Call Center Representative

Penn State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits + paid time off

Job summary

Penn State Extension is hiring a Call Center Representative (Intermediate Support) to provide frontline assistance for the spotted lanternfly program. You will handle inquiries, educate the public, and route issues to appropriate teams from a remote University Park setting.

The role emphasizes customer service excellence, schedule coordination for agents, and ongoing training of new staff while working with cross–functional partners across campus.

Qualifications

• GED or high school diploma required.
• 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English; Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide call center support and educate the public on spotted lanternflies.
• Coordinate assignment schedules for part-time agents.
• Escalate and route customer inquiries as needed.
• Develop training materials and coach new staff.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Team player

Organized

Education

GED or High School Diploma

Job description

## Call Center RepresentativeApplyremote type: Remotelocations: Penn State University Parktime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: REQ\_0000074767# **APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:*** ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.### **Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.**This position is funded for 6 months; continuation past 6 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.### **POSITION SPECIFICS****Penn State Extension** is seeking a **Call Center Representative (Intermediate Support)** to provide support to the spotted lanternfly call center. The call center is responsible for educating the public about spotted lanternflies, receiving reports of sightings, and addressing other general inquiries. This position provides daily direction and communication to part-time call center agents so that customer service calls are answered in a timely, efficient, and knowledgeable manner. Also includes the creation of the customer service assignment schedule. This position will serve as the primary point of contact for inquiries and escalations, resolving issues and routing escalations as necessary. Also provides daily direction and communication to employees to keep them updated on the ever-changing information about the spotted lanternfly.Additional responsibilities include:* Improving customer service quality results by studying, evaluating, and redesigning processes; establishing and communicating service metrics; monitoring and analyzing results; and implementing changes.* Provides statistical and performance feedback, as well as coaching, on a regular basis to each team member.* Responsible for hiring and training of new and seasonal employees.* Assesses customer inquiries, business needs, and works with cross-functional teams to identify training, knowledge base, and expertise requirements. This includes developing training plans and materials, as well as ensuring that employees have access to the necessary training and other resources to perform their jobs effectively.The successful candidate must engage with diverse populations, meeting audience needs through the call center and referencing additional resources, including faculty, extension educators, and online tools (fact sheets, LearnNow videos, and short courses). The successful candidate should be willing to develop working-level knowledge of Spotted Lanternfly. Serve as an operator agent for a modern call center capable of professionally managing and processing a high volume of calls in a customer-friendly manner.**Required Qualifications:*** Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English are required and valued in Spanish.* Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and clientele, and the ability to work as an active member of a team.* Must be very organized and able to work with a sense of urgency to meet the expectations of concerned citizens.**Preferred Qualifications:*** Experience in customer service, call center, sales, client management, information technology, and/or a basic understanding of entomology.***This position is a remote role with some on-site requirements at University Park.*** **MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS**General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or High School (HS)2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None### **BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES**Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.### Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. **SALARY & BENEFITS**The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $36,888.00 - $53,532.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.**CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS**Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.**EEO IS THE LAW**Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.