SANTA MONICA—On September 28, the Santa Monica Police Department announced it is hiring new crossing guards. The part-time, hourly, temporary position in the Department’s Special Operations Division that pays $25 per hour. The role involves helping people cross the street safely, and the uniform includes a yellow safety vest, whistle, yellow hat, and handheld stop sign.
Crossing guards promptly report hazardous conditions and traffic accidents. This position requires staying alert for unusual activity near a school in Santa Monica and escorting children safely through intersections. The SMPD encourages residents with strong communication skills to apply to be a crossing guard, especially if they are committed to helping keep their fellow citizens safe.
The window to apply to become a crossing guard closes at 11:59 p.m. on October 4. Candidates are hired as needed by the city. Hired candidates must work for 9 months during the school year. Required shifts run from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The position also requires a Class C driver’s license, which in California is a standard, non-commercial driver’s license that allows a person to legally operate passenger vehicles such as small vans.
The position does not include benefits. Santa Monica provides a 457-retirement plan to temporary, as-needed workers who do not qualify for CalPERS, the California Public Employees’ Retirement System. The plan requires both the employee and the city government to contribute 3.75 percent, and the city deducts the amount from paychecks before taxes.
