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Recreation Co-ordinator

Kaiwhakarite Hākinakina

Recreation co-ordinators plan and run community leisure, before and after-school and sport programmes at venues such as recreation centres, parks, clubs and schools.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary education requirements to become a recreation co-ordinator. However, physical education, English and maths are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate
  • Diploma

Useful experience

Useful experience for recreation co-ordinators includes:

  • teaching
  • coaching a sport
  • involvement in recreational activities or hobbies
  • an interest or participation in sport.

What you will do

Recreation co-ordinators may do some or all of the following:

  • plan and co-ordinate recreation programmes and events, social sports, competitions, and before-school, after-school and school holiday programmes
  • work with the community to design and develop recreation projects
  • prepare budgets and write reports and proposals
  • hire, train and supervise volunteers and staff
  • advise councils and commissions on recreation planning and policies
  • advise and assist community groups to develop recreation programmes and events.

Skills and knowledge

Recreation co-ordinators need to have:

  • knowledge of different leisure, sports and recreation activities
  • knowledge of hazard management, and health and safety planning skills
  • a love of recreation and sport
  • budgeting, business management and marketing skills.
Pay

Recreation co-ordinators usually earn

$48K-$57K

per year

Senior recreation co-ordinators usually earn

$60K-$83K

per year

Job opportunities
Good
Chances of getting a job as a recreation co-ordinator are good due to steady demand for their services in out-of-school programmes.

Industry

Sport and Recreation

Recreation co-ordinators plan and run community leisure, before and after-school and sport programmes at venues such as recreation centres, parks, clubs and schools.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a recreation co-ordinator. However, a certificate or diploma in leisure studies, physical education, sports administration or community recreation may be useful. Many local governments prefer recreation co-ordinators to have a Bachelor's degree.

Most employers prefer you to have a driver's licence and First Aid Certificate.

The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 means that if you have certain serious convictions, you can’t be employed in a role where you are responsible for, or work alone with, children. 

Chances of getting a job

Good opportunities for recreation co-ordinators with out-of-school programmes

Out of school programmes offer the best chance of securing a recreation co-ordinator job. These roles are in high demand as many working parents and caregivers rely on after-school and holiday programmes to look after their children.

COVID-19 pandemic decreases demand in recreation centres

Job opportunities for recreation co-ordinators in recreation centres are poor because the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced demand for workers.

Demand may improve as restrictions to control the spread of the pandemic ease.

The best way to become a recreation co-ordinator in a recreation centre is to contact employers directly or use volunteer networks. 

According to the Census, 330 recreation co-ordinators worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Recreation co-ordinators may work for a variety of employers, including:

  • out-of-school care and recreation providers
  • iwi and local authorities such as city and district councils
  • schools and universities
  • sport groups, clubs and recreation centres
  • government agencies such as Sport New Zealand.

Find out more about training

New Zealand Recreation Association
(04) 801 5598 - info@nzrecreation.org.nz - www.nzrecreation.org.nz
Out of School Care Network
(09) 366 0320 - oscn@xtra.co.nz - www.oscn.nz
Te Mahi Ako
0508 475 455 - info@temahiako.org.nz - www.temahiako.org.nz

Progression and specialisations

Recreation co-ordinators may progress to set up their own out of school programmes or buy into out of school care franchises, or move into events or facility management roles.

Recreation co-ordinators can also progress into recreation policy planning or community development adviser roles in local government.

Working conditions

Recreation co-ordinators:

  • may work regular office hours, mornings or evenings, or weekends at events
  • work in offices, churches, community halls or at sports grounds
  • travel to different recreation centres, sports fields, schools and marae.

Physical Requirements

Recreation co-ordinators need to have a good level of physical fitness and must be strong enough to move equipment.

Useful personal qualities

Recreation co-ordinators need to be:

  • enthusiastic and patient
  • mature and responsible
  • good communicators
  • good leaders and able to motivate others
  • able to get on with a wide range of people
  • well organised, with planning and project management skills
  • able to work well under pressure to meet deadlines.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Sport and Recreation

Recreation co-ordinators plan and run community leisure, before and after-school and sport programmes at venues such as recreation centres, parks, clubs and schools.

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