Recreation Officer (NSW/ACT)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

To become a recreation officer you usually have to complete a VET qualification in sport and recreation, leisure and health, outdoor recreation or events and facility management. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a recreation officer through a traineeship in Community Recreation, Outdoor Recreation or Sport and Recreation. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have a degree in exercise and sports science, sport and recreation management, human movement and health studies, exercise science or physical activity studies. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, health studies, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, physical science and sport science are usually required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

For full details, refer to the entries on the website at http://jobguide.deewr.gov.au, the myfuture website at www.myfuture.edu.au or institution handbooks.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Demonstrate Navigation Skills in a Controlled Environment (SIS Unit)
  2. Drive a 4WD Vehicle in Difficult Terrain (SIS Unit) *
  3. Four Wheel Drive (Training Program)
  4. Plan for Minimal Environmental Impact (SRO Unit)
  5. Plan Outdoor Recreation Activities (SIS Unit) *
  6. Undertake Risk Analysis of Activities (SIS Unit)
  7. Certificate II in Community Recreation *
  8. Certificate II in Community Recreation (06)
  9. Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation *
  10. Certificate II in Sport and Recreation *
  11. Certificate II in Sport and Recreation (06) *
  12. Certificate III in Aquatics
  13. Certificate III in Community Activity Programs *
  14. Certificate III in Community Recreation - Aquatic Pool Operations *
  15. Certificate III in Outdoor Recreation *
  16. Certificate III in Sport and Recreation *
  17. Certificate III in Sport and Recreation - General Administration
  18. Certificate IV in Children's Services - Outside School Hours Care *
  19. Certificate IV in Community Recreation *
  20. Certificate IV in Leisure and Health *
  21. Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation *
  22. Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation - Outdoor Activities *
  23. Certificate IV in Sport and Recreation - General Administration
  24. Diploma of Leisure and Health *
  25. Diploma of Outdoor Recreation *
  26. Diploma of Sport and Recreation - Facilities *
  27. Diploma of Sport and Recreation - Recreation
  28. Diploma of Sport Development
  29. Bachelor of Applied Science - Adventure Ecotourism
  30. Bachelor of Applied Science - Parks, Recreation and Heritage
  31. Bachelor of Health Science - Leisure and Health
  32. Bachelor of Sports Management

Employment Opportunities:

Recreation officers manage and coordinate a variety of organisations, programs and facilities. They may be employed by government authorities, community organisations, schools, commercial organisations such as health and fitness agencies, outdoor recreation or adventure recreation organisations and sports associations. Leisure management is a growing area and people with management or marketing qualifications are sought after.

For Further Information:

New South Wales Sport and Recreation

(02) 9006 3700

Sportspeople

1800 634 388

Information for other states and territories: