Animal Control Dispatcher at DeKalb County in Decatur, Georgia

Job Description:

Pay Range: $35,360-$50,841    FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Responds to and assists the public with animal related inquiries; educates on rabies, the responsibility of pet ownership and animal care, and explains the Animal Services ordinances, procedures, and responsibility; forwards inquiries to the appropriate jurisdiction, agency, or department if it falls outside of the jurisdiction of this unit; provides Field Officers with information regarding prior citations, warnings, complaints, and information as requested; and counsels the escalated, irate repeat callers that misuse the authority of Animal services and Enforcement.

Enters complaints into the online PetPoint system, to include the complaint number, address, and jurisdiction of the call, and the number and descriptions of animals being reported, and information about the complainant and potential violator; assigns an officer to the call; creates a memo containing a brief description of the nature of the call; and prints information to relay to the Animal Control Officer.

Receives all incoming calls from the CAD screen and dispatches; contacts the complainant for additional information if required; follows the complaint through the process until resolution is made; and functions on a rotating basis at the CAD computer with all staff assigned to the Office Operations Division.

Initiates bite investigations once a bite complaint has been made with Animal Control; determines whether jurisdiction exists; completes bite reports; determines the severity of the bite, and whether immediate medical care is required, and contacts EMS if not already done; obtains necessary information from victim or complainant for the report, including a narrative of how the bite occurred; and obtains a case number from the CAD system and dispatches to the officer or office assistant that handled the call.

Manages the Open Records Requests received and follows the protocol for the requestor to obtain the desired report from Animal Services.

Processes applications and renewals for Dangerous Animal permit which allows owners to maintain ownership after a bite incident; collects a mandatory fee from owners of Dangerous Animals annually; issues a Dangerous Animal certificate to the owner; maintains records of all Dangerous Animals for follow up; and provides list to the Animal Control Supervisor of permits due for a follow-up visit to investigate and enforce registration annually.

Completes written citations and enters into database and PetPoint system; maintains a calendar schedule of the Officers court dates and submits to the Magistrate court; and returns incomplete citations to the proper supervisor for correction

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED required; one year of clerical or customer service experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.