What is the job description for recreational workers? Recreation workers are responsible for organizing and carrying out different physical activities in the places they are employed. They check to see which activities are scheduled or schedule the activities themselves, then make sure that all the equipment is in good condition and ready for use. Recreation workers may work with a specific age group or may deal with people of all ages and physical condition during the course of a day. For this and other reasons, they need to have a flexible nature and a good attitude.
Recreation Workers Job Summary
- This job can be obtained by someone with a high school diploma or equivalent; a college degree in physical education or a related field is also an asset.
- Training can be on-the-job, and may be provided by sports directors, coaches or other personnel.
- Employment opportunities: YMCA organizations, senior citizen centers, private schools (if a teaching certification is not required) and community recreation centers all provide employment opportunities for recreation workers.
- Projected growth, according to the Department of Labor, is estimated to be at a faster than average rate through 2018.
Work Environment
Recreation workers may work indoors or outdoors depending on types of activities, ages of those participating, weather situations and other factors. They may have their own space or area in which to conduct the activities, or they may have to share with others. If this is the case, recreation workers will need to make sure that their equipment is properly stored when not in use, and will need to confer with those with whom they are sharing the space on scheduling matters so that no conflict will occur.
Depending on the age of the participants, recreation workers may plan programs or routines that involve a lot of physical activity or they may plan those which require minimal movement. Even then, they may have to make changes “on the fly,” so flexibility is very important.
Education and Training for Recreational Workers
A high school diploma or equivalent may be all that is required for employment as a recreation worker. However, a college degree in physical education or a related field would definitely be an advantage, especially if one is employed in an educational setting such as a private school.
Training can be on-the-job, and may be provided by sports directors, coaches or other personnel. If a recreation worker has participated in a specific sport in the past, or holds a college degree or other certification in a sports-related field, little additional training may be necessary.
Training will most likely include the proper care, use and storage of sports equipment as well as instruction in the rules and regulations of any organized games being played. If physical activities consist of exercise or other physical fitness routines, training may be given in the proper execution of those so that injury does not occur to either the recreation workers or participants.
Depending on the type of facility or program at which recreation workers are employed, certification in first aid, including CPR, may be required. In some instances, sports certification in a particular area or activity may also be necessary.
Employment Figures, Projections, Outlook and Earnings
What is the jobs and earnings outlook for recreational workers? As of 2008, according to the Department of Labor, 328,000 employees held positions as recreation workers. Their annual salary in 2009 was $22,280. Department of Labor and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data also shows that this field is considered as having a faster-than-average projected growth (14% to 19%), with an additional 107,200 job openings are predicted to occur through 2018.