ANIMAL SERVICES CLERK DISPATCHER

Job Specifications

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to dispatch Animal Services Authority staff and equipment in a coordinated manner; provide emergency contact to Animal Services staff in the field; to operate a radio receiver and voice transmitter to handle routine and emergency calls and transmit messages; and do other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This single position class works with the public and other agencies to obtain information on animal related situations and emergencies and to dispatch Animal Services Authority staff, officers, and equipment to answer questions or to refer calls. 

TYPICAL TASKS

Answers phone and radio inquiries on animal-related problems, requests basic information to determine nature of call, location of the problem, type of action, and personnel and equipment required; gives out information or refers callers as appropriate; dispatches Animal Services Authority staff and equipment; refers to manuals and formats to access data and obtain desired information; reads road and street atlas, wall maps, business and residential directories and manuals to pinpoint inquiry or emergency areas and give accurate directions to Animal Services Authority personnel; maintains detailed log records of calls; maintains fuel supply for Animal Services Authority vehicles by monitoring use and ordering fuel as required; maintains an inventory for supplies; keeps accurate records using a computer. Effectively prioritizes work in an environment of competing priorities. May maintain and update computerized equipment inventory; routes correspondence; may prepare correspondence and reports; maintains records and files. Incumbents assist in coordinating activities related to rabies control in collaboration with State or County health departments as required and maintains files related to the investigation of animal bites as required, and ensures the quarantine of animals which have bitten humans or other animals are completed in accordance with State and local laws and regulations. Reports suspected cases of rabies to proper health officials, assists in arranging for necessary tests and treatment of animals and suspected victims and follows up; assists in the sale of licenses and the collection of established fees by Animal Services Authority officers and staff; communicates State and local laws, procedures, and animal care practices to the public and other agencies. May assist with front office duties as required, such as receiving animals from the public, or releasing animals to the public, and collecting applicable fees.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

• Working knowledge of applicable State and local laws, ordinances, regulations associated with animal care and control.
• Working knowledge of English grammar, vocabulary and spelling.
• Some knowledge of the symptoms of rabies and other common animal diseases.
• Some knowledge of data entry and basic computer operations.
• Some knowledge of animal control equipment and materials and voice communication devices.

Ability to:

• Take messages accurately; determine nature of problem or request and determine appropriate action;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, co-workers, and others contacted in the course of work;
• Hear and comprehend normal radio and telephone communications;
• Read maps to locate areas;
• Understand and follow oral and written directions;
• Speak clearly and distinctly and use correct English;
• Quickly learn applicable rules, regulations, and procedures;
• Maintain accurate and legible records;
• Operate calculators and make arithmetic calculations;
• Learn the locations of roads and streets and the geography of Santa Cruz County;
• Remain seated for long periods of time;
• Learn to operate a computer terminal to input and retrieve data;
• Exercise tact and independent judgment in dealing with the public.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: One year of office or field experience in an animal care or control facility or related agency that has included public contact.

Special Requirements/Conditions: 

• Lifting: Incumbent must be able to push/pull, lift, or carry up to 20 pounds unassisted.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid driver’s license may be required for some assignments. 
• Hours: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends and/or holidays.
• Work effectively when exposed to animals that may be hostile or dangerous. Possible exposure to loud noises, unpleasant odors, toxic chemicals and chemical irritants, working on wet and/or dry surfaces.
• Physically and mentally capable of performing the position’s essential functions as summarized in the typical tasks section of this specification.

Bargaining Unit: 41
Workers’ Comp Code: 1073
EEOC Code: 05
OCC Unit Group: 18