Dispatcher

Dispatcher

Hourly Rate of Pay: $19.4890 to $24.1434; generous benefits package, including 14% agency contribution to retirement. (non-benefited position during training)

Under the direct supervision of the Corporal and Senior Animal Control Officers; receives requests for animal control services over the telephone; relays service requests to field officers by two-way and network radio. Assists with monitoring Field Officer activity and deployment; status of Field Officers in the field; process animal complaints and records requests and a variety of other clerical and record-keeping duties.

Representative Duties

• Answers telephones, taking information regarding requests for animal control services from citizens and government agencies.
• Enter, update and retrieve service requests/impound records and/or information via computer.
• Operate various equipment such as telephone, two-way radio, computer and telecommunications equipment.
• Prioritize calls for service and relay service requests and information to Field and Senior Officers.
• Interprets level of service needed through information obtained from field officers or citizens and if required, relays pertinent information to the Field Division.
• Informs Field Division of field conditions/calls in progress.
• Informs Supervisor/Senior of any emergency situation.
• Processes service requests and keeps records updated.
• Performs animal license records verifications to locate owners of animals with identification.
• Prepares logs, reports and records as directed.
• Maintains files necessary for dispatch as assigned.
• Perform filing and record-keeping duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications/Examinations

• Must possess a high school diploma from an accredited high school or General Equivalency Degree (GED)/California High School Proficiency Exam Certificate (CHSPE).
• Ability to lift up to a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Successful completion of a physical examination, drug screening, and Live Scan background check.
• Ability to pass a specified written test with a minimum score of 70%.
• Applicants must have a working knowledge of typing keyboard.
• Demonstrates a competent work history and attendance record in good standing.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Use common sense.
• React and think clearly in emergency situations working with speed and accuracy.
• Record oral information legibly and accurately.
• Speak with clear enunciation in a well-modulated voice.
• Show good judgment in processing all calls for proper response.
• Deal effectively with the public over the telephone.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and fellow employees.
• Capability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency.
• Capability to handle multiple work requests under pressure with frequent interruption.
• Capability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to operate standard radio/transmitting equipment, multi-line telephone systems, computer system, and other office equipment effectively.
• Skill in observing situations analytically and objectively and relaying details accurately and take effective action within established guidelines.
• Skill in reading and interpreting maps to determine locations and jurisdictional boundaries.
• Skill in multitasking, coordinating simultaneous mental, manual and visual activities.
• Knowledge or ability to learn standard public safety radio code system and broadcasting procedures.
• Knowledge of public service activity and methods of local government; knowledge of law enforcement terminology and procedures.
• Ability to learn alphanumeric and other coding protocol.
• Knowledge of general office practices and procedures, including business correspondence, filing, spelling and a good command of the English language.
• Knowledge of geography for SEAACA jurisdiction and surrounding areas.

Physical Classifications/Essential Job Functions

On a continuous basis, sit at a desk for a long period of time in front of a computer screen; intermittent twisting to reach equipment or supplies. Position also requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily office activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading work-related documents and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone, dispatch, and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, and documents weighing up to a minimum of 50 pounds also is required.

• Must possess a certain level of customer service experience with a demonstrated ability to respond under stress and handle several tasks simultaneously.
• Remain calm under emergency situations.
• Communicate effectively and tactfully with citizens, staff and city contacts in person and by telephone.
• Compose, prepare and read typewritten or handwritten documents.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Special Information

Employees in this job classification will be required to work rotating shifts, including early morning days, nights, weekends and holidays. Hours may be for various durations up to 12 hours a day, however, normally do not exceed eighty (80) hours in any two week period.

Eligibility Information

Initial appointment is contingent upon successful completion of a physical examination, drug screening, Live Scan background check and verification of identity and right to work in the United States. Hiring is contingent on selected candidate passing a background check before a formal offer can be extended.

Selection/Exam Process

The person selected will be expected to perform all the functions of the position. Based on a review of the applications received, the candidates appearing to be the most qualified and meeting SEAACA's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process.

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority is an equal opportunity employer