Director of Parks (Full-Time, Exempt)

Ifoot Hills; Littleton (CO); On-site; USD 108,000 - 144,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Retirement Plan

Job summary

Foothills Recreation District seeks a Director of Parks to lead planning, operations, and development of parks, trails, and fleet services. You will guide capital projects, budgets, and interdepartmental collaboration to meet financial and service goals while representing the district externally.

The role requires a strong background in park management, 10 years of supervisory experience, and proven ability to work with boards and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Park Management, Environmental Science, or related field preferred.
• 10 years supervisory experience in planning/construction or parks maintenance.
• Experience with Boards/commissions and partner agencies for 5+ years.
• Budget planning and grant funding knowledge.
• Knowledge of park planning, maintenance, and capital improvements.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for parks, fleet services, and capital programs.
• Develop departmental vision, goals, and policies with a culture of service.
• Serve on the leadership team and advise the Executive Director.
• Set goals, monitor performance, and take corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee construction, renovation, and maintenance of parks and facilities.
• Coordinate subdivision reviews and development proposals with districts.
• Negotiate and oversee contracts; review plans for project compliance.
• Lead staffing, recruitment, training, performance management, and development.
• Develop and monitor operating and capital budgets; pursue grants.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Parks planning

Budgeting

Contract management

Staff development

Public engagement

Project management

Negotiation

Policy development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Park Management or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

• Additional Location : Peak Community & Wellness Center
• Resume Required : Yes
• Cover Letter Required : Yes
• Salary : $108107 USD Annually - $144143 USD Annually

Job Description

Position: Director of Parks (Full-Time, Exempt)

Application Deadline: 10/1/2026

Hiring Salary Range: $108,107 - $144,143

Full Salary Range: $108,107 - $180,179

Under the general direction of the Executive Director, this position is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the operation, maintenance and development of the District’s parks, planning and fleet services. Responsible for overseeing park capital repair needs and replacement projects through final construction. Serves as part of the District management team; this position must work collaboratively and cooperatively with other District departments. Must be able to implement strategies and initiatives to position and operate the Parks department appropriately, achieving established financial and service provision goals. This position must represent the Parks Department and the entire District in a knowledgeable and professional manner.

Essential Functions :

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the District's parks, planning, property management, fleet services, capital improvement programs, and related operations.
• Develop and implement the Department's vision, mission, goals, master plans, policies, and procedures while fostering a culture of service, excellence, innovation, and community engagement.
• Serve as a member of the District's leadership team and as a technical advisor to the Executive Director on park planning, development, operations, policies, and long-range strategic initiatives.
• Establish departmental goals, priorities, performance measures, and operational standards; monitor progress and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Direct and oversee the acquisition, planning, design, construction, renovation, maintenance, and improvement of parks, trails, open space, and related facilities.
• Coordinate District review of subdivision plats , rezoning requests, development proposals, and negotiations with developers to ensure alignment with District goals and plans.
• Negotiate, administer, and oversee construction, acquisition, professional service, and maintenance contracts; review plans and specifications to ensure compliance with project requirements.
• Lead workforce planning and personnel management activities, including recruitment, training, performance management, employee development, and disciplinary actions.
• Develop, administer, and monitor departmental operating and capital budgets; authorize expenditures, oversee procurement processes, prepare financial projections, and secure grant funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with District policies, applicable regulations, contract requirements, and safety standards; promote a safe environment for employees, contractors, and the public.
• Manage and monitor all water resources used for park and facility irrigation purposes which may include serving on the Bergen Ditch & Reservoir Company Board or other like entities.
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with Board members, staff, contractors, governmental agencies, community organizations, developers, volunteers, and the public.
• Represent the District and Department at Board meetings, public meetings, professional organizations, and community events; prepare and present reports, recommendations, and project updates.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement and public outreach efforts related to park planning, development, capital improvements, and recreational initiatives.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, funding opportunities, and best practices to support continuous improvement and innovation.

Working Environment: This position regularly works in a climate-controlled office environment but will also work in the field as needed. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors and may include exposure to various weather conditions and other environmental elements such as noise, fumes, dust, mists, gases, grasses, molds, fertilizers, solvents, oils, and greases. This position also requires the ability to drive to various park and facility locations.

Physical Requirements : The physical demands described here may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be able to move about park sites, facilities, and construction areas to conduct inspections and oversee projects . Occasionally will be required to lift and move up to 20 pounds unassisted and up to 50 pounds with assistance . Must be able to observe and assess park conditions, construction work, and safety hazards, including at a distance and in varying light and weather conditions. Must be able to operate standard office equipment and computer systems. Must be able to communicate effectively and exchange accurate information wi th staff, the Board, contractors, and the public . Strong communication skills utilizing multiple mediums – verbal, written, and presentation is required . Occasional contact with chemicals used for cleaning as required .

Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Park Management, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, or directly related field preferred.
• Ten (10) years supervisory experience in planning and construction projects and/or parks and grounds maintenance; or any equivalent combination of acceptable education and years of experience.
• Experience working with Boards, Commissions, community associations and/or partner agencies for at least five (5) years.
• Management experience in a department with similar facilities, functions and programming, preferably serving populations of 50,000 or more.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of principles and practices related to the planning and administration of a comprehensive park program as well as maintenance and renovation of parks.
• Grant application development and completion, funding sources and related legislation.
• Knowledge of budget planning, development and control.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures governing the operation and use of parks.
• Basic knowledge of property and water management.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and general office equipment (computer, copier, phone, etc.). Proficiency with applicable computer software including Microsoft 36 5 applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) .

Other Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment. Must be insurable by the District insurance carrier at the onset and for the duration of employment.

As a full-time Foothills employee, benefits include:

• Paid Time-Off (vacation, personal & sick time) which equates to 4+ weeks/year
• 8 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday/year
• Recreation discounts and perks for you and your dependents including but not limited to:
  • FREE use of our recreation/fitness centers, swimming pools, and ice arena
  • FREE or discounted fitness classes
  • Golf green fee discounts and free driving range use
  • Discounts on childcare and other classes/programs
• 100% paid Term Life Insurance and AD&D
• 401(k) with annual District discretionary contribution
• Flexible Spending Account (medical and/or dependent care)
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance available
• Long-Term and Short-Term Disability insurances available
• Wellness Program- earn additional personal time or medical insurance discount and more!
• Tuition Reimbursement program

About Us

Creating Community, Enhancing Health, Inspiring Play! We fulfill our mission by providing a variety of recreational services, programs and activities for both youth and adults. We operate three recreation centers, two golf courses, a two-sheet ice arena, swimming pools, and two indoor sports facilities. In addition, we maintain 68 park sites and over 30 miles in trails. Joining our team means you will contribute to the well-being of your community.

Qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status or sexual orientation. Solely to help us comply with federal and state Equal Opportunity record keeping, reporting, and other legal requirements, we request that you complete this data information questionnaire.

PLEASE NOTE: Refusal to complete this information will not subject any applicant or employee to adverse treatment. The information that you provide will be recorded and maintained in a confidential file, separate from all other records. This information will not be used in consideration for your employment.

• Male
• Female
• I Decline To Answer
• Hispanic or Latino (Persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, South or Central America, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race)
• White or Caucasian (Not Hispanic or Latino) - Persons having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East or North Africa.
• Black or African American (Not Hispanic or Latino) - Persons having origins in the black racial groups of Africa.
• Asian (Not Hispanic or Latino) - Persons having origins in the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian subcontinent including Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand and Vietnam.
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (Not Hispanic or Latino) - Persons having origins in Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands.
• Two or More Races (Not Hispanic or Latino) - All persons who identify with more than one of the above five race categories.
• I Decline

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability

Form CC-305 OMB Control Number 1250-0005

Why are you being asked to complete this form?

We may be a federal contractor or subcontractor. The law requires us to provide equalemployment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We have a goal of having at least 7% ofour workers as people with disabilities. The law says we must measure our progress towards this goal. Todo this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had one. People canbecome disabled, so we need to ask this question at least every five years.

Completing this form is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer isconfidential. No one who makes hiring decisions will see it. Your decision to complete the form and youranswer will not harm you in any way. If you want to learn more about the law or this form, visit theU.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website atwww.dol.gov/ofccp.

How do you know if you have a disability?

A disability is a condition that substantially limits one or more of your “major lifeactivities.” If you have or have ever had such a condition, you are a person with a disability.Disabilities include, but are not limited to:

• Alcohol or other substance use disorder (not currently using drugs illegally)
• Blind or low vision
• Cancer (past or present)
• Cardiovascular or heart disease
• Celiac disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Deaf or hard of hearing
• Diabetes
• Disfigurement, for example, disfigurement caused by burns, wounds, accidents, or conge nial disorders
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome
• Mental health conditions, for example, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD
• Missing limbs or partially missing limbs
• Mobility impairment, benefiting from the use of a wheelchair, scooter, walker, legbrace(s) and/or other supports
• Nervous system condition, for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Neurodivergence, for example,attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), autismspectrum disorder,dyslexia, dyspraxia, other learningdisabilities
• Partial or complete paralysis (anycause)
• Pulmonary or respiratory conditions, for example, tuberculosis, asthma, emphysema
• Yes, I Have A Disability, Or Have A History/Record Of Having A Disability
• No, I Don't Have A Disability, Or A History/Record Of Having A Disability
• I don't wish to answer

Veteran

This employer may be a Government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, as amended by the Jobs for Veterans Act of 2002, 38 U.S.C. 4212 (VEVRAA), which requires Government contractors to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment:

• Disabled veterans;
• Recently separated veterans;
• Active duty wartime or campaign badge veterans;
• Armed Forces service medal veterans.

Protected veterans may have additional rights under USERRA - the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. In particular, if you were absent from employment in order to perform service in the uniformed service, you may be entitled to be reemployed by your employer in the position you would have obtained with reasonable certainty if not for the absence due to service. For more information, call the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS), toll- free, at 1-866-4-USA-DOL.

• I identify as one or more of the classifications of protected Veteran listed above
• I am not a protected Veteran