Recreation Workers

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:

  1. Active Listening
  2. Speaking
  3. Social Perceptiveness
  4. Coordination
  5. Service Orientation
  6. Monitoring
  7. 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 PercentileAnnual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)$25,640
Median$35,380
Top Earners (90th percentile)$49,460

Workers Employed Nationally: 309,640

Related Careers

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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.

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