Do you live near a school and have a WFH job with flexible hours? Or maybe you’re retired and looking for extra money. If so, working as a school crossing guard could be the perfect side job.
Local councils are often on the look out for school crossing guards to work near schools all around Australia. Crossing Guards play an important role in helping school children and families cross the road safely before and after school. They also help maintain traffic flow around schools.
Work hours usually coincide with school start and finish times, so you’ll usually only work 1-3 hours per day. Some positions require staff to work 5 days per week, while some offer a couple of days a week, in a job share-type arrangement. It’s not a huge amount of hours, but an extra 10 hours a week can bring in some handy cash alongside a regular job, and you’ll also be helping out your local community.
Here’s a short video from the City of Boroondara in Melbourne, which gives a brief insight into the job:
Due to the low amount of hours, it’s the type of side job that works best if you live near a school, so that you don’t spend too much of your day travelling.
How much can you get paid?
Pay rates vary between states. It’ll also depend whether you’re on a part-time or casual contract. At the time of posting, current job advertisements on Seek list a part-time rate starting from around $25 per hour, with casual rates up to $40+ per hour due to casual loading. In keeping in line with Australian legislation, you’ll also receive superannuation.
As many of the positions are casual, the downside is that you’ll miss out on leave entitlements and won’t be paid during school holidays. Some councils do offer part-time contracts though, where you can accrue sick/carers leave and annual leave, so make sure you read the job descriptions carefully to see what they’re offering.
Once you get the job, you’ll receive paid training, and a uniform, which will usually include a high-vis vest, whistle or squistle (a squeezy whistle), and a broad-rim hat. You’ll also be supplied with equipment, such a hand-held ‘STOP’ sign, and school crossing flags that you’ll put in place at the start of each shift.
So what’s it like working as a school crossing guard in Australia?
Just like every job, there are positives and negatives:
The positives:
– Short shifts, to fit in around other work or hobbies. This is a positive for many people who might be studying, working another job, or have other commitments
– You get to work outside, which can be a nice change if you’re usually stuck in an office
– It can be a rewarding job! You’ll be keeping the community safe and promoting road safety. Most children, parents and school staff are super grateful you’re there
– You’ll receive an award rate of pay + super
– Job security. Even with economic downturns, schools will continue to operate and crossing guards will be needed. This is particularly the case in cities and suburbs that are increasing in population size, with more school students, and more cars on the roads.
The Downsides:
– Short shifts. While some people love short shifts, this can be a negative for others, as it can feel like it’s not worth the effort of getting ready for work, only to work for an hour or so.
– You’ll be required to work in all weather conditions. This can be challenging on wet, windy or extremely hot days (though the students and parents who are also battling the elements will be glad you’re there)
– Potential to encounter frustrated and aggressive motorists.
– No flexibility in shift times (hours are set to coincide with school start and finish times)
– Travel costs (petrol, wear and tear on your car) can be another downside if you don’t live close to a school, however some employers provide a Motor Vehicle Allowance (eg. WA Police provide a MVA at their discretion after the first 10km)
Many crossing guards really enjoy the job though, and like being in a role that is helping to keep their local community members safe.
To get an idea of the specifics of the
job and what it actually involves, the Vic Roads Crossing Supervisors Instruction Guide is a fantastic resource.
Job Requirements
Experience is not usually
required, but you’ll need to be reliable, have good communication
skills, and be familiar with the road rules.
You’ll also need to have a current Police Check and Working With Children Check.
Some councils also require a pre-employment medical, and others require staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
How to find Crossing Supervisor Jobs:
Check out the employment section on your local government website, or try websites such as Seek or recruitment websites, such as Hoban.
You can also do an online search for “School Crossing Guard” OR “School Crossing Supervisor” in your local area, or check out the state-specific information below:
Western Australia:
Crossing guards in Western Australia are known as Traffic Wardens, and applications are through WA Police force recruitment, with training conducted at local police stations. For information about the position, FAQs, and how to apply, visit https://www.police.wa.gov.au/Traffic/Childrens-Crossings-Unit/Traffic-Wardens
Victoria
If you live in Victoria, you can also check out https://www.schoolcrossingsvictoria.com.au/
NSW
You can find jobs via the NSW Government jobs website here: https://jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/go/School-Crossing-Supervisors/4706310/
