Animal Services Dispatcher

County of Riverside • Jurupa, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is hiring an Animal Services Dispatcher in Jurupa Valley. The dispatcher receives emergency and non-emergency animal-control requests from department staff, the public, and outside agencies, including law enforcement, and dispatches Animal Control Officers using computer, radio, and telephone systems. The role operates telephone and radio equipment, enters and updates calls in the Chameleon case management system, documents actions, updates pending calls, and responds to follow-up inquiries and requests for estimated arrival times. The dispatcher may also provide administrative support, including processing citations, collections, and permits, scheduling hearings, and related duties.

This is a journey-level classification responsible for routine and emergency animal-related calls and dispatching field officers. The dispatcher may also perform clerical and administrative support work. The position currently follows a 9/80 schedule and reports to an appropriate supervisory or management-level position.

The work environment may involve exposure to animals, including animal odors, dander, excrement, fluids, and wounds.

Requirements

• High school graduation, a certificate of proficiency issued by the California State Board of Education, or a satisfactory score on a GED examination.
• Six months of customer service experience involving responsibility for receiving, evaluating, and responding to inquiries or complaints.
• Possession of a valid California Driver License.
• Knowledge of laws, ordinances, and regulations related to animal control.
• Knowledge of techniques, procedures, and methods used in public-service communications or dispatch centers.
• Knowledge of dispatching techniques and procedures and operation of radio transmitters.
• Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including filing, recordkeeping, and operation of standard office equipment.
• Ability to operate radio and telephone equipment; follow oral and written directions quickly and accurately; provide prompt, accurate, and efficient service; and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the public, and outside agencies.
• Ability to work in an environment with exposure to animals, which may include animal smells, dander, excrement, fluids, and wounds.

Nice To Haves

• Experience using Chameleon software.
• Experience in a call center or dispatch role handling a high volume of inquiries for a large enterprise.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Experience operating two-way radios, using mapping tools, and maintaining detailed electronic records while handling telephone or radio traffic.
• Bilingual ability in Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL).

Responsibilities

• Receive service calls from department staff, the public, and outside agencies; determine appropriate action, evaluate requests, provide information under departmental policies and animal-control ordinances, and route calls as appropriate.
• Dispatch service calls using department case management software, mapping tools, and radio systems; assign call priorities and dispatch officers based on appropriate geographic location.
• Track Animal Control Officer locations using a GPS tracking system, perform routine safety checks, dispatch backup assistance, and take appropriate action to help ensure officer safety.
• Document actions taken, update pending calls, and respond to follow-up inquiries and requests for estimated arrival times.
• Perform clerical and administrative support duties as assigned, such as processing kennel permits and citations, scheduling hearings, maintaining filing systems, and generating and mailing departmental correspondence.
• Provide administrative support that may include collections and related duties.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED