How to become a recreation, sports and fitness policy researcher, consultant or program officer
Official title: Recreation, sports and fitness policy researchers, consultants and program officers
Also called: Sports analyst, Fitness analyst, Sports consultant, Sports counsellor, Sports supervisor, Fitness consultant, Leisure consultant, Recreation analyst, Sports coordinator, Fitness coordinator, Recreation consultant, Recreation counsellor
Policy researchers, consultants and program officers in recreation, sports and fitness oversee and administer recreation, sports and fitness programs and activities, provide consulting services, conduct research and develop programs and policies related to recreation, sports and physical fitness. They are employed by federal, provincial and municipal governments, recreation, sports, fitness and health care facilities, retirement homes, community centres, sports and fitness consulting firms and organizations, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Recreation, sports and fitness consultants
- Provide expert advice and consulting services to communities, corporations, institutions, sports associations, community groups, corporations, schools and other organizations in the design, development and administration of sports programs and activities
- They may write proposals and public relations statements for corporations, industry and the fitness community
- Recreation, sports and fitness policy analysts
- Conduct research and develop government policies related to recreation, sports, fitness and athletic safety and standards
- Recreation, sports and fitness program supervisors
- Develop, plan and coordinate sports, fitness and recreation programs, and special sporting events
How to become one
A university degree in recreation administration, sports administration, physical education, kinesiology or related discipline combined with some work experience in a related field or a college diploma in a recreation, sports or fitness program combined with some experience in a related field is required. Recreation, sports and fitness program supervisors require experience as program leaders or instructors in recreation, sports and fitness. Certification in program specialization, such as fitness or lifesaving, may also be required.
Ways in
- University: Education & Teaching degrees, Offered by 16 universities in Canada
- University: Allied Health degrees, Offered by 9 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $60,450 a year The middle half earn $48,126 to $79,287.
- About 9,300 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 10,800 are projected by 2033. (+16.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
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- Social policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
- Education policy researchers, consultants and program officers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a recreation, sports and fitness policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
A university degree in recreation administration, sports administration, physical education, kinesiology or related discipline combined with some work experience in a related field or a college diploma in a recreation, sports or fitness program combined with some experience in a related field is required. Recreation, sports and fitness program supervisors require experience as program leaders or instructors in recreation, sports and fitness. Certification in program specialization, such as fitness or lifesaving, may also be required.
How much does a recreation, sports and fitness policy researcher, consultant or program officer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $60,450 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $48,126 to $79,287.
Is a recreation, sports and fitness policy researcher, consultant or program officer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 16% by 2033, from about 9,300 to about 10,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a recreation, sports and fitness policy researcher, consultant or program officer?
Not always. 55% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Education & Teaching degrees; Allied Health degrees.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03