School Crossing Guard

Job Summary

The Town of Matthews is seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate individual for part‑time/seasonal work as a crossing guard at one of our premier public elementary schools. The School Crossing Guard/Traffic Control Officer directs traffic and ensures safe movement of elementary school children walking or bicycling to and from school when crossing public roadways and intersections. Scheduled work times are established, but days per week may vary.

The position is part‑time, roughly 10 hours per week: 1 hour in the morning (7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.) and 1 hour in the afternoon (2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.). Uniform (reflective vest marked Traffic Control) required; work outdoors in all weather.

• Report promptly at the designated time to location of assignment.
• Direct and provide safe, orderly movement of elementary school children and pedestrians crossing public roadways and intersections.
• Direct and provide safe, orderly movement of traffic through the school zone.
• Position oneself in a highly visible and safe location on the sidewalk or roadway to assist children, pedestrians, and vehicle traffic.
• Monitor traffic flow to recognize openings allowing safe crossing.
• Place and remove caution signs and cones.
• Caution drivers of speeding vehicles using whistles, signs, hand‑held traffic wands, flashlights or hand signals.
• Clear crosswalks of debris to prevent injuries.
• Maintain assigned equipment (e.g., stop sign, traffic vest).
• Perform related duties as assigned.

• Direct or escort pedestrians across streets, stopping traffic as necessary.
• Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at crossings, railroads, construction sites.
• Monitor traffic flow to locate safe gaps for pedestrians.
• Communicate traffic and crossing rules and other information to students and adults.
• Direct traffic movement or warn of hazards using signs, flags, lanterns, hand signals.
• Report unsafe behavior of children to school officials or SRO.
• Record license numbers of vehicles disregarding signals, report infractions.
• Distribute traffic control signs and markers at designated points.
• Learn location and purpose of street traffic signs.
• Inform drivers of detour routes as needed.

• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to multi‑task.
• Knowledge of North Carolina traffic regulations.
• Knowledge of basic safety crossing techniques.
• Recognize potentially dangerous traffic situations; manage and warn students in sufficient time.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• Quick reaction in emergency situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, parents, school officials, law enforcement.
• Observant, alert, and diligent.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and hazardous traffic situations.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods.
• Dependability and punctuality.
• Proven record of dependability and work ethics.
• Problem‑solving and de‑escalation skills.
• Customer and personal service knowledge.
• English language proficiency.
• Public safety and security knowledge.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.