Recreation Worker
A Recreation Worker facilitates and coordinates a variety of leisure activities within public and private recreation programs, catering to diverse age groups and interests. They can be found in settings such as schools, parks, resorts, childcare centers, and community facilities, leading events that range from sports and nature activities to arts and crafts. With a median annual earning of approximately $34,410, they typically work in hands-on roles where they engage directly with participants, ensuring safety and enjoyment throughout activities.
Recreation Workers often possess strong leadership, initiative, and time management skills, as they plan and execute events while addressing the needs of participants, including those with special needs. Entry into this field generally requires at least a high school diploma, though relevant postsecondary education in recreation or physical education can be beneficial for advancement. The job may demand flexibility, with work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Overall, Recreation Workers play a vital role in enhancing community well-being through active engagement and mentorship in recreational activities.
Recreation Worker
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Education & Training, Hospitality & Tourism, Human Services
Interests: Leading and coordinating recreation activities, physical education, arts and crafts, performing arts, sports, nature activities
Earnings (Yearly Median): $34,410 per year, $16.55 per hour (2023)
Employment & Outlook: 5 percent (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Recreation workers participate in the operations of both public and private recreation programs. Recreation programs are hosted by and based at such organizations as schools, camps, resorts, public agencies, retirement facilities, and hospitals. Recreation workers hold positions such as lifeguard, camp counselor, coach, fitness instructor, and program coordinator. They may lead activities, lessons, demonstrations, clinics, and workshops on a variety of topics and interests, including sports, nature, performing arts, and arts and crafts.
Work Environment. Recreation workers spend their workdays leading and coordinating recreation activities and events in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor settings, including schools, public recreation centers, indoor childcare centers, ice skating rinks, hospitals, cruise ships, playgrounds, sports fields, pools and aquatic centers, residential facilities, resorts, and day camps. Recreation workers generally work in a hands-on capacity, leading activities and teaching diverse groups of people. Given the diverse demands of the recreation profession, recreation workers may need to work days, evenings, weekends, vacations, and summer hours to meet program needs.
Occupation Interest. Recreation workers tend to be charismatic, competent, and energetic people who have the ability to teach a variety of activities. Highly successful recreation workers display leadership, responsibility, time management, and initiative. Recreation workers should enjoy physical activity, mentoring, and spending time with a wide range of people, including those with special needs and those from diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The recreation worker’s daily duties and responsibilities are determined by their area of specialization and work environment. Specialties in recreation work include sports, nature, performing arts, and arts and crafts. Recreation workers may also work with several age groups or one specific population, such as children or older adults.
Recreation workers organize and lead the daily and weekly recreation activities. They open and close the recreation facility and prepare recreational materials and equipment for use. Recreation workers greet recreation program participants as they arrive for activities. They assess the recreational needs and abilities of individuals or groups. They plan and schedule program events, such as tournaments, nature studies, leagues, dances, team sports, and classes. Recreation workers who specialize in sports might lead swimming, gymnastics, soccer, or baseball. Those with knowledge of nature might teach botany, camping and hiking skills, or ornithology. Dancing, singing, drama, beading, collage, weaving, and drawing are areas that recreation workers with a background in art might share with program participants.
Recreation workers are responsible for the safety of program participants and fellow staff. All program events and activities must meet the national requirements for safety and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Recreation workers lead the various group activities, during which they may inspire and mentor recreation program participants. When necessary, they administer basic first aid to injured recreation program participants or staff members.
In addition, all recreation workers are responsible for keeping accurate records of the hours they work and any personal money spent on program-related materials or costs. Some may also assist in promoting recreation program activities and events.
Recreation Center Directors (195.167-026). Recreation Center Directors plan, organize, and direct public and voluntary recreation programs at recreation buildings, indoor centers, playgrounds, playing fields, or day camps.
Recreation Leaders (195.227-014). Recreation Leaders conduct recreational activities with assigned groups in public departments or voluntary agencies.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The immediate physical environment of recreation workers varies based on the program’s focus and location. Recreation workers coordinate activities in a wide variety of settings, including schools, public recreation centers, indoor childcare centers, ice skating rinks, hospitals, playgrounds, sports fields, resorts, cruise ships, pools and aquatic centers, residential facilities, and day camps. A recreation worker’s physical environment may involve extremes of temperature and noise.
Human Environment. Recreation workers interact with a wide variety of people. They should be comfortable meeting with colleagues, supervisors, program donors, children, older adults, people with physical and mental disabilities, and families.
Technological Environment. Recreation workers may use computers, Internet communication tools, tablets, and smartphones to perform their jobs. In addition, recreation workers in a specialized program, such as metalworking or ropes courses, need to be comfortable using specialized equipment and training others in their use.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing becoming recreation workers should prepare themselves by developing good study habits. High school courses in physical education, foreign languages, public safety, sociology, psychology, and education can provide a strong foundation for work as a recreation worker or college-level work in the field. Due to the diversity of recreation program specialties, interested high school students may benefit from seeking internships or part-time work that exposes them to diverse recreational activities. Some high school students may be able to secure employment as a recreational worker directly following graduation.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming recreation workers should earn a degree in recreation, leisure studies, or physical education from a two- or four-year college. The bachelor’s of parks and recreation degree is available at a small number of colleges accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association. Coursework in physical education, public safety, management, communications, and foreign languages may also prove useful for future recreation work. Advanced degrees are necessary to become supervisors or administrators in the field. Postsecondary students can gain work experience by securing internships or part-time employment in parks and recreation departments or private recreation programs.
Related Occupations
− Social and Human Services Assistant
Bibliography
"Recreation Workers." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-9032.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Recreation Workers." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/recreation-workers.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.