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Recreation Workers

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.