Recreation, Sport, and Fitness Program Leaders and Instructors
(NOC 5254)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportProgram leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness lead and instruct groups and individuals in recreational, sports, fitness, or athletic programs. They work for community centres, sports and fitness clubs, outdoor centres, resorts, recreational facilities, health care facilities, retirement homes, correctional institutions, government departments, private businesses, tourism associations and similar organizations.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Public interest in fitness and health should continue to create a demand for these types of positions although there is some dependency on government funding for facilities, programs, and staffing. The resumption of seasonal recreation programs in 2022 following the relaxation of COVID-19 containment measures contributed to shortages for certain jobs under this occupational group, such as lifeguards. Job opportunities are often part-time or seasonal, lower-paying, and filled by students during the summer months.
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$15.00
Median$23.08
MaximumAnnual Pay
$915
Minimum$5,177
Median$26,922
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness lead and instruct groups and individuals in recreational, sports, fitness, or athletic programs. They work for community centres, sports and fitness clubs, outdoor centres, resorts, recreational facilities, health care facilities, retirement homes, correctional institutions, government departments, private businesses, tourism associations and similar organizations.
Job duties
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport, and fitness:
- Plan and carry out recreational, athletic, fitness and sports activities.
- Assemble supplies and sports and game equipment.
- Demonstrate and instruct athletic, fitness or sports activities and techniques.
- Instruct groups and individuals in arts, crafts and similar activities and lead groups and individuals in recreational or leisure programs.
- Attend to clients with special needs.
- Provide lifestyle awareness information.
- Conduct therapeutic recreational or athletic activities.
- Monitor recreational, sports or fitness activities to ensure safety and provide emergency or first aid assistance when required.
- Enforce safety rules and regulations.
- Help with special event coordination.
- Schedule activities, keep logs, maintain records, and prepare reports.
- May train and supervise staff.
- May maintain and repair sports equipment.
Sample job titles
- camp counsellor
- camp leader
- fitness instructor
- lifeguard
- personal trainer
- recreation instructor
- recreation program leader
- sports and recreation leader
- sports instructor
- yoga instructor
Skills
- You should be determined, patient, and self-confident. You must be able to organize and plan activities as well as motivate and encourage others to perform at their best. Leadership and decision-making skills may be needed in teaching and training. Both spoken and written communication skills are essential for teaching and instructing. Good physical stamina and an interest in sports and physical fitness are also advised.
Job requirements
- High school is usually required.
- A college program in recreation or physical education or extensive experience in a specific recreational or sports program activity is usually required.
- Certification is usually required in a specific area of recreational, sports or fitness activity like ski instructor or personal trainer, or in first aid or emergency care.
- Fitness appraiser certification may be required for fitness appraisers.
Other considerations
- Depending on the job, workers may work only part of the year and be unemployed in the fall and winter. Demonstrated ability in a particular recreational, sports or fitness discipline is required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$5,803 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$5,332 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$4,224 median annual incomeSouthern
$4,446 median annual incomeCape Breton
$6,067 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Educational services
Public administration
Health care and social assistance
Other services (except public administration)
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
High school
$5,680 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,385 median annual incomeBachelor
$10,952 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$11,776 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$12,035 median annual incomeCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Health and Physical Education
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on activities and principles that promote physical fitness, achieve and maintain athletic prowess, and accomplish related research and service goals. They include courses in human movement studies, motivation studies, rules and practice of specific sports, exercise and fitness principles and techniques, basic athletic injury prevention and treatment, and organizing and leading fitness and sports programs.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Health and Wellness
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to assume roles as health/wellness professionals in private business and industry, community organizations, and health care settings. They include courses in personal health, community health and welfare, nutrition, epidemiology, disease prevention, fitness and exercise, and health behaviours.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Kinesiology and Exercise Science
College or University ProgramThese programs focus on the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and biophysics of human movement, and applications to exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation. They include courses in biomechanics, motor behaviour, motor development and coordination, motor neurophysiology, performance research, rehabilitative therapies, the development of diagnostic and rehabilitative methods and equipment, and related analytical methods and procedures in applied exercise and therapeutic rehabilitation.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to develop and manage park facilities and other indoor and outdoor recreation and leisure facilities. They include courses in supervising support personnel, health and safety standards, public relations, and basic business and marketing principles.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the principles underlying recreational and leisure activities, and the practices involved in providing indoor and outdoor recreational facilities and services for the general public.
Institutions providing this program
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply business, coaching and physical education principles to the organization, administration and management of athletic programs and teams, fitness/rehabilitation facilities and health clubs, sport recreation services, and related services. They include courses in program planning and development, business and financial management principles, sales, marketing and recruitment, event promotion, scheduling and management, facilities management, public relations, legal aspects of sports, and applicable health and safety standards.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
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