Recreation
Sample Jobs – Industry Overview – Job Profiles
Select one of the Job Profiles and review the qualifications and responsibilities of sport business professionals in Recreation.
|
|
The facility manager is the coordinator of all activities that occur within a recreational facility. It’s their job to schedule various
classroom and recreational areas, assist with the establishment and implementation of policies and maintain a safe and
functional operating environment. Of course, they also hire people to conduct the various duties that keep the facility running. Education
. Master’s degree in sports administration, athletic administration or recreation sciences preferred. A master’s degree in business administration could also be beneficial. Experience.
Several years working in recreational facility management. Other business experience may be required. Resume Builders. Start by working your way through the
managerial chain of a recreational facility. Most facilities have several areas that provide excellent entry opportunities. Working
your way up may be easier than you think, especially if you have computer or accounting experience. Salary. Ranges from $40,000, to an average of $55,000, up to $75,000 or more.
Click here for Facility Manager Sample Job
Director of Intramural/Recreational Sports
The director of intramural/recreational sports oversees all of a school or facility’s sporting activities. This could include selecting
the activities that will be offered, developing policies for competition, selecting officials and supervisors for each of the sports,
set budgets and keep records of incomes and expenses and other assorted duties. Depending on the size of the facility or program the director may also have to market sports within the community and secure sponsorships.
Education. Master’s degree in sports administration or recreation sciences. Experience.Experience working in an intramural or recreational sports setting. Experience with management may also be required.
Resume Builders. Involve yourself with the intramural program in college. If this isn’t possible, look to local recreational facilities and see if they accept volunteer assistance. Try to concentrate
more on working with administrative duties and less with coaching. Learn to use popular computer software and have at least a basic understanding of accounting principals. Salary.
Ranges from $20,000, to an average of $40,000, up to $55,000 or more.
Click here for Director of Sports Sample Job
Marketing Director
While many recreational facilities may incorrectly see this position strictly as a fundraiser, the marketing director plays a
critical role in the success of both large and small organizations. The marketing director works in several areas to create an
image of the facility and its operations in the minds of the public. They may work to secure sponsorship dollars, develop and
implement sales plans or even think up new events or untapped sports that the facility could capitalize on. Education. At least a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Many may prefer a master’s in business administration.
Experience. Progressively responsible work within the marketing industry is a must. Must also have at least some experience working in sports-related areas. Resume Builders.
The ability to develop and communicate specific instructions for increasing sales and participation is vital to ones success in marketing. Work to develop communication and presentation skills, perhaps volunteering to speak to
local school groups on various topics. Learning more about the importance of research and its role in guiding marketing plans is critical. Salary. Ranges from $30,000 to an average of $45,000, up to $60,000 or more.
Click here for Marketing Director Sample Job
Wilderness Therapy Program Director
The director of a program dedicated to helping troubled or disadvantaged youth must be a teacher, leader and, at times, parent
or friend. Programs aimed at assisting at-risk teens can vary in the range and difficulty of activities they offer, but all require
field staff with experience. Experience in this case includes outdoor skills, safety and first aid, but they must also have training
in treatment and after-care techniques. Directors must have field experience also, but also develop and coordinate operational
aspects of the program. This includes everything from selecting and assigning field staff to designing and implementing new programs. Education.
Bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy, counseling, or related field. Master’s degree is preferred. Experience.
Must have one or more years experience in managing an outdoor youth program. Some form of certification is likely required in most states and may involve testing or background checks. Resume Builders.
Working as the director of an outdoor youth program requires expertise in two areas. Concentrate your education in the counseling arena and find
summertime work with camps or state parks. Get all the outdoors and first aid training you can. Leadership conferences can also prove helpful. Salary. Ranges from $28,000, to an average of $37,000, up to $55,000.
Click here for Therapy Program Director Sample Job
Activities Instructor
If you know how to backpack, or surf, or sail, or ski, or run, or ride a horse and can tell somebody else how to do it, you can
work as an activities instructor. The activities instructor can be found in a wide range of environments. During seasonal periods,
instructors can be hired at hotels along the beach or at mountain lodges. They can work part-time for others, or full-time for
themselves. Most times the only prerequisite an instructor must meet is the ability to actually teach people a skill. It goes
without saying that, in order to properly instruct someone, one must be well spoken, knowledgeable, organized and, at times,
entertaining. Before you attempt to go it on your own, however, make sure you know how to be a salesperson, also. When you work alone, you are your own marketing department. Education.
May not require any formal education, but some states make certification as an instructor mandatory. Experience. When just starting, try to work as an assistant for a large staff of
instructors. Before instructing on you own, learn some business skills. Knowing how to do something, how to teach it, and how to make money teaching it are three very different things. Resume Builders.
Find work at hotels or lodges in well-traveled or respected locales. Try to work with instructors who know how to teach. Take computer and business classes, you’ll need those skills when you want to venture out on your own.
Salary. Varies greatly, from minimum wage to $50,000 or more if you’re good and have been working a long time.
Click here for Activities Instructor Sample Job
Camp Instructor or Park Ranger
Lovers of nature and wildlife may find a career as a camp instructor rewarding. Parks and camps can be found over the entire
country. The role of an instructor or ranger can vary from place to place, depending on the surroundings and staff requirements.
You may find yourself giving daily or long-term guided tours, holding public forums or assisting with wildlife studies. You might
also be required to do regular maintenance or help with security. Whatever the role, the job can be extremely fulfilling for people
with an interest in helping teach others about our natural surrounds and keeping them safe for future generations. Education.
Bachelor’s degree in science or forestry. Master’s degree may be required for more advanced work in some areas. Experience.
Must have prior experience as a camp instructor or park ranger. The level of experience is commensurate with the position sought. Resume Builders.
Develop good interpersonal skills; a vast knowledge of your surroundings isn’t helpful to others unless you can make it interesting. Salary. Ranges from $12,000, to an average of $18,000, to a high of $25,000.
Click here for Camp Instructor or Park Ranger Sample Job
Sports Tour Operator
These days, people want more from their vacation than just a plane ride and a hotel room. As more opportunities for arise,
people want to have an experience rather than just a vacation. The sports tour operator provides the expertise and knowledge to
assist customers with making the most of their trip. From hiking and mountain climbing, to photo safaris and fishing trips, the
sports tour operator provides the client with the equipment and instruction they need for an exciting and safe journey. As a tour
operator, several skills must combine in order to achieve success. You must be salesman first, an expert in the skills and locales covered, a tour guide, and a businessperson above all. Education.
None required, but a wide knowledge of recreational and business skills are important. A bachelor’s degree in business or travel and leisure could prove useful. Experience. Years
developing know-how in the assorted activities you promote. Work in a travel agency or with a sports tour outfit is advised. Sales and marketing experience is also a must. Resume Builders.
Develop superb written and verbal communication capabilities. You can’t get customers if you can’t sell yourself. Networking skills are also advisable for finding the best locales and suppliers. Salary.
Depends on the type and number of tours you conduct yearly.
Click here for Sports Tour Operator Sample Job