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 consistently ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers.

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.

Posted Job Title

Community Care Event Observer (Temporary Non-Exempt)

Job Profile Title

Temporary Employee - Non-Exempt

Job Description Summary

Event Observers support a safe and respectful campus environment by patrolling the University of Pennsylvania campus during nighttime and weekend shifts. Reporting to the Associate Director for Community Care, Event Observers monitor both registered and unregistered student events, assess safety conditions, and escalate concerns when appropriate. This role emphasizes harm reduction, community care, and collaboration with relevant university offices.

The Event Observer (EO) team is comprised of part-time, temporary staff within University Life. Event Observers play an important role in efforts to manage risk, reduce harm, and foster a sense of belonging among all members of our community. This is primarily done through on-the-ground support of student social events, which includes communicating with event hosts, helping to ensure guests’ safety, troubleshooting any issues, and documenting observations or concerns. EOs address and shut down social events that are escalating in risk and/or events that were not registered with University Life. EOs work closely with Penn Police while on shift and may collaborate with other offices, such as the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life and the Center for Community Standards & Accountability, to provide more details following an event.

EO shifts are typically from 9:30 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. and may be scheduled on Thursday, Friday, and/or Saturday nights as well as other times when events are planned (e.g., during the day on Saturday). Shifts begin during the week of New Student Orientation and end around Commencement. EOs work in pairs and are required to complete training before attending their first shift.

This is a temporary, non-exempt, nine-month term position.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Patrol designated areas of campus during assigned shifts, focusing on locations where student events may be occurring.
• Monitor both registered and unregistered student gatherings to help ensure safety and adherence to university expectations.
• Identify and assess potential safety risks, including crowding, visibly intoxicated individuals, disruptive conduct, or other concerning behaviors.
• Use discretion to escalate issues to university staff or emergency services when necessary.
• Coordinate with relevant offices including the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL),Office of Student Affairs (OSA), and Community Standards and Accountability (CSA), as directed.
• Serve as a neutral and professional presence to help deter unsafe behaviors and support a safe campus experience.
• Submit shift summaries or incident reports following each assignment.
• Attend required training and orientation sessions.
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Must be 21 years of age or older.
• Must not be currently enrolled as a student at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Must not hold other employment at the University of Pennsylvania.
• Strong observational and communication skills.
• Ability to remain composed, objective, and professional in high-energy social environments.
• Prior experience in public safety, event staffing, student affairs, or community outreach is a plus.
• Commitment to reliability, discretion, and upholding university standards.

Work Environment & Requirements:

• Work is conducted outdoors and on foot, often in crowded or noisy conditions.
• Exposure to student social environments including parties, with potential presence of alcohol.
• Shifts are primarily scheduled for late nights (Thursday–Sunday) and weekend days.

Compensation:

Hourly wage: $35/hr
Includes paid training

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

Student Services

Pay Range

$7.25 - $35.00 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 
A background check 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 and Life: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
• 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.

Please note that benefit eligibility is determined/based on ACA guidelines.