Animal Services Officer - Dispatcher

Full Job Description

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four (4) weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now.

Work for the city you love!!!The Animal Care and Protective Services Department is actively seeking a Animal Services Officer - Dispatcher.Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays and a personal leave day as well?

In addition to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available.

City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments.

This is technical work in the coordination of field activities and communications between officers, law enforcement, and the public.

This position is responsible for receiving and dispatching service calls related to animal control, welfare concerns, emergencies, and other animal-related incidents.

Work requires knowledge of the applicable laws, techniques, methods, and procedures used in enforcing animal care and controls laws, as well as the use of specialized skills which are acquired through a combination of training and on the job experience.

Work schedule involves flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Contacts with others require skills in understanding and influencing people and are important in responding to and resolving complaints.

Work is standardized in that tasks are covered by substantially diversified procedures and specialized standards and, because of changing priorities or differing situations, incumbents have the latitude to consider which of the many procedures or standards should be followed and in what sequence.

Work involves differing situations requiring the use of judgment in search for solutions or new applications within ones’ known experiences.

Operates standard office equipment such as personal computers. Work is performed in an office environment and requires sitting for prolonged periods of time.

May require occasional travel to support field operations or attend training sessions.

Work is performed under limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures, practices, precedents, methods, techniques and well-defined policies, and the worker plans and organizes the work, determines own priorities, and the work is reviewed, usually after the fact, in terms of quality, volume, timeliness, and adherence to established methods, standards, and policies.

Requirements

• Receives, prioritizes, and dispatches service calls related to animal control, welfare concerns, emergencies, and other incidents.
• Communicates effectively with Animal Services Officers, law enforcement, and the public to coordinate responses and provide necessary support.
• Monitors and tracks the status and location of field officers to ensure efficient deployment and safety.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records of all calls, responses, and incidents in the dispatch system.
• Provides critical information to field officers regarding potential safety hazards, animal behaviors, and other relevant factors.
• Keeps up to date with local, state, and federal regulations related to animal welfare, control, and public safety.
• Assists with data entry, report generation, and administrative tasks related to dispatch operations as needed.
• Participates in ongoing training and development to stay current with best practices in animal control and emergency dispatch procedures.
• Organizes and multitasks under pressure. 
• Possess excellent communication skills to provide timely and accurate information to field officers and other stakeholders.
• Must be able to work in a high-stress environment and handle emotionally charged situations involving animals and the public. 
• Reports to work location during emergency circumstances such as actual and anticipated natural and man-made disasters. 
• Operates standard office equipment such as a personal computer using word, spreadsheet, database, and other related software such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD), two-way radio, telephones, and euthanasia equipment. 
• Operates a motor vehicle.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville’s competencies. 
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal ordinances and statutes related to animal control and welfare.
• Broad geographical knowledge of Duval and surrounding counties. 
• Knowledge of Computer Assisted Dispatch System, dispatch consoles and radio systems.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure and emergency situations.
• Ability to multi-task, including listening and comprehending information, while communicating, verbally and by entering data into a computer terminal with accuracy and speed, simultaneously
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as a personal computer using word, spreadsheet, database, and other related software such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD), two-way radio, telephones, and euthanasia equipment. 
• Ability to respond to a problem area, assess the situation, and coordinate the proper corrective action. 
• Ability to read, comprehend, and apply applicable policies, laws, and regulations. 
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. 
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

Additional Information

• 1 year of education and/or experience in dispatch, emergency services, or a related field, preferably involving animal control or public safety.

• Proficiency in using radio, telephone, and computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems.

• Familiarity with the geography and layout of Jacksonville and surrounding areas is preferred.

• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license during employment in this class.
• Must qualify for, obtain, and maintain a City of Jacksonville public driver certification for employment in this class.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• The probationary period for this class is six months.

• This classification performs safety-sensitive functions and is subject to pre-employment, random and other drug/alcohol testing programs as set forth in the City of Jacksonville’s Drug Free Workplace Policy (0401).

ACPS is part of the City of Jacksonville’s emergency response operations.

When pet friendly emergency shelters are open, all full-time employees are required to report and carry out duties as assigned for the duration of the emergency.

Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.




A FULLY COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED. Apply atwww.jacksonville.gov. Work history is required for all employment/volunteer work in which qualifications are being based.

When meeting/basing qualifications on education, a copy of your college transcript, with your social blacked out, is required with your application. U.S.

transcripts do not need to be official, but must state your name, the school’s name, classes taken, grades received, type of degree, and date degree was conferred. Transcripts outside the U.S.

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Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and the family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

If claiming veteran's preference, you must attach a DD-214 (Member Form-4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge.

You must also attach the Veterans Preference Certification Form and if applicable, the additional forms as noted here:http://www.coj.net/departments/employee-services/veterans-preference.

If a candidate believes he or she was not afforded veteran’s preference, he or she may file a written complaint, within sixty (60) calendar days upon receipt of notification of the hiring decision, requesting an investigation to:


Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
Attention: Veterans’ Preference Coordinator
11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K
Largo, FL 33778-1630
Email:VeteransPreference@fdva.state.fl.us