School districts hiring crossing guards

Parents underline need for safety

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With school starting back in August, local sheriff’s offices are hiring crossing guards.

Nassau County Sheriff’s Office advertised open positions on their Facebook page, and other counties are looking to fill those important positions as well.

It’s a part-time job that children rely on when it comes to getting them on school grounds safely.

"It's life or death with your kids," said Gretchin Thompson, a parent of a student in Duval County.

Keeping children safe as they go to and from school is foremost on many parents' minds.

"My daughter is seven years old and I wouldn't want anybody to drive fast, I know there have been a lot of kids hit lately so they are very important.," said Crystal Irey, a Nassau County parent.

In Nassau County, crossing guards are needed in Yulee and Callahan and substitute positions are open in Fernandina Beach.

Training is provided by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the salary is $13.25 per shift.

Some of the requirements include no criminal record or history of mental illness, passing a polygraph exam,  background investigation and drug test. Candidates must also attend a four-hour class conducted by a certified FDOT trainer, attend a two hour in-the-field session and pass a written test.

St. Johns is also looking to fill about 10 spots as well, offering $14.33 per hour.

Duval County is also on the search for crossing guards. They work a maximum of 10 hours a week and receive $9.56 an hour. Parents said they appreciate those who fill the positions.

"People just fly by the school zones especially the ones on Merrill and there are two crossing guards one on each side and they do pretty good about stopping traffic to get the kids where they need to be," Thompson said.

Those interested in applying can contact the sheriff’s offices.


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.