School Crossing Guard -Contingent Protective Service

Howard County Government; Maryland; Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Howard County Government is seeking non-merit, part-time crossing guard positions in the Police Department to support school crossings and pedestrian safety. The roles involve directing traffic, using signals, and reporting safety concerns.

Work is outdoors, with exposure to weather, and requires punctuality, reliability, and the ability to work split shifts before and after school. Ideal candidates are at least 18 years old, fluent in English, and have a high school diploma or GED.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Some experience working with the public or school-age children is preferred
• Knowledge of basic traffic safety practices and crossing procedures
• May require completion of crossing guard training prior to or after appointment
• Valid driver's license may be required depending on assignment
• Availability to work split shifts before and after school, and other times as assigned

Responsibilities

• Directs and controls pedestrian and vehicular traffic at assigned school crossings during designated hours.
• Uses signage, hand signals, and other approved traffic control methods to stop traffic and permit safe crossing.
• Promotes compliance with traffic laws, school zone regulations, and crossing guard procedures.
• Assists students and pedestrians in crossing streets safely.
• Observes traffic patterns and identifies unsafe conditions affecting pedestrian safety.
• Reports accidents, unsafe driver behavior, or safety concerns to the appropriate authority.
• Communicates courteously with students, parents, school staff, motorists, and the public.

Skills

Traffic control

Public safety awareness

Communication with public

Observation skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Traffic control equipment

Job description

Performs responsible public safety support work directing pedestrian and vehicular traffic at designated school crossings to help ensure the safe crossing of students and other pedestrians before and after school and at other assigned times. Work involves monitoring traffic conditions, controlling intersections or crosswalks using established procedures, promoting compliance with traffic laws, and reporting safety concerns or incidents to supervisory staff. Work is performed outdoors under varying weather conditions and in close proximity to moving traffic.

ONLY Non-Merit (Part-time) Contingent vacancies exist in the Police Department for these positions.

This is a 10-20 hour/week, part time, non-benefitted positions.

Elements of the selection process include:

• Panel Interview
• Personal History Questionnaire
• Background Investigation
• Drug Screening

The selection process may take 1-2 months dependent upon position start dates.

Eligibility for re-application is evaluated on an individual basis and recommendations may be made during any phase of the selection process.

Traffic Control and Crossing Operations

• Directs and controls pedestrian and vehicular traffic at assigned school crossings during designated hours.

• Uses signage, hand signals, and other approved traffic control methods to stop traffic and permit safe crossing.

• Promotes compliance with traffic laws, school zone regulations, and crossing guard procedures.

Pedestrian Safety and Assistance

• Assists students and other pedestrians in crossing streets safely using established crossing procedures.

• Observes traffic patterns and identifies unsafe conditions affecting pedestrian safety.

• Maintains alertness to changing traffic, weather, and pedestrian conditions.

Safety Monitoring and Incident Reporting

• Reports accidents, unsafe driver's behavior, suspicious activity, damaged signs, or other safety concerns to the appropriate authority.

• May assist with documenting incidents, as required.

Communication and Public Interaction

• Communicates courteously and effectively with students, parents, school staff, motorists, and the public.

Attendance, Scheduling, and Safety Compliance

• Arrives at assigned location on time and remains at post for the full scheduled shift.

• Wears required safety equipment and uniform items in accordance with department procedures.

Other Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Designation: Essential Personnel

This position is designated as essential for purposes of assigned crossing coverage during the school year and may require strict adherence to assigned schedules and safety procedures.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position does not include supervisory responsibilities.

Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years of age and speak English.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

High school diploma or GED preferred.

Some experience working with the public, school-age children, traffic safety, security, or related public service work preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work requires standing and walking for extended periods. Duties are performed outdoors and require exposure to heat, cold, rain, wind, and other weather conditions. Work requires vision, hearing, and situational awareness sufficient to monitor traffic and pedestrian movement. Work also requires the ability to use hand signals, hold or place traffic control equipment, and respond quickly to changing conditions in and around active roadways.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

• Knowledge of basic traffic safety practices and pedestrian crossing procedures.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to observe surroundings and respond appropriately to traffic and pedestrian activity.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in routine public safety situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and courteously with children, parents, motorists, and staff.
• Ability to maintain reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or high-traffic situations.

• May require successful completion of school crossing guard training prior to or shortly after appointment.
• May require a valid driver's license depending on assignment.
• May be required to pass a background investigation or other pre-employment screening.
• Availability to work split shifts before and after school, and other times as assigned.