposing solutions to problems; relieving a superior of office management functions; maintaining manual and computer files; preparing and/or typing reports, records, and correspondence; and other projects and duties as assigned. Work is distinguished from that of the Administrative Assistant or Administrative Coordinator classification based on one or more of the following factors: greater participation in the management of an office, the variety and complexity of work, responsibility for coordination of work, the level of independent judgment and discretion exercised, and the broader knowledge of department/office/county operations required for successful performance. Work is assigned by the Animal Services Office Supervisor in terms of department goals and objectives.  Employees in this class can be required to work rotating schedules, weekends, or holidays.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Keeps a continuous required legal record and administrative manual.

Assist with issuing citations for violations during reclaims, and testifies in court, when necessary.

Assists with rabies control to include keeping detailed records of bite cases, etc. and assisting the investigation thereof.

Composes, types, assembles and distributes written materials such as forms, correspondence, invoices, reports and schedules in accordance with established procedures.

Serves as department/office liaison to other county departments/offices and outside agencies and organizations regarding a variety of administrative and operational issues.

Greets visitors and receives and responds to inquiries in-person and on the telephone; directs visitors/callers to appropriate person or department.

Assists in scheduling requirements by processing/prioritizing and handling or responding appropriately to County departments, State, Federal and County agencies, elected officials and the general public.

Maintains files and information needed to prepare correspondence/reports that require research of records to compose letters without direction; proofreads and edits documents.

Maintains general information files, which may pertain to property, zoning and hearing files, referral directories and booklets, direction and map files to be accessible to other departments.

Receives resident complaints and requests for service; forwards information to appropriate staff for action; logs calls for service, court cases, reclamations, etc. and retrieves information as needed.

May serve as recording secretary to various boards.

May maintain contact with external agencies to exchange information; determines need and requests forms and other materials from public and/or private entities for documentation purposes.

Works with veterinarians, animal shelters, and other humane organizations.

Researches and reviews legal descriptions, plat restrictions and property ownership information.

Handles office procedures such as answering phones, taking complaints, filing, data entry, etc

Assist in cleaning offices, visitor entrance area, and other areas viewed/used by the public. 

Assist in scanning for microchips, taking pictures, updating websites, etc

Assist with adoptions, reclaims and animal intake process including paperwork. 

Cross Train as needed for Kennel Assistant duties and Animal Service Officer Duties. These duties include but are not limited to: cleaning kennels and responding to calls for field service. 

Additional Duties:

Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of county, state and local animal care and regulations, laws and ordinances.

Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of animal care/safety.

Knowledge of legal, administrative, and procedural regulations applicable to the particular section assigned.

Knowledge of the geography of the county.

Knowledge of funding process in a local government environment as related to budgeting, cost, accounting, financial planning and management. 

Knowledge of policies, procedures, organization and work flow of assigned department/office.

Skill in operating current, standard office equipment. 

Skill in organizing and maintaining filing systems. 

Some knowledge of non-county agencies and their services. 

Knowledge of the English language, spelling, and mathematics. 

Ability to handle multiple interruptions and adjustments to priorities throughout the day. 

Skill in maintaining regulatory records and proper preparation and submission of reports.

Skill and ability to remain calm and composed, while using conflict management skill in relation to potentially hostile and/or emergency situations. Skill in operation of modern office equipment. 

Ability to write reports and business correspondence utilizing proper grammar and punctuation.

Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, complainants, and the general public. 

Ability to use tact and diplomacy in dealing with the general public in person, by phone, or email, as well as employees of various county offices. 

Ability to hear and speak.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, direct reports, elected officials, general public, other animal services, veterinary offices, and rescue groups. 

Ability to handle confidential matters appropriately. 

Working Conditions

Work is typically performed in an office. However, employees may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, animal transmitted diseases, fractious/frightened/dangerous animals, mental and emotional stress from euthanasia, and continual contact with irate/emotional pet owners and victims.  Employees are occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.  The noise level in the work environment can be loud at times.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications