Recreation Aid and Assistant
Federal position providing support for recreation programs and activities including equipment management, facility maintenance, and program assistance at military installations and federal facilities.
💰GS-0189 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0189
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Technical and Medical Support Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements for GS-0189:
Specialized Experience (GS-4 and above): Qualifying experience includes roles such as:
- Group leader, counselor, or similar work in public and private recreation programs for adults or children
- Teaching aide in elementary school recreation or physical education
- Recreation aid/assistant during active military service
- Organization and administration of recreation activities
- Summer aid in state or national parks with visitor recreational duties
- Sales or stock clerk in recreation supplies shops
- Hotel or resort recreation service assistant
- Property issuance and inventory control work in recreation facilities
Education and Training Requirements:
- GS-3: Successful completion of 1 year of study above high school
- GS-4: Successful completion of 2 years of study that included at least 12 semester hours in courses related to recreation
- GS-5: Successful completion of a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in courses related to recreation or physical education
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level (Group Standard):
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 6 months | 6 months | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4-year bachelor's degree |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Graduate education if directly related |
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0189
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal recreation aid and assistant position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0189
Services
Air Force Services specialists directly manage and support recreational activities, making them ideal candidates for recreation aid roles.
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Specialist
GS-0189 Recreation Aid and Assistant is an entry point for the recreation track, useful for transitioning Marines targeting NAF recreation roles before stepping up to 0188.
Yeoman
Yeomen handle administrative tasks and often support recreational activities, providing a moderate fit for recreation aid roles.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Assist with recreation programs
- •Set up equipment and facilities
- •Supervise recreational activities
- •Maintain recreation supplies
- •Assist participants
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to assist with recreational activities and programs.
Skill in serving recreation participants professionally.
Ability to set up and maintain recreation equipment.
Knowledge of recreation safety procedures.
Skill in maintaining recreation facilities and areas.
Ability to lead basic recreational activities.
Skill in explaining rules and procedures to participants.
Ability to assist with facility scheduling and reservations.
Skill in maintaining recreation supply inventories.
Basic knowledge of first aid procedures.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0189
What is a Recreation Aid?
A GS-0189 Recreation Aid provides support for recreation programs at federal facilities. These paraprofessionals assist with activities, maintain equipment, and help visitors at military MWR, VA recreation therapy, and National Park Service programs.
How much does a Recreation Aid make?
Recreation Aids earn between $25,142 (GS-2 Step 1) and $44,786 (GS-5 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-3/4/5, earning $27,434-$44,786 annually. Many positions are part-time or seasonal.
What are the requirements for GS-0189?
Entry-level positions require general experience demonstrating ability to work with people and equipment. No specific degree is required. Higher grades require progressively more recreation program support experience.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0189?
Military experience with MWR, outdoor recreation, or fitness programs provides relevant background. Those who worked in recreation support, equipment issue, or activity centers have directly applicable experience.
What is the career progression for Recreation Aid?
Recreation Aids progress from GS-2/3 (entry) through GS-4/5 (senior). Many advance to GS-0188 Recreation Specialist positions with additional experience or education. The aid track provides foundation for recreation careers.
How do I apply for GS-0189 jobs?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Recreation Aid' or '0189' series. Military MWR, VA, and NPS hire recreation aids. These entry-level positions are good starting points for federal careers. Highlight customer service and activity experience.
Ready to Apply for GS-0189?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.