What Does an Athletic Facilities Attendant Do?
Working a rec center desk can be quiet and, at times, hectic, when a pickup game runs long and a line of students waits to swipe in. Athletic facilities attendants work on their feet and spend a lot of time checking IDs, setting up courts or wiping down machines for students, members and teams. They're often nearest when someone gets hurt, so CPR and first aid training matters.
Also known as: Recreation Facility Attendant
Athletic Facilities Attendant Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of an athletic facilities attendant include:
- Check IDs or memberships at the front desk and swipe patrons into the building.
- Set up and take down courts, nets, mats and bleachers for classes and games.
- Walk the weight room, pool deck and courts to enforce rules and spot hazards.
- Wipe down machines, benches and mats and restock sanitizer and towels.
- Rent out equipment such as balls and rackets, and log each return.
- Respond to injuries with first aid and CPR and call emergency services when needed.
- Open and lock up the building on schedule and clear it at closing time.
- Report broken equipment, leaks and lighting problems to the facilities supervisor.
- Answer questions about hours, programs and memberships in person and by phone.
- Fill out incident and daily activity logs before the end of each shift.
Required Skills and Qualifications
To succeed as an athletic facilities attendant, you will need the following skills and qualifications:
- CPR, AED and first aid certification
- Friendly, firm rule enforcement
- Stamina for setup work and long shifts on your feet
- Membership and check-in software
- Basic equipment cleaning and care
- A calm response to injuries
- Reliability for early, late and weekend shifts
- Teamwork with coaches, trainers and custodians
Education and Training
CPR certification is usually the only requirement on paper, with no formal education expected and training done on the job. Rec centers hire students and other job seekers alike, looking for reliable people who enjoy sports and crowds.
Salary and Job Outlook
Typical pay: $27,660 - $36,590 per year, with a median of $32,150.
The range covers the middle half of earners nationwide. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Amusement and Recreation Attendants.
According to BLS, employment of amusement and recreation attendants is projected to grow about 4 percent from 2025 to 2035. That large group, which includes theme park and ski lift staff, expects about 100,400 openings a year, many of them part time or seasonal. Campus and city rec centers often hire before each term, so students who want work near class tend to find a spot.
Outlook source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2025 to 2035, Amusement and recreation attendants.