What is A recreation and fitness worker?
“I engage kids and families in the community by creating fun activities from structured play to cooking, creative exercises and fitness activities,” says Emily Braxton, family programs coordinator for the Arlington County Parks and Recreation Department in Arlington, Virginia. “Our goal is really to build community (and) help them stay active and fit and make friends.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of 27 percent for recreation and fitness workers between 2020 and 2030. During this period, about 179,500 jobs should be created.
How much does a recreation and fitness worker earn?
How to become A recreation and fitness worker?
Certification and training requirements vary by employer and specific occupation. For example, lifeguards must obtain lifeguard certification, and professionals who work in child care may need to take classes such as the American Red Cross Advanced Child Care Course or obtain certifications such as Certified Childcare Professional. to be Recreation therapy staff, who work with people with disabilities, may need an accredited recreation therapy specialist certification.
Many gyms require personal trainers to be certified, and fitness instructors must complete specific exercises for the exercise class they are teaching, such as Zumba or spinning.
Some roles, such as lifeguard and camp counselor, can also require CPR/Automated External Defibrillator and First Aid certification.
The National Parks and Recreation Association offers four certification programs for professionals to demonstrate their skills: Parks and Recreation Professional Certification, Playground Safety Inspector Certification, Parks and Recreation Permit Executive, and Water Facility Operator Certification.
“My educational background wasn’t directly related to parks and recreation, so I got a professional certification in parks and recreation, which I thought was really helpful,” Braxton says.
Some colleges and universities offer related bachelor’s programs with majors such as recreation therapy, leisure and sport management, and recreation leadership. Accreditation Council for Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Businesses List of accredited degree programs in America
Job Satisfaction
The average American works well into their 60s, so workers may have an enjoyable and fulfilling career. A job with a low stress level, good work-life balance, and strong prospects for improvement, promotion, and higher pay make many employees happy. Here’s how Recreational and fitness workers Job satisfaction is rated in terms of upward mobility, stress level and flexibility.