BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasRecreation Workers

O*NET · 39-9032.00

Recreation Workers

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 called Activities Aide · Activities Assistant · Activities Associate · Activities Coordinator · Activities Counselor · Activities Director · Activities Leader · Activity Aide
59 more

Activity Assistant · Activity Coordinator · Activity Director · Activity Leader · Activity Specialist · Camp Advisor · Camp Counselor · Camp Director · Community Program Assistant · Day Camp Counselor · Field Advisor · Field Representative · Field Scout · Fitness Plan Coordinator · Fitness Worker · Group Work Program Aide · Guest Advisor · Guest Associate · Life Enrichment Manager · Memory Care Activities Assistant · Park Recreation Manager · Parks Recreation Coordinator · Parks Recreation Director · Play Leader · Playground Director · Playground Official · Playground Worker · Recreation Activities Coordinator · Recreation Aide · Recreation Assistant · Recreation Coordinator · Recreation Counselor · Recreation Director · Recreation Leader · Recreation Specialist · Recreation Supervisor · Recreation Technician · Recreation Worker · Recreational Activities Aide · Recreational Activities Assistant · Recreational Aide · Recreational Assistant · Recreational Counselor · Recreational Leader · Recreational Specialist · Social Director · Special Events Coordinator · Summer Camp Counselor · Summer Camp Instructor · Summer Camp Teacher · Summer Counselor · Summer Day Camp Counselor · Teen Counselor · Therapeutic Activities Services Worker · Therapeutic Recreation Assistant · Therapeutic Recreation Director · Therapeutic Recreation Leader · Therapeutic Recreation Specialist · Youth Worker

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code SER35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Residential Advisors

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SERSocial · Enterprising · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social4.90
  • E Enterprising4.51
  • R Realistic3.75
  • C Conventional3.46
  • A Artistic3.05
  • I Investigative1.98

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent26%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate3%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree8%
  • Bachelor's Degree62%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (36%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (34%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Coordination4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Social Perceptiveness4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Speakingbasic4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Service Orientation4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Instructing3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Monitoringbasic3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Time Management3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Management of Personnel Resources3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
Show the other 23
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Persuasion3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
  • Writingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Negotiation3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Analysis2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Material Resources2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Mathematicsbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources2.02.1Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operations Analysis2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Operations Monitoring2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Quality Control Analysis1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Technology Design1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Troubleshooting1.90.9
  • Operation and Control1.60.8
  • Sciencebasic1.60.6
  • Equipment Selection1.40.4
  • Programming1.40.4
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—

Tasks

18 core · 6 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.4.3
  2. Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.4.3
  3. Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.4.3
  4. Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.4.2
  5. Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.4.2
  6. Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.4.1
  7. Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.4.1
  8. Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.4.0
  9. Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.4.0
  10. Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.4.0
  11. Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.4.0
  12. Document individuals' progress toward meeting their treatment goals.4.0
Show the other 12
  1. Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.3.9
  2. Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.3.8
  3. Encourage participants to develop their own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.3.7
  4. Oversee the purchase, planning, design, construction, and upkeep of recreation facilities and areas.3.7
  5. Meet and collaborate with agency personnel, community organizations, and other professional personnel to plan balanced recreational programs for participants.3.6
  6. Provide for entertainment and set up related decorations and equipment.3.5
  7. Serve as liaison between park or recreation administrators and activity instructors.4.1
  8. Schedule maintenance and use of facilities.4.0
  9. Conduct individual in-room visits with residents.4.0
  10. Evaluate staff performance, recording evaluations on appropriate forms.3.8
  11. Develop treatment goals for individuals based on their assessments.3.8
  12. Take residents on community outings.3.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English Language4.14.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Public Safety and Security3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Customer and Personal Service3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and Training3.54.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Law and Government3.42.8
  • Psychology3.24.3Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Administrative3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Administration and Management3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Mathematics3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Communications and Media2.72.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Therapy and Counseling2.73.9Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Transportation2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.62.6
  • Philosophy and Theology2.53.5Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
  • Fine Arts2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Telecommunications2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Sales and Marketing2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Production and Processing2.01.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Geography1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Mechanical1.91.6Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Design1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Economics and Accounting1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • History and Archeology1.81.9Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Biology1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Engineering and Technology1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Foreign Language1.40.6Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Building and Construction1.3—
  • Chemistry1.3—
  • Food Production1.30.5Level 1 looks like: Grow herbs in the kitchen
  • Physics1.30.4Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Comprehension4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Speech Clarity3.93.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Near Vision3.63.3Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Recognition3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Written Comprehension3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
  • Category Flexibility3.13.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Far Vision3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Originality3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Written Expression3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Time Sharing3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Gross Body Coordination2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Stamina2.92.8
  • Trunk Strength2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Flexibility of Closure2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Perceptual Speed2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of Closure2.62.6Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visualization2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Multilimb Coordination2.51.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Static Strength2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Auditory Attention2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Dynamic Strength2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Number Facility2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Depth Perception2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Finger Dexterity2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Explosive Strength1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Manual Dexterity1.80.8Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
  • Control Precision1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Reaction Time1.60.9
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.61.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.60.6
  • Response Orientation1.40.6
  • Glare Sensitivity1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Getting Information4.64.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Thinking Creatively4.54.5Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.44.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Scheduling Work and Activities4.34.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.24.1Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
Show all 41
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing and Building Teams4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Processing Information4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Working with Computers3.93.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.84.3Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.73.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.74.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Training and Teaching Others3.73.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Staffing Organizational Units3.43.2Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.32.8
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Selling or Influencing Others3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.51.8Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.41.7Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Contact With Others4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Telephone Conversations4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.3
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities3.9
  • Physical Proximity3.9
  • Frequency of Decision Making3.7

Technology

15 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (5; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (9)
  • Appletree
  • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
  • Database software
  • GroupMe
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Microsoft Publisher
  • Recordkeeping software
  • Scheduling software
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Recreational Therapists
  2. Social and Community Service Managers
  3. Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling
  4. Rehabilitation Counselors
  5. Instructional Coordinators
  6. Social and Human Service Assistants
  7. First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
  8. Residential Advisors
  9. Fitness and Wellness Coordinators
  10. Training and Development Managers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.