Recreation Workers

Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.

Median Annual Wage: $22,620

Education: Bachelor's degree (45%); High school diploma or equivalent (27%); Post-secondary certificate (8%)

Projected Growth: Average (8% to 14%)

Related Job Titles: Activity Director; Activity Assistant; Activities Director; Program Assistant; Recreation Supervisor; Activities Assistant; Recreation Assistant; Activity Aide; Recreation Specialist; Activities Coordinator

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Recreation Workers.

More Personal Care and Service Careers

  • Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
  • Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
  • Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
  • Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.
  • Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
  • Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
  • Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
  • Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.
  • Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
  • Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
  • Encourage participants to develop their own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.
  • Ascertain and interpret group interests, evaluate equipment and facilities, and adapt activities to meet participant needs.
  • Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.
  • Meet and collaborate with agency personnel, community organizations, and other professional personnel to plan balanced recreational programs for participants.
  • Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
  • Provide for entertainment and set up related decorations and equipment.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Recreation Workers.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Management of Personnel Resources - Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Recreation Workers.

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