Animal Services Technician

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW

Thank you for your interest in our Animal Services Technician position. We look forward to the opportunity to consider you as an applicant. This is a clerical/administrative position assigned to our Animal Services division.

We are currently recruiting to fill one immediate vacancy at our Animal Services Sheltering Facility and an eligible list will also be established to fill future vacancies in this classification for a period of up to six months.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 67,834 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The City provides a full-range of service to our citizens. The organization, staffed with 368 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

To be considered for this career opportunity applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills.

In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. Responses to the supplemental questions will be used to help us evaluate your qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application or in lieu of detailed responses to the supplemental questions.

TYPING CERTIFICATE:
A minimum typing speed of 35 words per minute is required. Applicants are required to attach a typing certificate to their application (issued within the past six months). Applications submitted without the required typing certificate attached will be disqualified. Most adult schools, community colleges, and staffing agencies administer typing tests. We also accept typing certificates obtained online from: https://www.ratatype.com

The dates associated with the recruitment process are outlined in this job posting. For planning/scheduling purposes, please make note of the dates. Additional details regarding the recruitment will be sent via email to qualified applicants after the recruitment closes and our screening process is completed (on or before the close of business on Wednesday, June 7, 2023).

WRITTEN EXAM

If we determine that you meet the minimum requirements for the position you will be invited to take a written exam which is the first phase of our recruitment process.

The written exam (multiple choice format) will be administered the morning of FRIDAY, JUNE 16th and will be comprised of the following content areas:

*Clerical Knowledge
*Reading Comprehension
*Written Communication
*Mathematical Ability
*Interpersonal Relations

For planning purposes, we are including reference to the testing element and the test date. Additional details regarding the exam will be sent via email, to qualified applicants once our screening process is complete.

INTERVIEW

Applicants that achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the written exam will be eligible to advance to the interview phase.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general supervision, informs citizens of animal services laws and regulations; issues licenses and license applications for unlicensed animals; reports violations of animal regulation laws and ordinances to other enforcement staff of the division; provides a variety of office support activities, which may include word processing, data entry and organization, telephone and counter reception, receipt of payments, processing of invoices, record keeping, report preparation, and filing; provides information and assistance to the general public; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direct or general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. No direct supervision of staff is exercised. May provide training and functional direction to less experienced staff and volunteers.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This class performs a range of routine animal licensing and clerical duties. This class is distinguished from other technicians within the City by its specific focus on animal licensing duties and responsibilities and other administrative duties.

Examples of Essential Functions

(Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Processes animal license applications; collects animal license fees; issues receipts; accounts for funds received; monitors and calls upon delinquent accounts.
• Explains licensing, rabies inoculations, leash and other animal services, regulations, laws, and requirements to citizens in person and by telephone.
• Locates unlicensed animals; provides license applications to owners; issues licenses.
• Maintains daily records; develops and maintains a cross-reference filing system of calls made, licenses and license applications issued.
• Maintains the animal license database; enters and retrieves information using standard word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Monitors and maintains records and information related to other programs in addition to Animal Licensing including the Cat Trap and Shopping Cart programs.
• Prepares monthly renewal notices, second notices, rabies and violation notices.
• Operates specialized computer billing and licensing systems; receives customer payments in person or by mail; makes change and issues receipts; balances cash receipts, processes mail payments, develops totals by adding checks and receipts using a 10-key, scans bar code payments, and manually enters non-bar code payments.
• Reviews reports of walk-in licensing applications and/or renewals on a monthly basis to verify receipt of each.
• Processes rabies certificates to verify animal is current in database system; creates new files for billing if necessary.
• Reconciles daily cash transactions and data as directed; records changes and resolves differences, maintains the accuracy of records.
• Generates and assists in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and year-end summary and technical reports.
• Performs general office support duties such as covering front counter, answering telephones, opening and routing mail and deliveries; preparing correspondence, filing and record keeping, and duplicating and distributing various written materials.
• Performs a variety of office administrative duties including Reports violations of animal regulation laws and ordinances to other enforcement staff.
• Tracks citations and notices of violation; provides follow up and billing information to accounting.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent State and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
• Techniques and methods of cash handling.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of animal services.
• Basic principles and procedures of record-keeping.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Safe work practices.

Ability to:

• Collect, compile, and analyze information and data.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and complete records and files.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public.
• Interpret, explain, apply and enforce pertinent laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to animal services.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Operate a cash register.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of the work.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Perform responsible clerical and administrative support work with accuracy, speed, and minimal supervision.
• Organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems.
• File materials alphabetically, chronologically, and numerically.
• Maintain records and databases.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by training in clerical skills, business and office practices including relevant computer software applications and programs, or a related field, and one (1) year of varied clerical support experience involving public contact.

License:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62)to new PERSmembers beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERSmembers with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance -$20,000 coverage.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Flexible benefit program - IRSSection 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.

Closing Date/Time: 6/4/2023 11:59 PM Pacific