Occupation

Recreation Workers

Human Advantage 81%

Strongly human-essential role

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.1 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

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 +59 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
  2. Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
  3. Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.
  4. Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
  5. Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.
  6. Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.
  7. Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.
  8. Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
  9. Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
  10. Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.
  11. Document individuals' progress toward meeting their treatment goals.
  12. Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.
  13. Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.
  14. Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.
  15. Oversee the purchase, planning, design, construction, and upkeep of recreation facilities and areas.
  16. Encourage participants to develop their own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.
  17. Meet and collaborate with agency personnel, community organizations, and other professional personnel to plan balanced recreational programs for participants.
  18. Provide for entertainment and set up related decorations and equipment.

Supplemental Tasks (6)

  1. Serve as liaison between park or recreation administrators and activity instructors.
  2. Schedule maintenance and use of facilities.
  3. Conduct individual in-room visits with residents.
  4. Develop treatment goals for individuals based on their assessments.
  5. Evaluate staff performance, recording evaluations on appropriate forms.
  6. Take residents on community outings.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: 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.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

Bachelor's Degree
62%
High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
25%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
8%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
3%
Less than a High School Diploma
1%
Some College Courses
0%
Master's Degree
0%
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Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

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Software (18)

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  • YouTube

Tools & Equipment (18)

  • 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
  • Two way radios
  • Wheelchairs
  • Whiteboards

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Travel & Leisure Arts, Entertainment, & Design

Zone 1
Amusement and Recreation Attendants 80% match
Zone 2
Gambling Managers 79% match
Zone 3
Tour Guides and Escorts 78% match
Zone 4
Recreation Workers You are here

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Related Occupations

Compare skills gap with any of these related roles.

Recreational TherapistsClosely Related Social and Community Service ManagersClosely Related Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except GamblingClosely Related Rehabilitation CounselorsClosely Related Training and Development ManagersClosely Related Instructional Coordinators Social and Human Service Assistants Residential Advisors
Show all 20 related occupations
Fitness and Wellness Coordinators First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary Directors, Religious Activities and Education Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary Training and Development Specialists Special Education Teachers, Secondary School Health Education Specialists Community Health Workers Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Real Talk

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