Recreation Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of leisure and recreation, the role of recreation workers has never been more significant.

As societies emphasize work-life balance and holistic well-being, the demand for skilled professionals who can design, facilitate, and enhance our recreational experiences continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a recreation worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager mapping out the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of recreation work,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable recreation worker job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Recreation Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Recreation Workers are professionals who provide and coordinate recreation activities for various groups such as adults, teenagers, children, seniors, or people with disabilities.

These activities may be physical, social, or creative in nature and can help promote a healthier, more fulfilled lifestyle.

Recreation Workers have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, and lead leisure activities for various groups of individuals
• Modify activities to suit the needs of specific groups, such as seniors or people with disabilities
• Set up and oversee the use of equipment, facilities, and spaces
• Guide participants in learning new skills in a safe and supportive environment
• Enforce safety rules and regulations to prevent accidents and injuries
• Administer basic first aid and emergency procedures when necessary
• Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies
• Keep records of participants’ progress, behavior, and feedback on activities
• Prepare and distribute promotional material or event information
• Coordinate with other professionals such as social workers, mental health professionals, or school personnel to support the needs of individuals

 

Recreation Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for an energetic and dedicated Recreation Worker to design, execute, and supervise a range of recreational activities.

The Recreation Worker’s responsibilities include planning and coordinating events, supervising participants, maintaining and ensuring the use of safety procedures, and providing basic first aid when necessary.

Our ideal candidate is highly-organized, possesses excellent communication skills, is dedicated to promoting enjoyable and healthy leisure activities, and has a strong understanding of safety procedures within a recreational setting.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and lead recreational activities.
• Monitor the use of recreational facilities to ensure the rules and safety standards are adhered to.
• Explain the rules of recreational activities and instruct participants when necessary.
• Set up and maintain equipment used in recreational activities.
• Adapt activities to suit the needs of individual participants.
• Provide basic first aid or emergency responses when necessary.
• Assist in budget planning and monitor spending to ensure it remains within budgetary limits.
• Organize and promote activities to attract participants.

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, a bachelor’s degree in recreation or a related field is preferred.
• Proven work experience as a recreation worker or similar role.
• Knowledge of rules and regulations regarding safety in recreational facilities.
• First aid and CPR certification.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strong verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Recreation Worker
• Work Environment: Usually outdoors at recreational facilities, camps, or parks. Some weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Recreation Director or Recreation Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Recreation Worker Do?

Recreation Workers typically work for public parks, camps, fitness centers, sports facilities, or other community centers.

They can also work as self-employed individuals or as contractors for private clubs or organizations.

Their primary responsibility is to lead and coordinate activities, games, and sports for people of all ages to promote fun, social interaction, and physical fitness.

This includes setting up necessary equipment, explaining the rules and procedures, and ensuring safety guidelines are followed.

Recreation workers also plan and execute events such as field trips, social gatherings, tournaments, and holiday celebrations.

They may be required to manage a budget for these activities, securing necessary permits and arranging for transportation or food service when necessary.

They often work closely with individuals with disabilities or special needs, tailoring activities to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.

Aside from conducting recreational activities, they also interact with participants, parents, or caregivers, providing information about programs and schedules, and addressing any issues or concerns.

Sometimes, they may be tasked to administer basic first aid or respond to emergency situations until professional medical help arrives.

 

Recreation Worker Qualifications and Skills

Recreation Workers require a mix of interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a good understanding of safety procedures.

These are some of the key requirements:

• Interpersonal skills to connect with clients of different ages and backgrounds, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Communication skills to convey information about recreational programs and activities clearly and effectively, as well as to listen and respond to the needs and feedback of participants.
• Organizational skills to plan, coordinate, and oversee a variety of events, programs, and activities.
• Physical stamina to keep up with the physical demands of the job, which may include standing for long periods, setting up equipment for activities, and possibly demonstrating or participating in the activities.
• Leadership skills to motivate and inspire participants, and to manage volunteers or staff if needed.
• Problem-solving skills to address issues that may arise during activities, such as disputes between participants or unexpected changes in plans.
• Knowledge of safety procedures to ensure that all activities are conducted in a way that minimizes risk and protects the health and well-being of participants.

