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Recreation Officer

Also known as Recreation Development Officer.

Recreation officers develop, support and coordinate sport and recreation programmes and services for the benefit of the community.

Recreation officers may work at one of three levels: professional, technical or operative.

Professional officers work as planners, researchers, consultants, educators and administrators.

A technical officer's work may involve managing a leisure centre, community centre or sports complex.

Recreation officers work at the operative level as youth leaders and outdoor activity leaders.

The three levels are not always clearly defined.

The relevant responsibilities will vary considerably between different organisations and may overlap.

Most recreation officers have a high level of contact with the public.

TASKS

Recreation officers may perform the following tasks:

initiate, organise and coordinate local sport and recreation events and services such as community functions, sporting competitions, hobby classes, school holiday programmes and cultural activities
develop and administer recreation policy
plan and promote recreation activities and events
prepare and administer financial estimates, budgets and resource allocations
coordinate and arrange meetings and venues
recruit, train and supervise recreation leaders
liaise with parents, schools, local sporting organisations, church leaders, social workers, community groups and individuals about programmes and facilities
write proposals, evaluations and correspondence

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy outdoor activities
good communication and negotiation skills
good administration and organisational skills
able to lead, motivate and supervise other people
good sport skills and expertise in a specific area such as swimming or outdoor recreation

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a recreation officer you usually have to complete a VOC qualification in sport and recreation, leisure and health, outdoor recreation or facilities management. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a recreation officer through a traineeship in Community Recreation, Outdoor Recreation or Sport and Recreation.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you complete a degree in exercise and sports science, sport development, sport and recreation management, human movement and health studies, exercise science or physical activity studies. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry or physics are usually required.

A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information

A Provide First Aid Certificate is usually required.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Recreation officers manage and coordinate a variety of organisations, programmes, events, services and facilities. They may be employed by government authorities, community organisations, schools, commercial organisations (such as health and fitness agencies), outdoor recreation organisations and sports associations. Leisure management is a growing area, and people with management or marketing qualifications are sought after.