Animal Services Clerk Dispatcher (#AD3 )

$27.08-$33.76 hourly / $4,693.78-$5,851.62 monthly / $56,326.40-$70,220.80 yearly

• 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;
• Assists 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;
• Ensures the quarantine of animals which have bitten humans or other animals is 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, 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.

EST: 6/04 REV: Analyst: GLD