Animal Control Dispatcher
About The Position
The Animal Control Dispatcher receives, documents, prioritizes, and dispatches calls for animal control services within Walker County, Georgia. The position is a primary point of contact between the public, animal control officers, law enforcement, emergency services, and county departments regarding animal-related complaints and service requests. The dispatcher gathers accurate information, assesses incident urgency, communicates assignments to field personnel, maintains detailed records, and provides professional customer service. The role requires sound judgment, clear communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations. This position operates in an office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. It is full-time, normally Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; occasional evening and weekend work may be required as duties demand.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Valid Georgia driver's license.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally over the telephone and two-way radio.
- Ability to remain calm, courteous, and effective when handling upset callers or stressful situations.
- Ability to gather accurate information and make sound decisions regarding call prioritization.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to enter information accurately into computer systems while communicating with callers or field personnel.
- Basic computer proficiency, including email, data entry, and electronic recordkeeping.
- Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, departmental procedures, and county policies.
- Ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining effective communication with supervisors and coworkers.
- Ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations and follow established notification and escalation procedures.
- Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of distress.
- Ability to lift at least 25 pounds and perform the physical demands described in the posting.
Nice To Haves
- Two years of experience in administrative support, clerical work, customer service, office management, or a related field.
- Experience in animal welfare, animal services, or local government.
Responsibilities
- Answer incoming telephone calls, radio communications, and other requests for animal control services.
- Receive, document, and prioritize complaints involving stray or aggressive animals, animal bites, animal welfare concerns, injured animals, livestock on roadways, and other animal-related incidents.
- Gather accurate caller, contact, location, animal-description, and safety-risk information.
- Dispatch animal control officers according to established procedures, incident priority, officer availability, and public safety considerations.
- Maintain communication with field officers and relay updates, additional information, and changes in incident conditions.
- Identify potentially dangerous or urgent situations and notify the appropriate supervisor, law enforcement agency, emergency service, or other designated authority when necessary.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of calls, officer assignments, dispatch times, incident dispositions, and follow-up requests.
- Enter and update information in computer-aided dispatch systems, databases, spreadsheets, and other departmental recordkeeping systems.
- Provide callers with general information about animal control services, department procedures, applicable county ordinances, and complaint processes.
- Communicate professionally with residents, county employees, law enforcement personnel, veterinarians, animal shelters, and partner agencies.
- Protect confidential information and follow county policies regarding records, communications, and information security.
- Monitor pending calls and communicate unresolved issues to appropriate personnel.
- Assist with preparing daily activity reports, call logs, statistical summaries, and other administrative documentation.
- Follow procedures for emergency notifications, officer safety, radio communications, and incident escalation.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Animal Control Supervisor or authorized county management.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
