Relief and Permanent School Traffic Warden

Essential Criteria

Character

Each candidate must be of good character. Employment of the successful candidate shall be subject to satisfactory confidential reports.

Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, Training, Experience etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

a) Have a standard of education such as will enable the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position.

b) Have a reasonable knowledge of the requirements of Health and Safety Legislation.

Candidates may be shortlisted on the basis of information supplied on their application form.

This post is a Permanent and Relief post.

Instructions and Duties for School Traffic Wardens

The white board bearing the word “Stop” is the recognised symbol of authority for all Traffic Wardens, and this board must be carried and the recognised uniform must be worn at all times when the Warden is on duty.

The board must be held or carried in the right hand in an upright position and not under the arm or over the shoulder as one would carry a spade. When the Warden is standing on the footpath, the faces of the board should be shown as parallel with the footpath. When moving onto the carriageway to stop traffic, when traffic is being held, and when the Warden is returning to the footpath to release traffic, the faces of the board should be shown at right angles to the footpath so as to be visible to traffic approaching from front and rear.

The Warden should take up his or her position on the footpath, or side of the carriageway, so as to be clearly visible to all approaching traffic, having regard to parked vehicles, etc., which might obstruct the view. His or her position should be on the side of the carriageway where the most children are congregated wishing to cross. In the morning or after the lunch-time break period, this will generally be found to be the side further away from the school, while at the commencement of lunch-time break and at termination of the school period it will be on the school side.

The Warden should marshal all children desirous of crossing on his or her left-hand side and give them instructions to remain on the footpath until such time as he or she has gone out, taken up position in the centre of the carriageway, and brought all traffic to a standstill. He or she should then call or signal the children to cross, when they should walk across, not run, in front of him or her in an orderly manner. In the initial stages of duties, he or she should be very careful to ensure that the children obey these instructions fully, as sometimes there is a tendency for the children to follow him or her out on the carriageway before traffic has been stopped.

Before attempting to stop traffic, the Warden should consider traffic conditions at the location, whether they are sparse enough to wait for a lull before conducting children across, or if breaks must be made in the traffic. In some areas, such lulls may reduce the need for stopping traffic, taking into account the speed of approaching traffic and road and weather conditions. Sufficient time should always be given for traffic to stop safely. It is important to note that most drivers, if required to stop suddenly, will need distances such as the following under good conditions, and possibly double under adverse conditions:

30 kph - 40 feet

50 kph - 75 feet

60 kph - 120 feet

When the Warden has taken position in the centre of the carriageway and is clearly visible to all traffic, he or she should ensure that all traffic in the immediate vicinity, front and rear, has come to a standstill before signalling the children to cross. The Warden must ensure that the children cross safely from one side of the carriageway to the other before releasing traffic. The Warden must not move from the centre of the road until the last child is safely on the footpath. To release traffic, the Warden should return to the footpath and must never remain in the centre of the carriageway acting as a pointsman or directing traffic. No signals of any kind should be given to traffic.

The Warden should never interrupt organised convoys, weddings, funerals, parades, or delay emergency vehicles such as fire appliances or ambulances for the purpose of allowing children to cross, but should wait for a suitable opportunity after they have passed.

If the Warden experiences difficulty in controlling or encounters disobedience by children, this should be reported to the school Principal. Any disobedience by traffic should be reported immediately to the Gardai. In the case of motor vehicles, the description, registration number, and sex of the driver, along with the time and location of the incident, should be recorded. Frivolous complaints should be avoided.

Particulars of Post

Wages

Wages shall be fully inclusive and determined from time to time. The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than the inclusive salary) payable to and received by him or her by virtue of the office or in respect of services required under any enactment.

Wages shall be at Local Government General Operative scale €17.79 gross per hour (EL 02/26).

Hours may vary depending on the school assigned.

Health

To satisfy health requirements, the successful candidate may be required, prior to appointment, to undergo a medical examination at their own expense by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by the local authority. The cost will be refunded upon taking up the appointment.

Residence

The holder of the office shall reside within the district where duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance.

Sick Leave

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will apply.

Start Date

The successful candidate will commence employment as directed by the Directors of Service and or Chief Executive. Failure to take up the appointment as directed may result in the council deciding not to proceed with the appointment.