Recreation Workers

Summary

Many recreation workers spend most of their time outdoors in various weather conditions.

Quick Facts: Recreation Workers
2010 Median Pay	$22,260 per year $10.70 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	339,100
Job Outlook, 2010-20	19% (About as fast as average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	64,300

What Recreation Workers Do

Recreation workers design and lead leisure activities for groups in volunteer agencies or recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, parks, camps and senior centers. They may lead activities in areas such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, and camping.

Work Environment

Recreation workers are employed in a variety of settings, including summer camps, recreation centers, parks, and cruise ships. Many workers spend much of their time outdoors.

How to Become a Recreation Worker

Education and training requirements for recreation workers vary with the type of job, but many workers have a bachelor’s degree.

Pay

The median annual wage of recreation workers was $22,260 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Job prospects will be best for those seeking part-time, seasonal, or temporary recreation jobs.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of recreation workers with similar occupations.

O*NET

O*NET provides comprehensive information on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

Contacts for More Information

Learn more about recreation workers by contacting these additional resources.

What Recreation Workers Do About this section

Recreation workers lead groups in activities such as arts and crafts.

Recreation workers design and lead leisure activities for groups in volunteer agencies or recreation facilities, such as playgrounds, parks, camps and senior centers. They may lead activities in areas such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, and camping.

Duties

Recreation workers typically do the following:

• Plan and organize activities for groups or recreation centers
• Explain the rules of the activities and instruct participants
• Enforce safety rules to prevent injury
• Administer first aid if needed
• Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups, such as seniors
• Keep the equipment used in activities organized

The specific responsibilities of recreation workers vary greatly with their job title, their level of training, or the state they work in. The following are examples of types of recreation workers:

Camp counselors work directly with children in residential (overnight) or day camps. They often lead and instruct children and teenagers in a variety of outdoor activities, such as swimming, hiking, horseback riding, or camping. In residential camps, counselors also provide guidance and supervise daily living and socialization. Some counselors may teach campers special subjects, such as archery, boating, music, drama, or gymnastics.

Camp directors typically supervise camp counselors, plan camp activities or programs, and do the administrative tasks that keep the camp running.

Activity specialists provide instruction and coaching primarily in one activity, such as art, music, drama, swimming, or tennis. These workers may work in camps or anywhere else where there is interest in a single activity.

Recreation leaders are responsible for a recreation program’s daily operation. They primarily organize and direct participants, schedule the use of facilities, keep records of equipment use, and ensure that recreation facilities and equipment are used properly. They may lead classes and provide instruction in a recreational activity, such as tennis.

Recreation supervisors oversee recreation leaders. They often serve as a point of contact between the director of a park or recreation center and the recreation leaders. Some supervisors also may direct special activities or events or oversee a major activity, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or one or more performing arts.

Directors of recreation and parks develop and manage comprehensive recreation programs in parks, playgrounds, and other settings. Directors usually serve as technical advisors to state and local recreation and park commissions and may be responsible for recreation and park budgets.

Work Environment About this section

Workers who provide instruction and coaching primarily in one activity, such as art, music, dance, swimming, or tennis, are called activity specialists.

Recreation workers held about 339,100 jobs in 2010. They are employed in a variety of settings, including summer camps, recreation centers, parks, and cruise ships. Many workers spend much of their time outdoors.

Recreation directors and supervisors, however, typically spend most of their time in an office, planning programs and special events. All recreation workers may risk suffering injuries while participating in physical activities.

The following industries employed the largest number of recreation workers in 2010:

Work Schedules

Some recreation workers, such as camp counselors, may work weekends or irregular hours or may be seasonally employed.

How to Become a Recreation Worker About this section

Recreation workers make sure that participants abide by the rules of a recreational facility so that there are no injuries.

The education and training requirements for recreation workers vary with the type of job but many workers have a bachelor’s degree.

Education and Training

Although a degree can be helpful, for many part-time recreation workers, such as camp counselors and activity specialists, other qualities are more important. These qualities include a worker’s maturity level, experience leading activities, ability to work well with children or the elderly, and ability to ensure safety of participants.

Most seasonal and part-time workers learn through on-the-job training. Specialized training or experience in a particular field, such as art, music, drama, or athletics, may help in obtaining a job.

Most recreation workers who work full time need at least a bachelor’s degree. Recreation workers who work full time include those working in administrative positions or for large organizations.

Degrees in parks and recreation or in leisure studies may prepare a student better than a liberal arts degree. However, either type of degree may be enough for some jobs.

Associate’s and bachelor's degree programs in parks and recreation, leisure studies, or related fields are available at colleges and universities. Master’s or doctoral degree programs also may be available, but are less common.

All programs include courses in management, community organization, supervision, administration, and development of programs for populations with specific needs, such as the elderly or disabled. Students may specialize in areas such as therapeutic recreation, park management, outdoor recreation, industrial or commercial recreation, and camp management.

Employers hiring recreation workers in supervisory or administrative positions often prefer applicants with work experience and at least a master’s degree in parks and recreation, business administration, or public administration. Most require at least an associate’s degree in recreation studies or a related field.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Recreation workers must be able to communicate well to work with large groups of people while maintaining order and safety. They also must be able to motivate people to be active and to learn or improve skills.

Leadership skills. Recreation workers should be able to lead both large and small groups. They often lead activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Physical strength. Recreation workers need to be physically fit. Their job requires a considerable amount of movement because they often demonstrate activities while explaining them.

Problem-solving skills. Recreation workers need strong problem-solving skills. They must be able to create and reinvent activities and programs for all types of participants.

Speaking skills. Recreation workers must be able to communicate well. They often work with large groups of people and need to maintain order and safety.

Certification

The National Recreation and Park Administration (NRPA) provides certification for recreation workers. To qualify for the certification exam, individuals must follow one of four pathways:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in a major such as recreation, park resources, or leisure services from a program accredited by the NRPA
• Earn a bachelor’s degree in a related major from any institution and, if the program is not accredited, have at least 1 year of experience
• Earn any other bachelor’s degree and have at least 3 years of relevant full-time work experience
• Have at least 5 years of full-time experience in the field.

Some recreation jobs require certification. For example, a lifesaving certificate is required for teaching or coaching water-related activities. These certifications are available from organizations such as the YMCA or Red Cross. Specific requirements vary by job and employer.

Advancement

As workers gain experience, they may get promoted to positions with greater responsibilities. Recreation workers with experience and managerial skills may advance to supervisory or managerial positions. Eventually, they may become directors of a recreation department.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of recreation workers was $22,260 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,470, and the top 10 percent earned more than $38,460.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of recreation workers is expected to grow by 19 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The growth of fitness centers, sports centers, and camps specializing in younger participants is expected to increase demand for recreation workers, as more emphasis is placed on youth exercise to combat obesity. However, budget restrictions in state and local government might limit the number of jobs added to this occupation.

As baby boomers age and retire, they are encouraged to remain active to help combat injuries and illnesses associated with aging. Many of the new jobs for recreation workers will be in social assistance organizations and in nursing and residential care facilities.

Job Prospects

Job prospects will be best for those seeking part-time, seasonal, or temporary recreation jobs. Because workers in these jobs tend to be students or young people, they must be replaced when they leave for school or jobs in other occupations, thus creating many job openings. 

Workers with higher levels of formal education related to recreation should have better prospects at getting full-time positions. Volunteer experience, part-time work during school, and a summer job also are viewed favorably for both full- and part-time positions.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For information on careers, certification, and academic programs in parks and recreation, visit

National Recreation and Park Association

For information about a career as a camp counselor, visit

American Camp Association