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Recreation and Fitness Workers

Job Zone
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

  • Enforce rules and regulations of recreational facilities to maintain discipline and ensure safety.84
  • Organize, lead, and promote interest in recreational activities, such as arts, crafts, sports, games, camping, and hobbies.82
  • Assess the needs and interests of individuals and groups and plan activities accordingly, given the available equipment or facilities.82
  • Manage the daily operations of recreational facilities.81
  • Administer first aid according to prescribed procedures and notify emergency medical personnel when necessary.81
  • Complete and maintain time and attendance forms and inventory lists.77
  • Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in recreational activities and demonstrate use of materials and equipment.77
  • Serve as liaison between park or recreation administrators and activity instructors.76
  • Direct special activities or events, such as aquatics, gymnastics, or performing arts.75
  • Supervise and coordinate the work activities of personnel, such as training staff members and assigning work duties.75
  • Evaluate recreation areas, facilities, and services to determine if they are producing desired results.75
  • Schedule maintenance and use of facilities.75
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  • Document individuals' progress toward meeting their treatment goals.74
  • Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other participants, explaining facility rules, and encouraging participation.74
  • Conduct individual in-room visits with residents.74
  • Confer with management to discuss and resolve participant complaints.72
  • Develop treatment goals for individuals based on their assessments.70
  • Evaluate staff performance, recording evaluations on appropriate forms.70
  • Meet with staff to discuss rules, regulations, and work-related problems.69
  • Oversee the purchase, planning, design, construction, and upkeep of recreation facilities and areas.68
  • Encourage participants to develop their own activities and leadership skills through group discussions.67
  • Take residents on community outings.66
  • Meet and collaborate with agency personnel, community organizations, and other professional personnel to plan balanced recreational programs for participants.65
  • Provide for entertainment and set up related decorations and equipment.62

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

  • Active Listening75

    Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

  • Coordination75

    Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

  • Service Orientation75

    Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Social Perceptiveness75

    Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

  • Speaking75

    Talking to others to convey information effectively.

  • Instructing69

    Teaching others how to do something.

  • Monitoring69

    Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

  • Critical Thinking56

    Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Time Management56

    Managing one's own time and the time of others.

  • Active Learning53

    Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

  • Complex Problem Solving53

    Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

  • Learning Strategies53

    Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

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  • Management of Personnel Resources53

    Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

  • Persuasion53

    Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

  • Reading Comprehension53

    Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

  • Writing53

    Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

  • Judgment and Decision Making50

    Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

  • Negotiation50

    Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

  • Systems Analysis47

    Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

  • Systems Evaluation44

    Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

  • Management of Material Resources41

    Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.

  • Mathematics28

    Using mathematics to solve problems.

  • Management of Financial Resources25

    Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.

  • Operations Analysis25

    Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.

  • Operations Monitoring25

    Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Quality Control Analysis22

    Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

  • Technology Design22

    Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.

  • Troubleshooting22

    Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Operation and Control16

    Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

  • Science16

    Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

  • Equipment Selection10

    Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

  • Programming10

    Writing computer programs for various purposes.

  • Equipment Maintenance0

    Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

  • Installation0

    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Repairing0

    Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

  • English Language78

    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

  • Public Safety and Security71

    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

  • Customer and Personal Service66

    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

  • Education and Training63

    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

  • Law and Government61

    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

  • Administrative54

    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

  • Psychology54

    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

  • Computers and Electronics51

    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

  • Mathematics50

    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

  • Administration and Management49

    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

  • Communications and Media44

    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.

  • Therapy and Counseling42

    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

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  • Transportation42

    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

  • Sociology and Anthropology39

    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

  • Philosophy and Theology38

    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.

  • Personnel and Human Resources35

    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

  • Fine Arts34

    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

  • Telecommunications31

    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

  • Sales and Marketing27

    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.

  • Production and Processing26

    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

  • Geography22

    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.

  • Economics and Accounting21

    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

  • History and Archeology21

    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.

  • Mechanical21

    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Medicine and Dentistry21

    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

  • Design20

    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

  • Biology12

    Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

  • Engineering and Technology11

    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

  • Foreign Language10

    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

  • Building and Construction8

    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Chemistry8

    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

  • Food Production8

    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

  • Physics7

    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

  • Oral Comprehension75

    The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

  • Oral Expression75

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

  • Speech Clarity72

    The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

  • Near Vision66

    The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Problem Sensitivity66

    The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Speech Recognition66

    The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

  • Written Comprehension60

    The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

  • Deductive Reasoning56

    The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Category Flexibility53

    The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

  • Far Vision53

    The ability to see details at a distance.

  • Fluency of Ideas53

    The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).

  • Information Ordering53

    The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

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  • Originality53

    The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.

  • Written Expression53

    The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

  • Inductive Reasoning50

    The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

  • Selective Attention50

    The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

  • Time Sharing50

    The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).

  • Gross Body Coordination47

    The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.

