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OREM — Every afternoon as students leave Cascade Elementary School, they can count on crossing guard Alisa Carson to get them safely across the busy street.
"I like it 'cause I get to hang out with the kids," Carson said. "All my kids are really great, they're friendly. I get to, you know, hang out with them and hear about their day."
Carson's crosswalk near the elementary school, 160 N. 800 East, is one of 31 school crossings in Orem. Most are near elementary schools, and the city currently has five vacancies.
Police say most of their crossing guards are reliable and consistent and have been on the job for years, but they're having a difficult time filling a few spots in the city.
A crossing guard position in the city pays $8 an hour, and employees are expected to work about five hours a day with several breaks in between.
"It's more of a community service position, really," said Orem Police Lt. Todd Ferre. "You do get some compensation for it, but if you are interested in helping out your community and helping out these kids getting home and to school safely, please let us know."
Police officers do their best to cover the unassigned crossings but can't always be there if they are on other calls. They say most crossing guards find the work very rewarding.
"The people I would really like to get are stay-at-home moms that can come out and help, and retired people who are looking for a little something to do to help their community," Ferre said.
Just ask Carson, who thinks she has the best job in the world.
"Apply! It's awesome ... and it's definitely worth it when one of those kids tell you 'love you' or 'you're the best' or, you know, whatever. It's awesome," she said.
If you would like to apply, visit the Orem City website and click on the Jobs icon.
