How to Become a Recreation and Leisure Supervisor: Career Path Guide
If you want to become a recreation and leisure supervisor, you first need to determine if this career path is a good fit for you. If the following description sounds like you, then you’re probably well suited for this field:
Those who become recreation and leisure supervisors have a genuine interest in physical, emotional and social health, and enjoy working with people from different backgrounds, and people who hold different interests. They must have excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills and be very organized.
Those who become recreation and leisure supervisors are individuals that are able to combine an interest and knowledge in fitness, sports, games, arts, crafts or other activities, with an interest in people and an aptitude in organization and program coordination.
Below we've outlined what you'll need to begin a career as a recreation and leisure supervisor. We've also included helpful information for this career, such as job description, job duties, salary expectations, a list of possible employers and much more!
Education Needed to Become a Recreation and Leisure Supervisor
Although educational requirements to become a recreation and leisure supervisor may vary by employer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in a field such as physical education, outdoor recreation, or recreation management.
Employers typically prefer to hire university graduates whose studies were directly related to recreation, although they may hire those who have experience in the recreation field in place of formal education.
Recreation and Leisure Supervisor Job Description
Recreation and leisure supervisors are responsible for leading and instructing individuals and groups in recreational and leisure programs such as sports, arts & crafts, games, music and camping.
Recreation and Leisure Supervisor Job Duties
• Plan, coordinate, implement and supervise recreational and leisure activities
• Maintain supplies and equipment
• Demonstrate and instruct activities
• Maintain positive and enthusiastic attitude
• Attend to participants with special needs
• Provide participants with lifestyle awareness information
• Ensure program participants adhere to safety rules and regulations
• Provide emergency assistance when necessary
Who Hires Recreation and Leisure Supervisors?
Recreation and leisure supervisors may be hired on part-time, full-time, or contractual basis by organizations that offer recreation, sports, fitness or leisure programs.
Recreation and leisure jobs in smaller centres may offer a broad range of experience, whereas larger centres usually have more diverse programs, and may offer opportunities for specialization. Organizations that typically hire recreation and leisure supervisors include:
• Municipal government departments
• Recreation and fitness facilities
• Tourism and entertainment businesses and organizations
• Health care institutions
• Colleges and universities
• Non-profit organizations (such as Boys and Girls Clubs)
• Hotels and resorts
Recreation and Leisure Supervisor Salary
The salary level of recreation and leisure supervisors can vary based on factors such as their level of education, their level of experience, the specific responsibilities of their job, where they work, and many others.
Recreation and Leisure Supervisor Salary Alberta: According to the 2011 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans working in the Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program Supervisors and Consultants occupational group earn an average wage o between $24.31 and $31.78 per hour.
Recreation and Leisure Supervisor Salary United States: Although no specific data is available for Recreation and Leisure Supervisors, we can get a good idea of what they make by looking at the closely related occupation Recreation Worker. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary of Recreation Workers is $22,260 per year.
Personal Traits Needed to Become a Recreation and Leisure Supervisor
In order to become a competent and successful recreation and leisure supervisor, you need to have certain personality characteristics, including:
• The ability to establish rapport with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Enjoy working with people
• An aptitude for creating, implementing and directing activities and initiatives
• Excellent oral written and communication skills
• Able to motivate others in a group setting
• Comfortable being responsible for the safety of others
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
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Careers Similar to Recreation and Leisure Supervisor
Listed below are jobs that are similar in nature to Recreation and Leisure Supervisor, as they may involve many of the same skills, competencies and responsibilities.
• Recreation and Sports Director
References: Recreation and Leisure Supervisor Career
Please consult the references below to find more information on the various aspects of a career as a recreation and leisure supervisor.
Alberta Learning and Information Service website: alis.alberta.ca
Truity website: www.truity.com
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics website: www.bls.gov
Scholarships for Becoming a Recreation and Leisure Supervisor
Scholarships listed for majors that apply to becoming a Recreation and Leisure Supervisor can be found on our All Scholarships by Major page.
Success Tip: Be sure to apply for any scholarships that you even barely qualify for, as there are millions of dollars of scholarships that go unused every year due to a lack of applicants!
Becoming a Recreation and Leisure Supervisor: Applicable Majors
Studying one of the university majors listed below is an excellent starting point to becoming a recreation and leisure supervisor. Click on the links to find out what else you can do with these majors!