  • Stamina47

    The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

  • Trunk Strength44

    The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

  • Flexibility of Closure41

    The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

  • Perceptual Speed41

    The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

  • Speed of Closure41

    The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.

  • Visualization41

    The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

  • Multilimb Coordination38

    The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

  • Static Strength35

    The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

  • Auditory Attention31

    The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

  • Mathematical Reasoning31

    The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

  • Dynamic Strength28

    The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

  • Extent Flexibility28

    The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Gross Body Equilibrium28

    The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

  • Number Facility28

    The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

  • Visual Color Discrimination28

    The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness25

    The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Depth Perception25

    The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

  • Finger Dexterity25

    The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

  • Hearing Sensitivity25

    The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

  • Memorization25

    The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.

  • Explosive Strength22

    The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.

  • Manual Dexterity19

    The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

  • Control Precision16

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

  • Reaction Time16

    The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

  • Speed of Limb Movement16

    The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.

  • Wrist-Finger Speed16

    The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.

  • Response Orientation10

    The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

  • Glare Sensitivity6

    The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.

  • Dynamic Flexibility3

    The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

  • Night Vision0

    The ability to see under low-light conditions.

  • Peripheral Vision0

    The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

  • Rate Control0

    The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

  • Sound Localization0

    The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

  • Spatial Orientation0

    The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

  • Getting Information89

    Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

  • Thinking Creatively88

    Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates85

    Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

  • Scheduling Work and Activities83

    Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships80

    Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems80

    Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79

    Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings78

    Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge76

    Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others75

    Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

  • Documenting/Recording Information75

    Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

  • Processing Information75

    Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

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  • Developing and Building Teams74

    Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public73

    Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others72

    Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

  • Working with Computers72

    Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards70

    Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources69

    Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

  • Assisting and Caring for Others68

    Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

  • Developing Objectives and Strategies68

    Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People68

    Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

  • Training and Teaching Others68

    Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

  • Coaching and Developing Others66

    Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events66

    Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

  • Performing General Physical Activities66

    Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization65

    Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others64

    Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

  • Performing Administrative Activities64

    Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others64

    Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

  • Analyzing Data or Information63

    Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

  • Staffing Organizational Units59

    Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates58

    Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information57

    Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials57

    Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

  • Selling or Influencing Others54

    Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

  • Handling and Moving Objects52

    Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes37

    Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment37

    Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment35

    Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment34

    Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment17

    Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

  • Cooperation81

    A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

  • Dependability80

    A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

  • Social Orientation80

    A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.

  • Leadership Orientation65

    A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

  • Optimism59

    A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

  • Sincerity58

    A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.

  • Self-Control57

    A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

  • Integrity53

    A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

  • Initiative49

    A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

  • Innovation47

    A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.

  • Perseverance45

    A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

  • Adaptability43

    A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

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  • Attention to Detail43

    A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

  • Empathy42

    A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

  • Humility41

    A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.

  • Stress Tolerance37

    A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

  • Self-Confidence35

    A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

  • Tolerance for Ambiguity32

    A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

  • Cautiousness30

    A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

  • Achievement Orientation29

    A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

  • Intellectual Curiosity12

    A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

  • Social65

    Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

  • Enterprising59

    Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

  • Realistic46

    Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

  • Conventional41

    Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

  • Artistic34

    Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

  • Investigative16

    Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

  • Contact With Others

    • Constant contact with others83%
    • Contact with others most of the time16%
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

    • Every day67%
    • Once a week or more but not every day26%
  • Telephone Conversations

    • Every day65%
    • Once a week or more but not every day26%
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

    • Extremely important65%
    • Very important19%
    • Important16%
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

    • A lot of freedom47%
    • Some freedom40%
    • Limited freedom12%
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

    • Every day75%
    • Never14%
  • Freedom to Make Decisions

    • A lot of freedom44%
    • Some freedom32%
    • Limited freedom18%
  • Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

    • Extremely important30%
    • Very important38%
    • Important22%
  • Physical Proximity

    • Very close (near touching)36%
    • Moderately close (at arm's length)25%
    • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)28%
    • I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)11%
  • Frequency of Decision Making

    • Every day57%
    • Once a year or more but not every month14%
    • Never18%
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility39%
    • High responsibility27%
    • No responsibility23%
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

    • Extremely important11%
    • Very important49%
    • Important24%
    • Fairly important14%
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  • Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

    • Every day33%
    • Once a week or more but not every day12%
    • Once a month or more but not every week33%
    • Once a year or more but not every month23%
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

    • Every day40%
    • Once a week or more but not every day25%
    • Once a year or more but not every month20%
    • Never15%
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

    • Very important results29%
    • Important results38%
    • Minor results25%
  • E-Mail

    • Every day51%
    • Never32%
  • Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

    • Extremely important39%
    • Very important20%
    • Fairly important17%
    • Not important at all18%
  • Consequence of Error

