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A cross guard manages traffic while stationed on busy roadways to safely help pedestrians cross the road. This job is often associated at schools where children that do not have experience determining when it is safe to cross a road will be. They also work in busy cities helping pedestrians at heavily traffic walkways and may even work at big events so people can cross busy roads safely. They do not write tickets, cite, detain people, or direct traffic. If you enjoy working outdoors with the public, this may be your job!
Benefits of being a Cross Guard
There are several benefits to being a Cross Guard, and we want to share that information with you to help you find the career that best fits you. First, cross guards find joy in assuring people’s safety as they navigate streets. This is especially true when a cross guard helps kids on their way to school and may even educate them on road safety. Additionally, they build strong connections within the community and may form pleasant relationships with regular pedestrians.
Cross guards also appreciate the outdoor work environment which is a refreshing change from the confines of an office. With flexible working hours and locations, they maintain a harmonious work-life balance, offering ample quality time with family and friends. Often stationed close to home, cross guards minimize travel, reducing expenses and time spent commuting.
How to Become a Crossing Guard
A high school diploma or the equivalent is typically the only education required for this job. Most crossing guards train on-the-job with an experienced employee. The training includes the safety procedures and job processes that must be followed. They also learn how to use relevant equipment such as a traffic paddle and safety gear. In addition, they learn how to respond to an emergency situation in the case of care accidents.
A crossing guard needs to have social perceptiveness, oral comprehension skills, and must pay attention without distractions and quickly recognize potential problems. A guard is dependable, reliable, and responsible. They have integrity, honesty, and are ethical. It is essential they keep their emotions under control and adopt non-aggressive behavior. A crossing guard can work without supervision and make decisions as they arise. They also know the safety laws for crossing streets. For example, it is a State law that vehicles must stop for pedestrians at a crosswalk and remain stopped until the people have reached the other side. Crossing guards are also called crosswalk attendants, school road patrol, road crossing guards, and community service officers. Further information can be found on the American Traffic Safety Services Association’s website.
Cross Guard Job Description
A crossing guard’s purpose is to keep pedestrians safe when they cross the road. They monitor traffic flow to find gaps to help people safely cross the street, which is a vital part of the job. They foster safe driver and pedestrian deportment at crosswalks near schools and teach children safety when crossing the road. The guard checks for any hazards that threaten the safety of people when traveling across roadways, such as potholes, icy conditions, nonfunctioning traffic lights, and pedestrian crossings lights, and is aware of speeding cars or suspicious behavior. Like a cone or sign, the guard should place a marker to alert people when danger is present. Finally, a crossing guard works outdoors in all weather conditions and must hold up their arms and stand on their feet for long hours. These guards must also follow the eight steps to aid children across the street.
