School Crossing Guard; Part-Time​/Intermittent

General Description

Public safety work guiding children and other pedestrians safely across designated roadways near schools. The position creates safe gaps in traffic flow, promotes safe crossing behavior, and observes/report hazards and incidents. Work follows established procedures, standard hand signals, and applicable guidelines. Duties are performed outdoors in all weather and near moving traffic. Work is reviewed by an administrative superior through observation and reports.

Note: This is a split‑shift role generally covering before‐and after‑school periods and early‑release days. Hours are determined by assigned school bell schedules. Shift cannot be split.

• Directs pedestrians and creates gaps in vehicular traffic within designated school zones, feeder streets, and assigned areas using standard hand signals, stop paddle, and whistle.
• Stops traffic at designated crosswalks and guides children and other pedestrians safely across the roadway.
• Clearly informs motorists, by appropriate signals, that pedestrians are entering or using the crossing.
• Encourages and models proper crossing behavior (e.g., looking both ways, using crosswalks, waiting for direction).
• Monitors the behavior of children waiting at a crossing; deters unsafe and unlawful acts as necessary.
• Observes and promptly reports conditions, incidents, or near‑misses that may create hazards to children or Crossing Guard safety (e.g., obstructed sightlines, signage issues, reckless driving) to the supervisor and/or law enforcement as directed.
• Records and reports serious conflicts, disruptive behavior, and traffic violations through established procedures.
• Arrives on time and remains at the assigned post for the full shift; requests relief per protocol before leaving post.
• Sets up and removes assigned equipment (e.g., cones/signage where applicable) and maintains it in clean, working condition.
• Communicates courteously and professionally with students, parents, school staff, motorists, and coworkers.
• Participates in required initial and refresher training and attends safety meetings.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of childhood behavior and techniques for promoting safe crossing habits.
• Knowledge of proper operation and care of traffic control devices (hand signals, stop paddle, whistle, cones/signage).
• Awareness of roadway/traffic dynamics near schools and ability to judge safe crossing gaps.
• Ability to communicate effectively and understandably in English; bilingual proficiency (Spanish/Creole) preferred.
• Ability to remain attentive, calm, and professional in high‑noise, high‑distraction, and occasionally confrontational situations.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, City policies, and safety procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, school personnel, and the public.
• Basic record‑keeping and incident reporting skills; ability to use a two‑way radio or assigned communication device.
• Integrity, dependability, punctuality, and sound judgment.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent preferred.
• Prior experience working with children, the public, or in traffic control preferred.
• Successful completion of the City’s approved School Crossing Guard training program (minimum eight (8) hours) and maintenance of required certification(s) within established timelines required for continued employment.
• Must complete annual or periodic refresher training and recertification as required.
• Must be available for morning (approximately 7:00–9:00 a.m.) and afternoon (typically 1:30–4:30 p.m., varies by school) shifts, including early‑release days and occasional special assignments.
• Position is classified as safety‑sensitive and is subject to drug/alcohol testing consistent with City policy.
• Must pass a background check appropriate for working around minors.
• Must wear required safety apparel/equipment (reflective vest, stop paddle, whistle, etc.) at all times while on post.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to assigned post(s).