 

Recreation Worker Experience Requirements

Recreation Workers are usually required to have some level of formal education, such as a diploma or degree in recreation or leisure studies, and relevant experience in the field.

Entry-level Recreation Worker roles may require 1 to 2 years of experience, typically gained through volunteering or part-time roles in community centers, camps, or sports organizations.

This initial experience can provide a hands-on understanding of planning, organizing and leading leisure activities for various age groups.

For more specialized roles such as Therapeutic Recreation Workers, additional experience in therapeutic recreation or a related field, often gained through internships or previous employment, is typically required.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often expected to have developed their skills in coordinating and implementing recreational programs, monitoring the use of recreational facilities, and ensuring safety rules are followed.

Recreation Workers with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience in their background, which could prepare them for roles such as Recreation Supervisor or Manager.

In these roles, they are expected to oversee other recreation workers, plan and manage budgets, and develop and implement recreational programs on a larger scale.

Some Recreation Worker roles may also require specific certifications such as First Aid and CPR, depending on the nature and location of the job.

 

Recreation Worker Education and Training Requirements

Recreation Workers generally need a high school diploma or equivalent before pursuing further education in fields such as parks and recreation, leisure studies, or related disciplines.

Many roles require a bachelor’s degree, especially for those seeking management positions or specialized roles like a therapeutic recreation specialist.

In these cases, coursework in management, therapy, and programming is beneficial.

Practical experience is highly valued in this field.

Internships or part-time jobs in camps, youth programs, or sports organizations can provide this much-needed experience.

Certification is not mandatory but can be an added advantage.

Some roles may require First Aid and CPR certification for safety reasons.

Other professional certifications, like Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), can enhance job prospects.

Continuing education through workshops, seminars, and conferences is encouraged to stay updated with the latest trends and practices in the field.

For those interested in therapeutic recreation, some states may require licensure, which often involves earning a degree, gaining work experience, and passing an exam.

 

Recreation Worker Salary Expectations

A Recreation Worker earns an average salary of $26,350 (USD) per year.

This wage may vary depending on factors such as the worker’s experience, geographical location, and the organization for which they work.

 

Recreation Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a recreation worker need?

Recreation workers need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills as they interact with people of all ages and backgrounds.

They should also be physically fit as their job involves a lot of physical activities.

Organization, leadership, and problem-solving skills are also essential.

Knowledge of safety rules and emergency procedures is also important.

 

Do recreation workers need a degree?

A degree is not always necessary to be a recreation worker, although some positions may require a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation or a related field.

For entry-level positions, a high school diploma and experience with the activities being led may be sufficient.

 

What should you look for in a recreation worker resume?

Look for experience in leading and organizing recreational activities.

Any certifications related to first aid, CPR, or specific activities like lifeguarding or coaching can be a plus.

If the position involves working with children, experience or education in child development can be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good recreation worker?

A good recreation worker is energetic, patient, and enjoys working with people.

They are passionate about physical activities and have a keen interest in promoting health and well-being.

They should be reliable, have good problem-solving skills, and be able to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently.

 

What are the daily duties of a recreation worker?

The daily duties of a recreation worker may vary depending on the specific role and setting.

They may include organizing, leading, and promoting interest in recreational activities such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.

They are also responsible for ensuring the safety of participants and providing first aid if necessary.

Some recreation workers may also be involved in planning and coordinating special events or trips.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified the role of a recreation worker.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about organizing games.

It’s about inspiring joy, one activity at a time.

With our handy recreation worker job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting detailed listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every activity you plan is a part of a bigger picture.

Let’s create that joy. Together.

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