Crossing Guard

Crossing Guard

Why work with us: 

The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone. 

Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment. 

For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values & Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.

What we offer:

• Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, health, safety and wellness;
• Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey;
• Certification as a Living Wage Champion;
• Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees; 
• Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities;
• Opportunities to get involved and give back to the community;
• Employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs, etc.;
• Complimentary FitPass for City of Waterloo employees and family members for leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs; and,
• So much more!

What you will do:

Adult School Crossing Guards play an important role keeping children safe on their way to and from school by guiding them across roadways at designated school crossings during the school year.  Crossing guards are required to use good judgement as it relates to traffic and adhere to the provisions of the Provincial Highway Traffic Act and City policies. The ideal candidates are responsible, community-minded individuals, with the ability to work mornings before school and afternoons after school.  The City will provide newly hired Crossing Guards with training and the equipment needed to perform the job.

There are two types of Crossing Guard positions at the City:

• Regular guards are assigned to a designated school crossing location, work during the morning and after school, and are paid for two hours per day. In lieu of vacation pay, regular guards are also paid during the winter holiday break, March break, and PD days that occur during the school year.
• Spare guards are “on-call” to cover off vacancies throughout Waterloo and need to be available to work at any location. Spare guards are paid for 1 hour of on-call pay per day plus 4% vacation pay.

Reporting to Manager, Transportation, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Monitor traffic flow to identify safe breaks in traffic to allow for the safe crossing of students and pedestrians
• Communicate clearly and effectively using spoken commands and hand signals
• Be a role model helping children develop the skills necessary to cross the streets safely at all times
• Exercise judgment in determining safe opportunities to cross students and pedestrians
• Oversee the safe conduct of students at assigned school crossing while waiting to cross
• Document and report incidents to supervisor

What you will bring: 

• A passion for promoting and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace and the ability to work respectfully and effectively in a team environment
• Strong commitment to delivering quality customer service
• Demonstrated commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion

What we will require:

• A Police Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the City
• Confirmation that you are physically able to perform the essential duties of the position, as assessed through our third party provider upon hire and every two years thereafter, cost is covered by the City
• Access to reliable transportation is required as work hours may be outside of public transportation operations

Physical Requirements:

• Vision - must be able to see vehicles, different colours (traffic signal lights), children and traffic signal indications from close and far distances of approximately 300 feet with adequate depth and peripheral perception.
• Hearing - must be able to communicate with children, motorists, and parents, and hear vehicles approaching, honking, etc.
• General alertness - ability to assess vehicles stopping, anticipate children’s and motorists actions
• Sure footing - Able to walk on snow, slippery conditions caused by ice and rain, inclement weather (i.e. cold, hot, etc.)
• Walking speed of .9m/sec for approximately a 6m distance
• Holding arm up at shoulder height and bending elbow, extending arm above head, holding stop sign (approx. 2 lb.) for 1 minute intermittently for a 45 min. period
• Able to stand for approximately 1 hour duration in all weather conditions (i.e. heat, cold, rain, snow, humidity and exposure to dust and hazards associated with high traffic conditions)

Hours of work:

Crossing Guards work during the school year Monday through Friday in the morning before school and in the afternoon after school.  Timing of shifts is specific to school hours of operation. Primary morning hours are scheduled between 7:45AM – 9:30AM, depending on the school location, for approximately 30 to 40 minutes and paid for a full hour.  Primary afternoon hours are between 2:45PM – 4:15PM, depending on the school location, for approximately 30 to 40 minutes and paid for a full hour

Work locations:

Locations and work times for guards are based on several factors, including gaps in the traffic flow, number of students crossing and surrounding conditions.   For more information on possible work locations, please visit: http://www.waterloo.ca/en/living/crossingguards.asp.

Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging): 

The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe and Chonnonton Peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.  The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation. We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email recruitment@waterloo.ca, quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of the recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known.