Dispatcher, Penn Transit Services

Dispatcher, Penn Transit Services

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.

Job Description

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 Responsibilities

The Dispatcher is responsible for:

• Receiving, prioritizing, and dispatching requests for vehicular escorts during evening and late-night service hours.
• Coordinating 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.
• Providing accurate, courteous assistance to customers seeking information on Penn Transit Services regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Maintaining responsibility for all radio equipment, ensuring proper use, care, and secure storage in the central dispatch location at the end of each shift.
• Ensuring the PTS Operations Center, escort vehicles, keyboxes, and related facilities are properly secured at the end of the final shift each night.
• Completing the "Daily Log Book" accurately at the end of the last shift each night.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The Dispatcher must have:

• 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.

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.

Job Location

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.