Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Activities Director
- Activity Aide
- Activity Director
- Recreation Supervisor
Alternate Job Titles
- Activities Aide
- Activities Assistant
- Activities Associate
- Activities Coordinator
- Activities Counselor
- Activities Director
- Activities Leader
- Activity Aide
- Activity Assistant
- Activity Coordinator
- Activity Director
- Activity Leader
- Activity Specialist
- Camp Advisor
- Camp Counselor
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
- Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
- Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
- Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
- Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
- Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
- Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Service Orientation
- Monitoring
- Instructing
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Oral Expression
- Speech Clarity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Speech Recognition
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Written Expression
- Originality
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Cooperation
- Dependability
- Social Orientation
- Leadership Orientation
- Optimism
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Independence
- Achievement
- Support
- Working Conditions
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Braille materials
- Calendars
- Cash registers
- Cashboxes
- Desktop computers
- Electronic scoreboards
- First aid kits
- Handheld calculators
- Informational signs
- Ladders
- Laser facsimile machines
- Microphones
- Mobile phones
- Passenger vans
- Photocopiers
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Telephone Conversations
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $25,640 |
| Median | $35,380 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $49,460 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 309,640
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Recreational Therapists
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $60,280
Social and Community Service Managers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $78,240
Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $77,180
Rehabilitation Counselors
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $46,110
Instructional Coordinators
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $74,720
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.

