Crossing Guards and Flaggers
Overview
Crossing guards and flaggers are safety heroes who protect people by controlling traffic at busy intersections, school zones, and construction sites. They use hand signals, flags, stop signs, and sometimes digital communication devices to guide both drivers and pedestrians safely through potentially dangerous areas. These professionals need strong observation skills, quick decision-making abilities, and clear communication skills, with most positions requiring only a high school diploma and on-the-job training. They often work flexible schedules and collaborate closely with schools, construction crews, and local law enforcement to keep communities safe.
Did you know?
Deep knowledge of federal and state OSHA regulations is essential as Safety Ambassadors must ensure workplace compliance to avoid costly violations and legal liability.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$38,359.80 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Operations Analysis
Key Responsibilities
- Distribute traffic control signs and markers at designated points.
- Discuss traffic routing plans and control-point locations with superiors.
- Record license numbers of vehicles disregarding traffic signals, and report infractions to appropriate authorities.
- Stop speeding vehicles to warn drivers of traffic laws.
- Direct or escort pedestrians across streets, stopping traffic, as necessary.
- Monitor traffic flow to locate safe gaps through which pedestrians can cross streets.
- Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as street and railroad crossings and construction sites.
- Learn the location and purpose of street traffic signs within assigned patrol areas.
- Report unsafe behavior of children to school officials.
- Inform drivers of detour routes through construction sites.
- 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.
Career Considerations
OSHA Compliance Expertise
Deep knowledge of federal and state OSHA regulations is essential as Safety Ambassadors must ensure workplace compliance to avoid costly violations and legal liability.
Professional Certification Requirements
Many employers prefer candidates with safety certifications such as OSHA 30-Hour, CSP (Certified Safety Professional), or industry-specific credentials to demonstrate competency.
Cross-Departmental Communication Skills
Success requires the ability to effectively communicate safety protocols and influence behavior change across diverse teams and organizational levels.