Job Details
Animal Control Dispatcher
2026-02-28 Smith County, TX Tyler,TX
Description:
Work is performed primarily in an indoor office or dispatch environment requiring prolonged sitting, frequent use of a computer, telephone, and radio equipment, and clear communication with the public, staff, and partner agencies. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting to 35-50 pounds may be required. The position involves frequent public interaction, including high-stress situations, and occasional exposure to animal shelter environments, including noise, odors, and cleaning chemicals. The employee must be able to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
HOLIDAYS
Smith County employees enjoy 12 holidays a year. These are:
Each year, Commissioner's Court sets the official holiday schedule.
VACATION LEAVE
1 day earned per month (12 days per year). After 5 years of service, 1 1/4 days earned per month (15 per year). After 10 years service, 1 1/2 days earned per month (18 per year).
SICK LEAVE
1 day given per month. Allowed to accrue maximum of 80 days.
SICK LEAVE POOL
Smith County has established a Sick Leave Pool on a voluntary, contributory basis.
MILITARY LEAVE
Granted up to 15 calendar days per year.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
Unpaid leave may be granted by Department Head for up to 60 days (over 60 days requires Commissioners Court approval) for purposes of:
(1) education that may contribute to the benefit of the County,
(2) public service assignment,
(3) attending to important personal business.
CITIZENSHIP LEAVE
Provides that employees receive normal pay during period called for jury duty which includes both the jury selection process and, if selected, the time the employee actually spends serving on the jury; serving as a subpoenaed witness; and for the purpose of voting.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
Provides for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons during a 12-month period, and up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave in a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Smith County offers a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan to its employees and employees' eligible dependents. The plan is administered by The Health Plan.
DRUG CARD COVERAGE
Employee prescription costs are $10 Copay for Generic, $30 Copay* for Formulary Brand, $45 Copay* for Non-Formulary Brand. Mail service is available for maintenance prescriptions. 90-day max supply retail or mail order.
*Mandatory Generic - if generic is available, you will pay the difference between the generic drug and the Brand, plus the Brand copay.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Preventative checkups and cleaning (2 per year) at no cost to employee. Dental work after a $50 deductible per year (maximum of $150 per family) has maximum benefit of $2,000 per year per covered person. Basic services are covered at 80%, major services at 80% and orthodontics (up to age 19) at 50% up to $1,500 lifetime benefit.
LIFE INSURANCE
Up to $10,000 paid for by County. Additional supplemental coverage available at employee's expense.
ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE
Furnished at no cost to employee. Pays 50% of life amount for loss of limb or eye; 100% for loss of 2 limbs or death due to an accident.
RETIREMENT
Employees are eligible to retire: after 20 years of service regardless of age, at age 60 with at least 8 years of service or when age plus service equals 75.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
A payroll deduction savings plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary before Federal taxes - to invest in a tax-favored supplemental retirement program.
For additional benefits information click on the link below:
Salary : $39,667.00 - $42,311.00 Annually
Location : Tyler, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00632
Department: Animal Control
Opening Date: 02/26/2026
Summary/Objective
Under the supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor, the Animal Control Officer - Dispatcher serves as the primary point of contact for the public and partner agencies by receiving, triaging, and documenting incoming animal control calls and complaints. This position enforces applicable state laws and county ordinances through intake assessment, case classification, and coordination with field Animal Control Officers.
Unlike traditional field-based Animal Control Officer roles, the bulk of the work is performed in an office environment where the officer evaluates complaints, provides guidance to the public, determines whether incidents can be handled as phone cases or require field response, and communicates actionable field cases to responding officers. This position maintains full Animal Control Officer status and knowledge requirements while focusing on call intake, documentation, and operational coordination.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Call Intake & Case Triage:
Receive and document incoming calls, complaints, and service requests related to animal control. - Evaluate complaints and determine appropriate classification as phone resolution, scheduled follow-up, or priority field response.
- Dispatch and communicate field cases to Animal Control Officers with accurate notes, locations, and relevant history.
- Provide clear instructions to the public regarding ordinances, procedures, quarantines, and resources.
- Enforces animal control ordinances of Smith County and of Texas State Laws that are applicable to animal control. Assists with legal action against violators may testify in court.
- Perform administrative tasks accurately including writing reports, collecting and processing evidence, and maintaining records of monthly work, continuing education and trainings attended.
