Physical fitness has become very important in today's culture, and people have more leisure time to devote to exercise and sports. There is a wide variety of opportunities and work settings for recreation workers—those who coordinate physical activity and sports programs that meet these needs.
Organized recreation programs can be found in a wide variety of settings: schools, churches, synagogues, nursing homes, corporations, playgrounds, health clubs, and primitive wilderness areas. In each of these settings, recreation workers organize and oversee programs that meet the needs of the people they serve. Different types of activities that recreation workers plan are arts, crafts, fitness, and sports.
Some recreation workers plan activities for vacationers at theme parks and tourist attractions. Others are employed by companies to develop programs for their employees, such as bowling and softball leagues and fitness and exercise programs. Recreation workers are also employed at camps, where they teach campers sports such as swimming, hiking, and horseback riding. Instructing, coaching, and maintaining recreation centers are recreation workers' primary responsibilities.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Most jobs for recreation workers are in urban areas, where most people live. Jobs in camping are usually found in heavily populated states.
The average workweek for recreation workers is 35 to 40 hours. Recreation workers often have irregular hours, including nights and weekends. Much of a recreation worker's time is spent outdoors, sometimes in poor weather conditions. Recreation work can be tiring, and recreation workers are subject to injuries.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Recreation workers must be enthusiastic, able to motivate people, and sensitive to people's needs.
Educational requirements vary according to the type of job. Part-time, summer jobs usually require only a high school diploma, while supervisory or administrative jobs may require a bachelor's or graduate degree.
About 200 junior and community colleges offer associate's degrees in parks and recreation, and 300 colleges and universities offered bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. park-and-recreation programs. There is a demand for college graduates with experience in commercial recreation and tourism, and many colleges are offering specializations in these fields.
Usually a college degree and experience is necessary for those advancing to supervisory or administrative positions.
Potential and Advancement
This field is expected to grow through the years to come as more people become interested in fitness and health and have the money to purchase recreational services. Also, there is a growing demand for recreational services for senior citizens and people with disabilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for recreation workers will grow by 10 percent—faster than average—between 2014 and 2024.
The best job opportunities will be in the commercial recreation industry and in social services. Because of budget cuts, there will be fewer opportunities working for local governments. There is a great deal of competition for fulltime positions. Temporary seasonal jobs will offer the best opportunities.
Recreation workers who wish to advance to supervisory or administrative positions should have experience and formal training in recreation as well as college courses in business management, personnel management, and accounting.
Income
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the median annual salary for recreation workers was $23,320 in 2015.
