The recreation and leisure service field includes people who assume programming, management and supervisory positions in agencies and organizations responsible for planning, organizing and directing individuals or groups in the pursuit of leisure activities. Recreation professionals may work in rural, suburban, or urban settings with people of varied ages and socioeconomic status.
Specialists also work with the disabled in clinical, residential and community settings.
Major career areas include recreation program services, park and natural resource management, employee services, commercial recreation, youth services, volunteer services, travel and tourism, and therapeutic recreation. The ability to work well with people and motivate them is one basic qualification necessary for all employees in the recreation and leisure service field. Creativity, leadership skills, decision-making ability, good health, and physical stamina are also necessary qualities. A flexible attitude towards one's work schedule is also required, as some positions include evening and weekend hours. Entry-level positions in recreation require a bachelor's degree.