CareerZone Pennsylvania

Recreation Workers

Description

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.

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree - Degree completed after 4 or 5 years of full-time schooling beyond high school.

Interests

Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Knowledge

Sociology and Anthropology	Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures and their history and origins.
Personnel and Human Resources	Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Clerical	Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Public Safety and Security	Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Psychology	Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Skills

Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems.
Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Management of Material Resources	Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Financial Resources	Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Negotiation	Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Equipment Selection	Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Tasks

Serve as liaison between park or recreation administrators and activity instructors.
Evaluate staff performance, recording evaluations on appropriate forms.
Oversee the purchase, planning, design, construction, and upkeep of recreation facilities and areas.
Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.
Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.
Meet and collaborate with agency personnel, community organizations, and other professional personnel to plan balanced recreational programs for participants.
Schedule maintenance and use of facilities.
Direct special activities or events such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.
Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.
Provide for entertainment and set up related decorations and equipment.
Encourage participants to develop their own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.
Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.
Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.
Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.
Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures, and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.

Wages

In 2006, the Pennsylvania average annual wage was $23,200.00. The entry-level wage was $14,730.00 while an experienced worker made $27,440.00.

Outlook

During 2004, there were approximately 10,430 people employed in this field in Pennsylvania. It is projected that there will be 12,010 employed in 2014. This occupation will have about 158 openings due to growth and about 239 replacement openings for approximately 397 total annual openings. This occupation experienced significant growth.

Colleges and Training

Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.

Parks, Recreation and Leisure StudiesA program that focuses on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.

For additional college information and related training about this career path, please visit:

AES EducationPlanner, PA Dept of Labor, PA Career Link, college.gov, and College Navigator

Related Occupations

h:	v:	Social and Community Service ManagersPlan, organize, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
h:	v:	Meeting and Convention PlannersCoordinate activities of staff and convention personnel to make arrangements for group meetings and conventions.
h:	v:	Preschool Teachers, Except Special EducationInstruct children (normally up to 5 years of age) in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for primary school in preschool, day care center, or other child development facility. May be required to hold State certification.
h:	v:	First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Food Preparation and Serving WorkersSupervise workers engaged in preparing and serving food.
h:	v:	First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Personal Service WorkersSupervise and coordinate activities of personal service workers, such as supervisors of flight attendants, hairdressers, or caddies.
h:	v:	First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Office and Administrative Support WorkersSupervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

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This occupation is a High Priority Occupation.

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