Job Summary
The County of San Diego, Department of Animal Services has an immediate opening for an
Animal Services Dispatcher
Interviews are anticipated to occur the week of June 15, 2026.
Future Salary Increases
- June 26, 2026 - 4.10% increase to base pay (3.50% Across-the-Board + 0.60% Market Increase)** June 25, 2027 - 3.60% increase to base pay(3.00% Across-the-Board + 0.60% Market Increase)
Sample Schedules
The selected candidate will be assigned to a three month rotational schedule. Example of the potential assigned schedule is listed below. Please note this is a
SAMPLE schedule and is subject to change based on operational need:
FRI
SAT
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THUR
Sample 1
OFF
OFF
2300-0700
2300-0700
2300-0700
2300-0700
2300-0700
Sample 2
2300-0700
2300-0700
OFF
OFF
1500-2330
1500-2330
1500-2330
Sample 3
0700-1530
0700-1530
OFF
OFF
0700-1530
0700-1530
0700-1530
Sample 4
1500-2330
1500-2330
1500-2330
1500-2330
OFF
OFF
1100-1930
Sample 5
1100-1930
1100-1930
0700-1530
0700-1530
1100-1930
OFF
OFF
In Addition To The Base Salary, Employees Receive
- Overtime pay for working County-observed holidays
- Night Shift Premium $.80/hr to base pay
- Bilingual Premium, if available, $.375/hr to base pay
- 37 paid days off annually (Sick, Vacation, Holiday)
The County of San Diego, Department of Animal Services provides animal sheltering and animal control services for the unincorporated areas of San Diego. The department has been recognized for its excellent public service, high integrity, compassionate animal care, new facilities and outstanding teamwork. Animal Services operates two shelter locations, in Bonita and Carlsbad. Currently, all Animal Services Dispatchers are based at the Bonita shelter.
Upcoming for Fall 2026: A new state-of-the-art animal shelter in Santee serving the East and South Counties. It will provide a safe environment for animals and the public. Landscape enhancements will be made along the Riverview Parkway front, including a secured and open courtyard, an outdoor livestock area, activity yards, a secured staff parking lot, and a public parking lot.
Animal Services Dispatchers are responsible for receiving requests for service by telephone and radio dispatching routine and emergency calls to Animal Control Officers in the field regarding state and local animal cruelty and regulatory laws, in addition to other law enforcement animal control functions as well as shelter operations. Incumbents will work various shifts with mandatory overtime including holidays and weekends. Work in an office environment with minimal face-to-face contact with other Animals Services Staff. Must promptly respond to telephone, two-way radio, and cell phone calls simultaneously.
The Animal Services Dispatcher differs from the Sheriff's Communications Dispatcher in that the latter receives and acts upon emergency and routine calls in the areas of law enforcement, fire, and medical operations primarily concerning people.
"Click here" to review the complete job description including minimum qualifications, examples of duties, essential functions, etc.
For more information and a direct link to the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services "Click here"
Hiring Timeline And Dates
The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.
- Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Education And/or Experience
Six (6) months of full-time experience as a dispatcher, telephone operator, or clerk responsible for receiving, evaluating, and responding to inquiries or complaints.
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Condition Of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation Process
Qualified applicants will be placed on a
six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application questionnaire will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
