What does a Crossing Guard do?

Crossing Guards aim to keep people safe, so filling this role can help your company maintain a positive reputation. Crossing Guards for schools play an important role in upholding and educating students about pedestrian safety, making them integral to any school district’s success.

Crossing Guard skills and qualifications

Establishing specific job requirements for a Crossing Guard can help ensure you’re evaluating candidates effectively. Consider these skills and qualifications:

• Strong observational skills to monitor traffic flow, pedestrian movement and overall surroundings

• Ability to clearly communicate instructions to children, parents and drivers, ensuring a safe crossing experience

• Capability to remain upright for extended periods, work outdoors in various weather conditions and respond quickly in emergencies

• Familiarity with local traffic laws, pedestrian safety rules and crossing guard protocols

• Proficiency with equipment such as stop signs, safety vests, hand signals and crossing aids

• Effective at managing interactions with children, parents and the community, promoting safe and respectful behavior

• Ability to think and remain calm under pressure to handle unexpected traffic or pedestrian situations effectively

• Punctuality and reliability to ensure consistent presence during designated school or crosswalk hours

Crossing Guard experience requirements

Crossing Guards play an important role in maintaining a safe environment, so you may require at least one year of experience in your Crossing Guard job description. However, an individual can work as a Crossing Guard without official experience.

Crossing Guard education and training requirements

Formal education isn’t typically required for a Crossing Guard. Depending on where your organization is located, your city or state may require a minimum amount of training.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Crossing Guard job description doesn’t fit your needs, review these job description samples for similar positions.

• Local Driver

• School Bus Driver

• Security Guard

Crossing Guard job description FAQs

Do Crossing Guards prevent accidents?

Crossing Guards help reduce the risk of accidents by instructing pedestrians to wait at the curb until it’s safe to cross the street. They may also prevent an accident by getting a driver’s attention and communicating they should slow down or stop. Even if a Crossing Guard can’t prevent an accident, they may reduce the severity of the resulting injuries.

What makes a successful Crossing Guard?

A successful Crossing Guard understands traffic laws and communicates effectively with drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. They can also maintain awareness of their surroundings and identify potential hazards. If you’re hiring a School Crossing Guard, look for a candidate who excels at communicating with students.

Why is being a Crossing Guard an important job?

Crossing Guards maintain a safe environment for pedestrians, cyclists and individuals who use mobility aids. A skilled Crossing Guard can also inform local law enforcement of unsafe driving conditions, enhancing the community’s safety.

What tools do Crossing Guards use?

Crossing Guards typically use whistles and paddles to direct traffic. For example, a guard may use a paddle marked “STOP” to stop traffic before pedestrians begin crossing the street. Crossing Guards must also use reflective safety apparel to ensure drivers are aware of their presence.