Animal Communication Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

HIRING RANGE: $26.75 - $29.72/hour

The Business Specialist serves as the primary administrative, administrative operations, and customer service professional for the Animal Control Division under the general supervision of the Animal Control Supervisor. This position functions as the central point of contact for division administrative operations and is responsible for financial coordination, records management, licensing program administration, customer service, reporting, training and travel coordination, community engagement activities, and operational support.

The Business Specialist provides administrative and business support while ensuring efficient operations, fiscal accountability, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service. This position works collaboratively with Animal Control Officers, Police Department personnel, community partners, and residents to support the Division's mission and operational objectives.

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (This job description does not intend to list every function of the position)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serves as the primary point of contact for the Animal Control Division, responding to public inquiries regarding services, ordinances, licensing requirements, animal welfare concerns, and related regulations, and directing requests to appropriate personnel.
• Receives and processes service requests, ordinance violation complaints, nuisance wildlife concerns, and impound reports; enters calls for service into CAD or coordinates entry through Police Communications.
• Provides administrative support to the Animal Control Supervisor and Division personnel, including scheduling, records management, correspondence, meeting coordination, report preparation, project support, and daily business operations.
• Maintains division records, databases, filing systems, and records retention processes in accordance with City policies, legal requirements, and departmental procedures.
• Coordinates case-related administrative activities, including case reports, subpoenas, court documentation, hearing schedules, records requests, and communication between the Animal Control Division, Lakewood Municipal Court, City Attorney's Office, and other stakeholders.
• Processes accounts payable and receivable transactions, purchase orders, procurement card reconciliations, vendor payments, budget tracking, account reconciliations, and related financial records.
• Coordinates and maintains employee training, travel, conference registrations, reimbursements, office supply inventories, equipment maintenance, mail distribution, and other administrative support functions.
• Administers the Animal Control Ride-Along Program and maintains associated records, participant documentation, and communications.
• Maintains records and documentation related to impounded animals, including reclaimed, transferred, adopted, euthanized, deceased, and rehomed animals, ensuring compliance with City policies and state regulations.
• Performs follow-up communications with residents regarding investigations, service requests, impounded animals, licensing requirements, and case dispositions.
• Serves as the primary administrator and liaison for the Jefferson County Pet Licensing Program within the City of Lakewood Animal Control Division, coordinating licensing activities with Jefferson County, Foothills Animal Shelter, and the public.
• Collaborates with Animal Control Officers, shelter personnel, veterinary providers, community partners, and court personnel to support animal welfare initiatives, licensing compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Prepare statistical reports, operational summaries, meeting materials, and other administrative documentation.
• Assists with public outreach activities, special projects, accreditation efforts, and division-wide initiatives.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive personnel, legal, financial, investigative, and citizen information.
• Must be able to interact with others in a positive, professional, and customer-focused manner and maintain regular and reliable attendance.

This job description may not be all-inclusive. Employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS

Coordinates the Animal Control Ride-Along Program

Prepares and completes special projects, as assigned.

Assists in maintaining supplies of computer paper and forms in booking area.

Routinely purges existing files in the section.

Sets up and uses a filing system that can be utilized by Animal Control Officers and other members of the Section

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Supervision Received

Receives general supervision from the Animal Control Supervisor.

Supervision Given

None.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• One (1) or more years of administrative, customer service, business support, office management, records management, or related experience required.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook required.
• Experience working in local government, public safety, law enforcement, animal services, or a related environment preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to keyboard at a rate of 40 wpm (keyboarding test required).

Bi-lingual (Spanish-speaking) is a desired qualification.

Licensure/Certification/Registration

• Driver's license and good motor vehicle record is a preferred qualification.
• Ability to become NCIC/CCIC certified.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to handle telephone calls with tact and good judgment.

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Computer knowledge and experience

Ability to handle emotionally distraught, verbally abusive and/or angry people on the telephone.

Ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment.

Ability to prioritize work.

Ability to keep information confidential.

Ability to accurately take down information.

Ability to keep a professional and nonjudgmental attitude in all circumstances, including when dealing with verbally abusive citizens.

Organizational and time management skills.

Flexibility and attention to detail, as well as the ability to handle multiple tasks.

Ability to effectively complete job assignments despite changing priorities, strict deadlines, high volume of work and constant interruptions.

Requires a polygraph, reference checks, drug test and background investigation.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

LIGHT WORK: Exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

Physical Demands

• Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
• Sit, stand, or be stationary
• Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
• Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, grasp, move, feel, inspect, etc.
• Walk, ascend, and descend on both even and uneven terrain
• Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color

Environmental Conditions may include

• Office settings

Physical Requirements - No Physical Needed

• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 30 lbs. with or without assistance.

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense. Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules. Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure, or comply with a safety rule will result in adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers' Compensation Act. Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor.

The City of Lakewood celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of our workforce. Accordingly, the city is committed to creating, nurturing, and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our community and employees.