    • Extremely serious40%
    • Serious27%
    • Fairly serious21%
  • Time Pressure

    • Every day23%
    • Once a week or more but not every day18%
    • Once a month or more but not every week34%
    • Once a year or more but not every month17%
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

    • Extremely important16%
    • Very important22%
    • Important37%
    • Fairly important24%
  • Written Letters and Memos

    • Every day14%
    • Once a week or more but not every day14%
    • Once a month or more but not every week52%
    • Once a year or more but not every month18%
  • Conflict Situations

    • Once a week or more but not every day32%
    • Once a month or more but not every week21%
    • Once a year or more but not every month32%
  • Public Speaking

    • Every day22%
    • Once a month or more but not every week34%
    • Once a year or more but not every month24%
    • Never15%
  • Spend Time Standing

    • About half the time62%
    • Less than half the time25%
  • Spend Time Sitting

    • More than half the time23%
    • About half the time48%
    • Less than half the time28%
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

    • Very high responsibility14%
    • High responsibility20%
    • Moderate responsibility23%
    • Limited responsibility21%
    • No responsibility21%
  • Duration of Typical Work Week

    • More than 40 hours21%
    • 40 hours38%
    • Less than 40 hours41%
  • Exposed to Contaminants

    • Every day31%
    • Once a month or more but not every week11%
    • Never47%
  • Spend Time Walking or Running

    • About half the time50%
    • Less than half the time35%
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections

    • Every day25%
    • Once a month or more but not every week15%
    • Once a year or more but not every month15%
    • Never44%
  • Level of Competition

    • Moderately competitive35%
    • Slightly competitive22%
    • Not at all competitive29%
  • Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

    • Once a week or more but not every day27%
    • Never57%
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

    • Once a week or more but not every day33%
    • Never48%
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

    • Every day14%
    • Once a week or more but not every day15%
    • Once a month or more but not every week12%
    • Never57%
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

    • Continually or almost continually12%
    • Less than half the time30%
    • Never40%
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

    • Continually or almost continually12%
    • Less than half the time49%
    • Never30%
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

    • Once a week or more but not every day20%
    • Once a month or more but not every week23%
    • Once a year or more but not every month11%
    • Never46%
  • Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

    • About half the time17%
    • Less than half the time39%
    • Never31%
  • Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

    • Once a week or more but not every day23%
    • Never64%
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

    • Once a week or more but not every day18%
    • Never73%
  • Degree of Automation

    • Moderately automated17%
    • Slightly automated43%
    • Not at all automated40%
  • Outdoors, Under Cover

    • Once a week or more but not every day19%
    • Never71%
  • Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

    • Continually or almost continually13%
    • Less than half the time19%
    • Never68%
  • Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

    • Less than half the time40%
    • Never53%
  • Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

    • Once a year or more but not every month25%
    • Never63%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

    • Never81%
  • Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

    • Never81%
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

    • Once a month or more but not every week11%
    • Once a year or more but not every month19%
    • Never69%
  • Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

    • Once a month or more but not every week11%
    • Never82%
  • Work Schedules

    • Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)19%
    • Regular (established routine, set schedule)81%
  • Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

    • Less than half the time18%
    • Never82%
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

    • Never88%
  • Exposed to High Places

    • Never89%
  • In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

    • Never96%
  • Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

    • Not important at all92%
  • Exposed to Radiation

    • Never100%
  • Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

    • Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

  • Office suite software

    Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software

  • Computer based training software

    Appletree

  • Data base user interface and query software

    Database software, Recordkeeping software

  • Spreadsheet software

    Microsoft Excel

  • Electronic mail software

    Microsoft Outlook

  • Desktop publishing software

    Microsoft Publisher

  • Video creation and editing software

    YouTube

  • Operating system software

    Microsoft Windows

  • Word processing software

    Microsoft Word

  • Instant messaging software

    GroupMe

  • Internet browser software

    Microsoft Internet Explorer

  • Presentation software

    Microsoft PowerPoint

  • Calendar and scheduling software

    Scheduling software

Professional Associations

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

  • Enforce rules or regulations.
  • Organize recreational activities or events.
  • Gather information in order to provide services to clients.
  • Promote products, services, or programs.
  • Monitor recreational facility operations.
  • Administer first aid.
  • Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
  • Prepare operational reports or records.
  • Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use.
  • Liaise between departments or other groups to improve function or communication.
  • Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
  • Supervise service workers.
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  • Train service staff.
  • Arrange facility schedules.
  • Document client health or progress.
  • Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
  • Visit individuals in their homes to provide support or information.
  • Communicate with management or other staff to resolve problems.
  • Develop treatment plans for patients or clients.
  • Evaluate employee performance.
  • Provide counsel, comfort, or encouragement to individuals or families.
  • Accompany individuals or groups to activities.
  • Develop plans for programs or services.
  • Arrange items for use or display.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

  • Recreation Assistant
O*NET in-it

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology

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