Job Details

Dispatcher, Penn Transit Services

Position Number: 6821051
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Campus Safety and Police

Dispatcher, Penn Transit Services

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Dispatcher, Penn Transit Services

Job Profile Title
Dispatcher

Job Description Summary
Reporting to the Operations Supervisor for Penn Transit Services, the Dispatcher plays a critical role in coordinating the daily operations of Penn's comprehensive transportation system. This position ensures the safe, reliable, and timely movement of passengers during daytime, evening, and late-night service hours within defined boundaries. The Dispatcher receives and routes requests for vehicular escorts, actively coordinates resources across multiple transit services, and delivers responsive, accurate customer assistance to riders seeking information about schedules, policies, and procedures.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Receive, prioritize, and dispatch requests for vehicular escorts during evening and late-night service hours.
Coordinate shuttle operations with all Penn Transit Services programs-including PennBus, Penn Accessible Transit (PAT), Penn Charter, Penn Crew Transportation, and AM Transportation-through dynamic allocation of staff and vehicles to meet service demand.
Provide accurate, courteous assistance to customers seeking information on Penn Transit Services regulations, policies, and procedures.
Maintain responsibility for all radio equipment, ensuring proper use, care, and secure storage in the central dispatch location at the end of each shift.
Ensure the PTS Operations Center, escort vehicles, keyboxes, and related facilities are properly secured at the end of the final shift each night.
Complete the "Daily Log Book" accurately at the end of the last shift each night.
Perform other duties as assigned.

The initial shift for this position is Monday-Friday from 2:00 AM to 10:30 AM.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED required.
Previous dispatch or logistics experience preferred.
Strong customer service experience required.
Must maintain and possess a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from the state of residence within 90 days of hire. Passenger Endorsement required; Air Brake Restriction must be removed.
Must maintain a valid U.S. DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and dispatching software preferred.

About Penn Transit

Penn Transportation and Parking Services, a department within the Division of Business Services, delivers a wide range of essential mobility services to the Penn community. The department is dedicated to providing superior service that is safe, convenient, sustainable, and accessible for all who come to this world-renowned institution to work, study, and visit.

Penn Transit Services operates an integrated transportation network that offers effective, efficient, and safe transit within specific service boundaries-at no cost to riders with a PennCard. The system supports the daily movement of the University community and accommodates more than 100,000 passengers each year through its robust combination of shuttle, bus, accessible transit, and charter services.

For more information about Penn Transit Services, visit Penn Transportation & Parking

About the Division of Business Services

The Division of Business Services (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-focused campus environment and providing mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD's mission is to deliver high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner while enhancing the daily experience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

The Division is currently focused on three major strategic initiatives:

Revenue growth and retention through enhanced marketing and expanded services.
Driving productivity for the Division and its customers through improved use of technology.
Strengthening service offerings through facility upgrades and program expansions.

For more information about BSD, visit: https://www.business-services.upenn.edu

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Business Services

Pay Range
$16.83 - $21.50 Hourly Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Penn-Transit-OPS-Center/Dispatcher--Penn-Transit-Services_JR00114990