A Day in the Life of a Recreation Coordinator

Are you a fan of the outdoors? Do you like working with like-minded people? Do you enjoy active pursuits and activities such as hiking or cycling? Perhaps you should consider working as a recreation coordinator.

Before you consider this for a career, you should understand the parameters within the scope of this job. In Washington, the average entry level wage for recreation coordinators is $8.19 per hour ($1,420 per month). Half of all coordinators earn between $8.61 and $15.06 per hour ($1,492 and $2,610 per month).

Working for the State of Washington, a coordinator with either two years of college or recreation-related experience could potentially earn between $12.39 and $15.65 per hour. A coordinator with a bachelor's degree and two years experience could potentially earn between $14.58 and $18.55 per hour. Coordinators employed by cities in Washington average $17.51 to $22.48 per hour.

Let’s hypothetically imagine you worked at a community college campus as one of the Recreational Activities Coordinators. A typical Monday would entail rising very early in the morning to ensure being to the campus on time for classes. During the day [on campus] you would teach your assigned classes. And on Fridays lead overnights and day hikes, chaperoning.

“The nice thing about working with college students and not little kids on these hikes is I don’t have to hold their hand, I don’t have to worry quite as much about these guys as I would a 6 or 7 year old; they’re pretty independent. I feel like I could have a very mature, adult conversation with someone in our hiking party.” according to Peter Prescott, who works as one of these coordinators.

On Friday you would expect to start working usually around 6 or 7am till the end of a hike, or until the next day if it’s an overnighter! “If it’s a day I have off, I enjoy it. And if not, then I smile and make it work. And yes, it’s true, the hours are pretty demanding, but I love my job.” says Prescott.

Typically, a recreational leader can come into contact with 10-250 people daily [depending on the day]. Prescott says, “I come into contact with many people throughout the day, students, other instructors and some friends who went in to this occupation as well who I met way back in college. It’s great being able to see them every day. I love the friendships and relationships I make with people around here.”

Your physical work environment can include all sorts of hosts. According to Prescott, “Usually I’m bouncing back and forth between four areas. The [Fitness Center], hikes all over the cascade foothills, my office in the G building and the open gym, teaching classes or a leadership program.”

Nationally, the median wage for coordinators is $1,510 per month ($8.69 per hour). Half of all coordinators earn between $1,230 and $1,970 per month ($7.09 and $11.36 per hour). Useful skills in a specific recreational activity are helpful. Classes in marketing, public administration, communications and accounting are also helpful. You should also consider accreditation in CPR and First Aid, Lifeguarding, Wilderness 1st Responding, Outdoor Life Skills and Life Fitness.