Crossing Guards

Career summary

Crossing guards at construction sites may be called flaggers.

#no corresponding wois occ.

#checked 3/18/19 lh

Crossing guards guide traffic through:

• Construction sites
• Detour routes
• School zones

Crossing guards use signs, flags, lanterns, and hand signals to communicate with drivers and pedestrians.

Guards who work at detours and construction sites talk to supervisors to learn about traffic routing plans. They put traffic control signs along the route. Crossing guards at school zones stop cars and accompany children as they cross the street.

Crossing guards write down license plate numbers of drivers who have disobeyed traffic signals or laws. They report these violations to the police.

Related careers

This career is part of the Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Parking Enforcement Officers
• Parking Lot Attendants
• Police Patrol Officers
• Teacher Aides
• Ushers and Ticket Takers
• Waiters and Waitresses

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to crossing guards.

• Monitor traffic to find safe gaps so pedestrians can cross streets.
• Direct walkers and drivers at school zones.
• Inform drivers of detours or other changes to the normal route of travel.
• Use signs, flags, lanterns, and hand signals to direct traffic.
• Talk to supervisors to learn traffic routing plans.
• Set up traffic control and caution signs.
• Record license plate numbers of drivers who disobey traffic laws.
• May escort some walkers, especially children, across streets.
• Learn traffic signs within assigned areas.

Common work activities

Crossing guards perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform for or work with the public
• Assist and care for others
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, crossing guards:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of the public.
• Communicate with others face-to-face throughout the workday.
• Have a high level of social contact, if working as a school crossing guard. Guards along construction routes spend less time talking to people.

Physical work conditions

• Always work outdoors.
• Often wear uniforms.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants from construction sites.
• Sometimes are exposed to temperatures that are very hot or very cold while working outside.
• Sometimes wear safety clothing, such as reflective vests.
• Sometimes are exposed to noise levels that are uncomfortable.
• Work physically near others, within a few feet or inches. They may hold a child's hand while escorting him or her across the street.

Work performance

• Constantly make decisions about directing traffic and pedestrians. They don't have time to consult with others before deciding a course of action.
• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could cause someone to get hurt.
• Work independently. They let the flow of traffic and pedestrians determine their tasks and goals.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. School crossing guards usually work part time.
• May work split shifts, as a school crossing guard. For example, they might work from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with time off in between. Schedules are usually established.
• May have periods without work, if working as a crossing guard on construction projects.

Physical demands

Crossing guards frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for crossing guards to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for crossing guards to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

Skills and abilities

Crossing guards need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Security Studies

Training

To work as a crossing guard, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

On-the-job training

School crossing guards learn their skills on the job. New guards work with experienced guards for a few days.

Construction crossing guards are trained before they start working on actual sites. In many states training can be done online and lasts only a few hours.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Driver Education
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require applicants to be at least 18 years old. Many employers also require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers require applicants to pass a drug-screening test. In addition, employers prefer applicants who have a driver's license.

Employers look for crossing guards who have good eyesight and hearing. They also look for guards who have the ability to stand for long periods of time.

Licensing/certification

Flaggers at construction sites who control pedestrians and traffic must have a valid Washington traffic control flagging card or a card issued by the states of Oregon, Montana, or Idaho. Flagger training is usually obtained from employers. Also, a number of schools offer flagger certification classes.

#L&I site on flagger safety: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AToZ/FlaggerSafety/default.asp  WAC 296-155-305 contains the info cited above, cj 3/21/06. Info still correct, 4/4/16, 3/7/18 cj. Updated general safety link for analyst.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Crossing Guards 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The guard's level of responsibility and experience also affect wages.

Most crossing guards work part time. Thus, they rarely receive any benefits. However, the few crossing guards who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Local government agencies in charge of construction
• Elementary and secondary schools

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow as fast as average. The population of school children is growing and more schools are being built. Additional crossing guards will be needed to work at new schools. A major source of jobs for crossing guards will be the construction industry. Many roads will be constructed or refinished each year and crossing guards will be needed to direct traffic. However, some new crosswalks are being constructed with traffic signals that direct traffic.

Some job openings will occur as current crossing guards leave this occupation.

Other resources

References

Career cluster

• Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security

Career path

• Social

O*Net  occupation

• Crossing Guards (33-9091.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Crossing Tender (371.667-010) 
• Flagger (372.667-022) 
• Guard, School-crossing (371.567-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Social/Enterprising/Realistic

COPSystem

• Service Skilled