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Crossing Guards and Flaggers

Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as streets, schools, railroad crossings, or construction sites.

What you’d do

  • Direct or escort pedestrians across streets, stopping traffic, as necessary.
  • Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as street and railroad crossings and construction sites.
  • Monitor traffic flow to locate safe gaps through which pedestrians can cross streets.
  • Communicate traffic and crossing rules and other information to students and adults.
  • Direct traffic movement or warn of hazards, using signs, flags, lanterns, and hand signals.
  • Report unsafe behavior of children to school officials.
  • Record license numbers of vehicles disregarding traffic signals, and report infractions to appropriate authorities.

Skills that matter

  • Speaking
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Adult Crossing Guard
  • Community Service Officer
  • Crossing Guard
  • School Crossing Guard
  • Road Crossing Guard
  • Substitute Crossing Guard
See all careers
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