Animal Services Care & Dispatch Technician

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

An employee assigned to this classification gathers and generates information to and from the public and outside agencies and dispatches the appropriate personnel; ensures public safety, animal welfare, and officer safety. This position works to assist the public with opportunities to enhance animal care and welfare including, but not limited to adoptions opportunities, foster program administration, volunteer opportunities, on site coordination of donations, etc. Work is performed under the direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports and observation of the results obtained.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with the County's core values. Receives incoming calls from the public or outside agencies for animal-related services; evaluates information to determine services needed. Understands and explains state statutes and county ordinance(s) of animal welfare to the public and staff. Prioritizes requested field services, records information necessary to determine priority of complaint, location, nature of incident and status of complaint and notifies applicable officers to respond to requests for service. Conducts research of locations, person's histories, and relays information to officers; monitors animal field officers' location and safety remotely. Responsible for data entry, including but not limited to, entering animal control officer paperwork, vaccination records, transfer paperwork, checking lost and found reports, and intake paperwork. Assists with acquisition of aggressive and non-aggressive animals by means of restraint, vaccination, transport, and placement of animals into kennels. Conducts preliminary investigations and files reports on cruelty and animal neglect complaints. Works closely with other humane and law enforcement agencies on incidents involving animals. Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency. (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job related marginal duties as required.)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Considerable knowledge of County ordinances regulating animal control and related legal procedures. Considerable knowledge of the Putnam County geographical area. Knowledge of effective telephone etiquette. Ability to comprehend and enforce County ordinances as they relate to animal services. Ability to deal effectively with the public, especially during emotional or stressful situations. Ability to effectively investigate complaints and prepare appropriate documentation. Ability to effectively handle animals in all situations. Ability to comprehend and utilize legal and court procedures as they apply to Putnam County Animal Ordinances. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to deal effectively with outside agencies, other County employees and the public. May be required to assist with emergency support functions (ESF) during emergencies or other related emergency duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school graduation or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma. One (1) year work experience involving secretarial/clerical duties including the operation of a personal computer, keyboard, or similar data entry equipment. (A comparable amount of training, education, or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS

Ability to possess and maintain a valid Florida Drivers' License.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS

Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction). Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid). Ability to access, input, and retrieval of information from a computer. Ability to access file cabinets for filing and retrieval of data. Ability to sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time. Ability to answer a telephone. Ability to communicate using writing, speaking, hearing, and visual skills.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Works inside in an office environment. (Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability or disabilities.)

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Employment is AT-WILL