Public Safety Comm Specialist (9039)

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Pension plan

Paid parental leave

Vacation time

Wellness programs

Tuition reimbursement

PSLF program

Transportation pass

Job summary

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) seeks a Public Safety Communications Specialist to protect riders, employees and property by coordinating emergency communications and utilizing police radio, emergency telephones, video cameras and call box systems within SEPTA’s operations.

The role requires a High School Diploma and 8 years of radio communications experience in law enforcement or related fields, plus strong verbal and written skills; ability to work shifts, holidays

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and eight (8) years experience with radio communications within law enforcement, fire or ambulance services.
• Must demonstrate exceptional communications skills, must take direction, be flexible and dependable, with a positive and cooperative attitude.
• Experience in using personal computers and proficiency in computer data entry required, (necessary to simultaneously speak over telephone while entering data on PC, requiring speed and accuracy).
• Excellent power of concentration - ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously within a distracting environment. Able to function well under stress and remain calm and collected during emergencies.
• Excellent verbal and writing ability.
• Must possess excellent attendance and performance records. Must be reliable, responsible, professional, punctual, with good organizational skills.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation.
• Ability to work shifts, holidays and weekends as required.

Responsibilities

• Receives and process all requests for emergency and non-emergency service from citizens, Authority employees and other public service agencies within the 5 county area. Dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment to the scene of incidents.
• Monitors, relays and transmits priority information using the Philadelphia Police emergency broadcast frequency (J-band) and SEPTA Transit Police broadcast frequency.
• Monitors, services and documents requests from ridership, Authority employees and citizens, utilizing the Emergency Call Box System.
• Processes criminal investigative queries of persons, vehicles, property, etc., using the State Police (NCIC/CLEAN) and City of Philadelphia (NCIC/PCIC) computer terminals, in accordance with established policy.
• Obtains and enters complete and accurate information of all requests for service into the Computer system. Issues a unique case/control number for each incident serviced.
• Monitors and operates centralized closed circuit digital security camera system.
• Initiates emergency response plans in the event of a major incident such as tunnel fire or a major accident or derailment with numerous injuries. Notifiesappropriate support groups, either internal and/or external, to handle a given incident.
• Makes notifications to the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, other command Police personnel and the Assistant General Manager of Public and Operational Division, of all incidents having a significant social, economic, or political impact on the Authority.
• Has a working knowledge of the SEPTA Transit Police Communications Operations Directives; specifically, Communication Policy, Telephone Procedures, Radio Broadcast Policy, Radio Broadcast Procedure, Release of Police Reports, Notification to the Inspector General's Office, and General Rules Concerning Confidentiality.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Performs other requirements of the position.

Skills

Communication skills

Data entry

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

City: Philadelphia

Secure Your Future with SEPTA – A Leader in Transportation!

TheSoutheastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)is thesixth-largesttransportation system in the U.S., connecting communities across a2,200-square-mile service region. SEPTA isat the forefront of innovationin the transit industry, ensuring reliable and efficient services while driving economic growth in thePhiladelphia region.

Only candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, will be accepted at this time.

We are proud to be recognized as:

2023 FORBES Best in State Employer

Philadelphia Employer of Choice for 2024

We are seeking to hire candidates for ourPublic Safety Comm Specialist (9039).

Opening Date: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/16/2026

Job Grade: SAM 36

Salary Range:$59,540.00-$74,412.00

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Work in concert with internal and external departments/agencies, to protect the ridership, citizens, employees and property of the Authority by utilizing Police Radio, emergency telephones, video cameras, emergency call box system, Philadelphia Police emergency broadcast frequency, State and City crime information computer systems, and documenting services rendered into the SEPTA Police computer database.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives and process all requests for emergency and non-emergency service from citizens, Authority employees and other public service agencies within the 5 county area. Dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment to the scene of incidents.
• Monitors, relays and transmits priority information using the Philadelphia Police emergency broadcast frequency (J-band) and SEPTA Transit Police broadcast frequency.
• Monitors, services and documents requests from ridership, Authority employees and citizens, utilizing the Emergency Call Box System.
• Processes criminal investigative queries of persons, vehicles, property, etc., using the State Police (NCIC/CLEAN) and City of Philadelphia (NCIC/PCIC) computer terminals, in accordance with established policy.
• Obtains and enters complete and accurate information of all requests for service into the Computer system. Issues a unique case/control number for each incident serviced.
• Monitors and operates centralized closed circuit digital security camera system.
• Initiates emergency response plans in the event of a major incident such as tunnel fire or a major accident or derailment with numerous injuries. Notifiesappropriate support groups, either internal and/or external, to handle a given incident.
• Makes notifications to the Chief of Police, Deputy Chief of Police, other command Police personnel and the Assistant General Manager of Public and Operational Division, of all incidents having a significant social, economic, or political impact on the Authority.
• Has a working knowledge of the SEPTA Transit Police Communications Operations Directives; specifically, Communication Policy, Telephone Procedures, Radio Broadcast Policy, Radio Broadcast Procedure, Release of Police Reports, Notification to the Inspector General's Office, and General Rules Concerning Confidentiality.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Performs other requirements of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or equivalent, and eight (8) years experience with radio communications within law enforcement, fire or ambulance services.
• Must demonstrate exceptional communications skills, must take direction, be flexible and dependable, with a positive and cooperative attitude.
• Experience in using personal computers and proficiency in computer data entry required, (necessary to simultaneously speak over telephone while entering data on PC, requiring speed and accuracy).
• Excellent power of concentration - ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously within a distracting environment. Able to function well under stress and remain calm and collected during emergencies.
• Excellent verbal and writing ability.
• Must possess excellent attendance and performance records. Must be reliable, responsible, professional, punctual, with good organizational skills.
• Must pass an extensive background investigation.
• Ability to work shifts, holidays and weekends as required.

Why Join Our Team? Enjoy Outstanding Benefits!

Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage – Medical, prescription, dental, and vision plans with little to no employee premiums.

Retirement Security – Participate in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan and a 457B Deferred Compensation Plan to build your financial future.

Work-Life Balance – Enjoy paid parental leave, generous vacation time, and paid holidays to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

Employee Wellness– Access wellness programs and resources to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Invest in Your Growth – We offer tuition reimbursement to support your education and career advancement.

Student Loan Assistance – Our positions qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, helping you manage and reduce student debt.

Free Travel Perks – Receive a FREE SEPTA Transportation Pass, giving you unlimited access to all SEPTA services!

Join us and take advantage of these incredible benefits while making a difference in your community!

SEPTA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.