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.
Also known as: Activities Aide, Activities Assistant, Activities Associate, Activities Coordinator, Activities Counselor, Activities Director, Activities Leader, Activity Aide, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Faster than average)
What You'd Do
- 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.
- 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.
- Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
- Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
- Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
- Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.
- Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
- 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.
- Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.
- Provide for entertainment and set up related decorations and equipment.
- Encourage participants to develop their own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.
- Oversee the purchase, planning, design, construction, and upkeep of recreation facilities and areas.
- Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
- Document individuals' progress toward meeting their treatment goals.
- Schedule maintenance and use of facilities.
- Serve as liaison between park or recreation administrators and activity instructors.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Other Tools
Work Styles
Personality traits and work styles important for this career
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
Related Careers
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.