Project Manager - Parks and Recreation

City Of Wheat Ridge; Wheat Ridge (CO); On-site; USD 88,193 - 102,829; Full time

Job summary

City Of Wheat Ridge is seeking an experienced Capital Projects Manager to oversee planning, design, and delivery of parks and recreation capital projects in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. The role involves coordinating with engineers, architects, and city departments to ensure projects meet timelines and budgets.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree and several years of capital project management experience, familiarity with public procurement, and strong leadership abilities to drive complex

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, Parks and Recreation.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in capital project management, construction management, or related field.
• Knowledge of CIP development, budgeting, procurement, and construction administration.
• Experience managing capital improvement projects from planning through construction.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver capital improvement projects for parks, open spaces, and recreation facilities from concept to closeout.
• Develop scopes of work, bids, and vendor/consultant coordination.
• Monitor schedules, budgets, and contracts to ensure timely completion within approved budgets.
• Lead and collaborate with internal departments and external agencies on project delivery.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Contract administration

Public works

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CM/Engineering/Planning/Related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Project management software

Job description

Job Details

Level: Experienced

Location: Parks and Neighborhood Services Building (PNSB) - Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $88,193.00 - $102,829.00 per year

Job Shift: Day

Reports to: Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation

Responsibilities

• Plan, prioritize, develop, manage, and deliver capital improvement projects for parks, open spaces, recreation facilities, trails, and related public infrastructure from concept through project closeout.
• Coordinate the preparation of and develop studies, plans, scopes of work, and specifications; coordinate required advertising for bids; review construction bids and make necessary recommendations based on lowest and best bids, competency of vendors and consultants, and selection criteria.
• Collaborate with City procurement professionals on scope of work documents, contracts, solicitations including requests for quotes, proposals, and qualifications, vendor negotiations, and other related work.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, cost estimates, and funding plans to ensure projects are completed on time and within approved budgets; coordinate and ensure timely completion of multiple project activities on several projects concurrently.
• Manage construction project contracts by monitoring and controlling contract expenditures, work quality, and schedules; complete all required paperwork, including change orders, pay estimates, inspections, retainage releases, and warranty work.
• Conduct site visits and inspections to monitor project progress, verify quality of work, and address field conditions or construction-related issues.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation, records, contracts, permits, correspondence, and regulatory compliance files.
• Develop and implement project management standards, procedures, and best practices to improve project delivery and organizational effectiveness.
• Serve as a technical resource and subject matter expert on capital project planning, design, construction, and asset development within the parks and recreation system.
• Manage planning and contract activities for construction and/or projects with outside agencies and in-house operations; identify schedules, prepare and monitor budgets, coordinate and supervise on‑site work, both outside and in‑house operations; oversee assigned projects to ensure contractor compliance with time and budget parameters.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to address schedule delays, budget impacts, permitting challenges, and construction issues.
• Prepare various studies, reports, correspondence, and communications on assigned projects; respond to public or other inquiries regarding policies and procedures on specific projects and other information; evaluate issues and options and make recommendations.
• Collaborate with team members from the Parks and Recreation Department, other city departments (Public Works, Community Development, Procurement), and other internal and external project stakeholders to deliver effective and valuable projects.
• Lead and assist with public engagement efforts, including presentations, community meetings, stakeholder coordination, and responses to public inquiries regarding capital projects.
• Assist with the pursuit of grant funding and subsequent reporting on grant awards.
• Promote sustainable design practices, resiliency strategies, resource conservation, and environmentally responsible project development.
• Aid in developing long‑term capital improvement plans and budgets and replacement schedules.
• Collaborate with staff to ensure capital projects align with planning documents, strategic initiatives, recreation programming needs, and long‑term asset management goals.
• Review private project development plans for compliance with codes, regulations, standards, and adequacy of applications for permits, and compliance with approved plans, particularly when proximity or impact to park and recreation amenities is involved.
• Maintain regular contact with consultants, developers, construction project engineers, state and federal agencies, professional and technical groups, and the general public regarding activities and services.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communications with staff at all levels, the public, and representatives from government, industry, and other agencies.
• Keep current with new trends and technology pertaining to the parks and recreation industry and public amenities.
• Be prepared to respond to emergency situations and occasionally work outside of regular business hours, including evening City Council meetings or project ribbon cutting events on weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, Parks and Recreation Administration, or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in capital project management, construction management, engineering, landscape architecture, public works, parks and recreation development, or a related field, including experience managing capital improvement projects from planning through construction.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of project management, capital project delivery, and construction administration.
• Knowledge of planning, design, construction, and maintenance considerations for parks, trails, open spaces, recreation facilities, playgrounds, and athletic complexes.
• Knowledge of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) development and administration.
• Knowledge of public‑sector budgeting, financial management, and cost estimating practices.
• Knowledge of contract administration, procurement procedures, and public bidding requirements.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, scheduling, quality control, and inspection practices.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and permitting requirements.
• Knowledge of environmental review processes, accessibility requirements, and sustainability principles.
• Knowledge of public engagement, stakeholder facilitation, and community outreach practices.
• Knowledge of principles of asset management and long‑range infrastructure planning.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software applications.
• Valid driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Preferred qualifications:
• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in capital project management, construction management, engineering, landscape architecture, public works, parks and recreation development, or a related field, including experience managing capital improvement projects from planning through construction.
• Master’s degree in Construction Management, Project Management, Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, Parks and Recreation Administration, or a related field.
• Experience managing parks, trails, open space, recreation facility, or public infrastructure capital projects for a municipal, county, state, or special district agency.
• Experience administering public‑sector procurement, contracting, and construction projects.
• Experience managing projects funded through grants, bonds, impact fees, or other public funding sources.
• Professional certifications:
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP)
• Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE)
• Professional Engineer (PE)
• Registered Landscape Architect (RLA)

Work Environment

This is a full‑time, exempt, 40‑hour per week position. The position typically works business hours but may require night and weekend commitments for public events and meetings with community groups. The office is located at 7490 W. 45th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Job duties primarily require working in a standard office environment. Travel by automobile is required to attend professional meetings, coordinate division projects, meet with other city departments and outside agencies, check work sites, and meet with citizens. The role demands a broad range of physical movements, including walking, running, jumping, lifting up to 25 pounds, and climbing. Exposure to project and construction sites may require additional physical involvement.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The City of Wheat Ridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and inclusivity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, marital status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law, unless related to a bona fide occupational qualification. The City of Wheat Ridge will consider reasonable accommodations for employment to qualified applicants upon request to the Human Resources Office.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.

The individual selected for this position will need to pass a criminal background and motor vehicle records check.