Careers at Drexel

Job Summary

The Public Safety Dispatcher ensures efficient and coordinated communication services for the Drexel University Department of Public Safety Communications Center, the University community, and local law enforcement agencies.

This position is designated as “essential”, supporting a 24-hour, 7-day-per-week operation, including weekends and holidays. Dispatchers work 12-hour shifts and may be required to work mandated overtime.

The hiring and onboarding processes are as follows:

1. Interviews
2. Conditional job offer
   • Signed confidentiality agreement regarding sensitive University information.
3. Pre-employment testing
   • Successful completion of Drexel Public Safety-approved certification course (currently APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I).
4. Background investigation (1–2 months)
   • Successful completion of physical exam, drug/alcohol screening, and psychological evaluation.
   • Comprehensive background check (education, work history, criminal record) with annual updates.
   • Employment may not begin until the University accepts the results of the background investigations, as they're required for all new hires as a condition of employment, after the job offer is made.
5. Orientation/training

Essential Functions

• Receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls, including 911, for police, fire, and medical services.
• Gather and input relevant information into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system; evaluate and prioritize calls; dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment.
• Monitor and update unit locations and statuses; operate two-way radios; request additional assistance from other agencies as needed.
• Access local, state, and federal law enforcement databases via telecommunications terminals.
• Perform data entry, maintain files and reference materials, and complete clerical tasks.
• Monitor and operate emergency alarms, CCTV, and access control systems; initiate immediate response actions.
• Serve as liaison between Drexel community and external public service agencies.
• Coordinate maintenance of Dispatch Center equipment, including radios.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a HS Diploma or GED. (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.)
• Minimum 6 months of experience as a Public Safety Dispatcher, Customer Service experience or comparable Public Safety role.
• Working cellular device capable of receiving SMS notifications or installing required security applications.
• Ability to work during days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays; flexibility to work shifts, holidays, and overtime as needed.
• Ability to lift/move up to 30 lbs.
• Possess color vision.

Preferred Qualifications

• College degree.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak, listen, and write professionally.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Windows applications.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Lifting demands ≤ 50lbs

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Non-Exempt, grade G. Compensation for this grade ranges from $15.58 to $23.37 per hour. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.