RECREATION WORKERS California Occupational Guide Number 357 Interest Area 10 1998
THE JOB
RECREATION WORKERS plan, organize, and direct people in diverse activities such as arts, camping, hiking, swimming, aerobics, and sports. For each group session, Recreation Workers lead the program and lay out materials or equipment needed. They also promote interest and motivate people to participate in recreation activities and programs. Recreation programs are offered at parks, recreation/community centers, health clubs, camps, and theme parks
Camp Counselors lead and teach children and teenagers different forms of indoor and outdoor recreation, such as boating, computers, horseback riding, archery, or music. Activities are tailored to enhance appreciation of nature and the environment. Often, Counselors provide guidance and support to campers.
Recreation Leaders are responsible for the daily operation of a recreation program. They may work with neighborhood groups to determine the recreation interests and needs of their community. Leaders may also conduct activities and teach classes, including activities for the aging and disabled.
Recreation Supervisors or Directors plan, organize, and direct the overall program of a recreation center to meet the needs of the community. They hire and train recreation leaders and help them improve their leadership skills. Supervisors introduce new activities and equipment to the staff. Recreation Supervisors frequently participate in community meetings to interpret recreational programs. They may also assist in budgeting, planning, research, and evaluation.
Recreation Therapists plan and lead recreation programs for the developmentally disabled, mentally ill, and inmates of correctional facilities. They also prepare reports to physicians describing the patient's progress or relapse.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The surroundings of Recreation Workers vary. Some Recreation Workers work indoors in a gymnasium or a recreation room. Others work outdoors in places such as playgrounds or campsites. Since most spend a lot of time outdoors, they are subject to weather conditions. Recreation Workers should be in good physical shape and are responsible for the safety and discipline of participants. Recreation Leaders and Supervisors usually spend much more time in an office setting.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 21,900 Estimated number of workers in 2005 26,750 Projected Growth 1993-2005 22% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 5,770
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The job market for full-time positions is very competitive and is expected to remain so for some time. Those with part-time seasonal job experience will increase their employment opportunities. Employment of Recreation Workers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2005. Such growth is a result of an increased interest in fitness and health, the rising demand for recreational opportunities for seniors, and the increased number of people who have time and money to participate in leisure activities.
The majority of Recreation Workers in California work in local government park and recreation departments. However, the employment outlook in government agencies is directly affected by budget constraints. Few municipal recreation departments are likely to increase the number of Recreation Workers on their staffs. Therefore, most government job openings will be due to workers leaving the occupation or retiring. Opportunities tend to vary by region.
Others are employed by non-profit organizations, private businesses, hospitals, and federal or state agencies. Opportunities in membership organizations, the travel industry, amusement parks, resorts, private athletic clubs, and cruise ship lines are expected to increase. Employment opportunities are also available in large condominium and apartment complexes and large corporations with employee recreational facilities.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 1996 median annual earnings of full time Recreation Workers were about $18,700. The middle 50 percent earned between about $12,900 and $28,900, while the top 10 percent earned $37,500 or more. However, earnings of Recreation Directors and others in supervisory or managerial positions can be substantially higher.
The 1997 federal government annual salary range for Recreation Aide is $13,500-$21,520 (GS levels 1,3); Recreation Assistants earn between $18,590 and $30,130 (GS levels 4,6). Therapists and specialists are classified in the GS 5 through GS 15 levels in Federal service; the salary range is $20,800 to $75,000 and higher, as workers advance through the GS ranges and ten steps.
Many recreation jobs are part time and for irregular hours. Workers may work days, evenings or weekends. Fringe benefits for full time workers typically include vacation, sick leave, health insurance, and retirement plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Full-time Recreation Worker and supervisory jobs require a Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation or leisure studies. A master's degree may be required for administrative positions. Specialized training or experience in a particular field, such as art, music, drama, or athletics, is an asset for many jobs. Some recreation jobs require certificates, such as a life-saving certificate if teaching water- related programs. Graduates of two-year Associate of Arts (AA) programs in recreation can enter some career positions, but usually only work part time. Most hospitals require a Bachelor's degree with specialization in therapeutic recreation for Recreation Therapist jobs.
Although it is not generally required, possession of a certificate of competence granted by the California Park and Recreation Society can help an applicant secure employment. A Bachelor's degree in recreation and successful completion of an examination are minimum requirements for certification. Student membership in this organization can be advantageous in preparing for a professional career.
Preparation should begin early. Participation and leadership experience in Scouting, 4-H Clubs or neighborhood center activities (YWCA and YMCA) provides valuable skills and experience. Many community colleges offer an AA degree in Recreation Leadership or in the specialty of Recreation Therapy. Many state universities and colleges offer a Bachelor's degree in Recreation Administration. To find these courses, contact colleges or universities directly. The local public library may keep college catalogues on file.
Individuals planning careers in recreation should be outgoing, good at motivating people, sensitive to the needs of others and possess good health and physical stamina. Activity planning requires creativity and resourcefulness. Willingness to accept responsibility and the ability to exercise good judgment are also essential qualities. Individuals interested in supervisory positions should develop managerial skills.
ADVANCEMENT
Qualified Recreation Workers can become Recreation Supervisors as openings occur. Administrative opportunities may be available for qualified Recreation Supervisors and Therapists.
FINDING THE JOB
Because of the surplus of Recreation Workers in some areas, jobs may be difficult to find. Those who develop expertise in a particular craft or sport while still in school will have an advantage when seeking work Employers may promote qualified part-time Recreation Workers to full- time positions when vacancies occur. Accepting a part-time or seasonal position may eventually lead to full-time employment. Many employers fill positions with student interns.
Often employers will contact college recreation departments or college placement offices. The California Park and Recreation Society has job listings in their bulletin and at their annual Job Mart. Local government agencies publish announcements of the job openings. State hospitals must be contacted individually to learn of vacancies. State Personnel Board offices keep information on vacancies with the Department of the Youth Authority. Federal jobs are listed with the nearest federal Office of Personnel Management Job Information Center. Some employers recruit through newspaper classified ads. Since many positions are filled through informal communication, it is very important to be active in the field and to know people working in it.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Park and Recreation Society, Inc. 7971 Freeport Boulevard Sacramento, CA 95832 (916) 665-2777 www.cprs.org/
National Recreation and Park Association 22377 Belmont Ridge Road Ashburn, VA 20148 (703) 858-0784 www.nrpa.org/
American Camping Association 5000 State Road 67 North Martinsville, IN 46151-7902 (765) 342-8456 www.aca-camps.org/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Social Workers No. 122 Occupational Therapists No. 143 Park Rangers No. 232
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991) Counselor, Camp 159.124-010 Recreation Supervisor 187.167-238 Recreation Leader 195.227-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Recreation Workers 273110
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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