- Perform other duties as assigned, including special tasks involved in responding to an emergency event.
- Knowledge of current zoonotic disease problems.
- Knowledge of the laws and ordinances pertaining to animal control and humane treatment of animals.
- Knowledge of safety practices and procedures relating to animals.
- Knowledge in Epidemiology and surveillance methodology for disease prevention.
- Must have good computer skills.
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, or similar software, with the ability to quickly learn new software.
- Participate in various community events and public outreach; utilize knowledge of animals to educate the public on animal related issues including animal care and control, laws, ordinances, practices, and safe handling techniques.
- Responsible for safe operation of County equipment and vehicles including daily maintenance, cleaning and disinfecting.
- Ability to enforce federal, state, and local laws governing animal control.
- Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
- Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
- Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
- Ability to maintain harmonious and effective working relationships with other employees and respond to public complaints.
- Ability to project a positive and professional image of Smith County
- Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of the position.
- Must be able to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, to members of the public and the Animal Control department
- May be required to receive rabies pre-exposure vaccinations
- Must pass a background/Due to the nature of this position criminal history must be clear
- Must have a High School Diploma or GED
- Must have working/handling experience with animals and not afraid of dogs
- Must obtain an Animal Control Certification within 1 year of employment
- Must have a valid Texas Driver License
Work is performed primarily in an indoor office or dispatch environment requiring prolonged sitting, frequent use of a computer, telephone, and radio equipment, and clear communication with the public, staff, and partner agencies. Occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting to 35-50 pounds may be required. The position involves frequent public interaction, including high-stress situations, and occasional exposure to animal shelter environments, including noise, odors, and cleaning chemicals. The employee must be able to remain calm, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple tasks effectively.
HOLIDAYS
Smith County employees enjoy 12 holidays a year. These are:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- President's Day
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Administrative Day (Employee's Choice)
Each year, Commissioner's Court sets the official holiday schedule.
VACATION LEAVE
1 day earned per month (12 days per year). After 5 years of service, 1 1/4 days earned per month (15 per year). After 10 years service, 1 1/2 days earned per month (18 per year).
SICK LEAVE
1 day given per month. Allowed to accrue maximum of 80 days.
SICK LEAVE POOL
Smith County has established a Sick Leave Pool on a voluntary, contributory basis.
MILITARY LEAVE
Granted up to 15 calendar days per year.
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE
Unpaid leave may be granted by Department Head for up to 60 days (over 60 days requires Commissioners Court approval) for purposes of:
(1) education that may contribute to the benefit of the County,
(2) public service assignment,
(3) attending to important personal business.
CITIZENSHIP LEAVE
Provides that employees receive normal pay during period called for jury duty which includes both the jury selection process and, if selected, the time the employee actually spends serving on the jury; serving as a subpoenaed witness; and for the purpose of voting.
FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
Provides for up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical reasons during a 12-month period, and up to 26 weeks of unpaid leave in a single 12-month period to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Smith County offers a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan to its employees and employees' eligible dependents. The plan is administered by The Health Plan.
DRUG CARD COVERAGE
Employee prescription costs are $10 Copay for Generic, $30 Copay* for Formulary Brand, $45 Copay* for Non-Formulary Brand. Mail service is available for maintenance prescriptions. 90-day max supply retail or mail order.
*Mandatory Generic - if generic is available, you will pay the difference between the generic drug and the Brand, plus the Brand copay.
DENTAL INSURANCE
Preventative checkups and cleaning (2 per year) at no cost to employee. Dental work after a $50 deductible per year (maximum of $150 per family) has maximum benefit of $2,000 per year per covered person. Basic services are covered at 80%, major services at 80% and orthodontics (up to age 19) at 50% up to $1,500 lifetime benefit.
LIFE INSURANCE
Up to $10,000 paid for by County. Additional supplemental coverage available at employee's expense.
ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE
Furnished at no cost to employee. Pays 50% of life amount for loss of limb or eye; 100% for loss of 2 limbs or death due to an accident.
RETIREMENT
Employees are eligible to retire: after 20 years of service regardless of age, at age 60 with at least 8 years of service or when age plus service equals 75.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
A payroll deduction savings plan which allows employees to contribute a portion of their salary before Federal taxes - to invest in a tax-favored supplemental retirement program.
For additional benefits information click on the link below: