Crossing guards provide visibility for pedestrians and remind drivers to slow down and follow traffic laws. They follow protocols for directing people and cars, which may require the use of different signs, lights or motions to stop traffic. Crossing guards inform drivers of detour routes and direct motorists through potential hazards. They assess the flow of traffic to make informed decisions about when to allow pedestrians to cross.
Social perceptiveness is a critical skill to include in your crossing guard job description because awareness is key in being able to safely direct pedestrians and motorists. Communication, listening and the ability to identify potential dangers are also important.
Good vision is another valuable skill for crossing guards to have so they can see into the distance and be prepared to make critical decisions. This crossing guard job description demonstrates the type of content your posting may include.
Crossing Guard Job Summary
As a city crossing guard, you have the opportunity to safely escort pedestrians and remind motorists of local traffic laws and regulations. You can develop important professional competencies, such as communication, listening, attentiveness and problem solving skills, that are valuable in many scenarios. Whether you are assisting in creating traffic patterns, utilizing tools to guide vehicles and pedestrians, working with authorities to track errant drivers or learning about local traffic laws and signs, there is unprecedented room for growth. If you are someone who appreciates helping others and understands the importance of being detail oriented, this job could be just what you are looking for.
Job Responsibilities
- Direct pedestrians across streets after assessing traffic flow to identify breaks to allow for visibility and safe crossing
- Guide motorists through traffic patterns designed to keep pedestrians safe, and inform drivers of detours if required
- Understand the traffic laws, signs and speed limits posted within a designated jurisdiction to effectively guide vehicles and people
- Communicate crossing rules and regulations to students and ensure their understanding for optimal safety
- Collaborate with officials to develop traffic patterns that are conducive to safety, efficiency and convenience
- Maintain a crossing area that is free of hazards, and employ the appropriate tools and equipment, including lights, flags and hand signals
- Identify drivers who are speeding or driving carelessly and notify authorities by documenting their license plate number
- Vigilantly watch for impending dangers to develop effective solutions before an accident occurs
- Report the unsafe behavior of students to school officials to reduce the risk of someone getting hurt while crossing or waiting to cross a street
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- High school diploma or equivalent degree
- Social perceptiveness and strong eyesight
- Keen understanding of local traffic laws and regulations
Preferred:
- Familiarity with directing traffic using tools such as lanterns and hand signals
- Physical stamina
Crossing Guard Job Responsibilities
The job responsibilities section of your crossing guard job description should take adequate time to construct. It is the most substantial part of your description, so you’ll want to include every important aspect of the job possible. It may be helpful to begin reflecting on what duties candidates generally carry out in the role. This section is where jobseekers can determine what you will expect of them, so it is important that all necessary information is readily available.
After drafting some of the main tasks in your crossing guard job description, your next step is to arrange them in a simple and straightforward format. One way to do this is by using bullet points, which help present short descriptions quickly. A good range to stay between is six and eight. Begin each bullet with an interesting action verb. Think of words such as “implemented” and “arranged” instead of “worked” or “did.” Steer clear of phrases like “responsible for.”
Below, you’ll find some example crossing guard job responsibilities:
- Guide and control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at streets and school crosswalks
- Take personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service
- Promote and maintain a safe environment
- Observe situations analytically and objectively to report and record them clearly
Crossing Guard Job Specifications
Just as the job responsibilities list tells candidates what to expect in the position, the job qualifications and skills section of your crossing guard job description can help a jobseeker understand what skills and traits are necessary to carry out daily duties. It may be helpful to discuss specifications with your hiring manager or senior leader, who will know the ins and outs of the role and what expectations the company has for the new hire.
This section is usually the briefest part of your crossing guard job description, but don’t overlook it. After meeting with others on your team to assess required skills, make sure that you write this section clearly and in a way that is easy to understand.
No employer prefers an overflowing inbox of ineligible applications. Avoid this obstacle by proofreading your specifications and making sure each one is up to date. You can best filter applications by considering the required skills versus the ones that are simply preferred.
Below, you’ll find some example crossing guard job specifications you can include:
- Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures and strategies to promote security operations for the protection of citizens
- Familiarity with all road hazards, signs, rules and regulations
- Active thinking and communication skills
- Hardworking and strong decision-making skills