Crossing Guards and Flaggers

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Protective Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 33-9091
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Distribute traffic control signs and markers at designated points.
• Stop speeding vehicles to warn drivers of traffic laws.
• Learn the location and purpose of street traffic signs within assigned patrol areas.
• Discuss traffic routing plans and control-point locations with superiors.
• Inform drivers of detour routes through construction sites.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Word, Computer data input scanners, Computer laser printers, Copy machines, Digital video cameras, Handheld calculators, Laser facsimile machines, Mobile radios, Payroll software, Personal computers, Reflective gloves, Reflective vests

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Transit and Railroad Police
• Subway and Streetcar Operators
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
• Security Guards
• Parking Enforcement Workers
• Bridge and Lock Tenders
• Locomotive Engineers
• Transportation Security Screeners

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Crossing Guards and Flaggers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.