Parks & Recreation Director
Fruita, Grand Junction, CO, United States
Job Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in working at the City of Fruita! To apply for a job, please fill out our online job application. If you have any problems with your application, please reach out to Fruita Human Resources at obrach@fruita.org or (970) 858‑8373. Please check out our Employee Benefit Guide to see why you should consider joining the Fruita team!
Position Overview This position description is intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by the Director. Specifications are
not
intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. This position plans, manages and oversees the activities, projects, and operations of the Parks and Recreation Department including recreation, parks, open space, and community center, with other City departments and outside agencies. This position provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager’s office.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes but is not limited to:
Assume full management responsibility for all Parks and Recreation services and activities, and administers related policies and procedures.Supervision of all Parks and Recreation Divisions, employees and activities.
Develops and implements Parks and Recreation goals, objectives, policies and priorities as identified in the Parks, Health, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan and other subsequent Master Plans and Strategic Plans. Adjust priorities to meet shifting long‑range plans based upon Council and community direction.
Leverages Parks and Recreation services management to support community and economic health.
Forecasts staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
Strategically plans, presents, and administers annual budgets for Parks and Recreation in the General Fund and the Community Center Fund; monitors expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Supervises all Parks and Recreation staff, either directly or indirectly. Ensures supervision of staff in performance of duties including assigning and prioritizing duties, reviewing and approving work when necessary, providing input on performance, reward recognition, and discipline issues. Directly oversees the Recreation Program Supervisor, the Community Center Facility Supervisor, the Aquatics Supervisor, and the Parks Supervisor.
Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
Serves as a member of the City’s leadership team. Collaborates with leadership team on projects, priorities, and vision for Fruita.
Oversees capital projects within the Parks and Recreation Department from beginning to completion. With support from Engineering staff, serves as a Project Manager for Parks and Community Center capital projects.
Represent the Parks and Recreation Department to other city departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate Parks and Recreation activities with those of other departments, outside agencies and organizations. Serves as a representative on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission, and other boards or commission as assigned.
Development and evaluation of programs and policies for implementation of departmental and City needs and goals.
Assess and monitor the City’s infrastructure to provide adequate levels of public service both for existing systems/networks and extensions/developments.
Fosters teamwork across departments and the organization.
Represent the Parks and Recreation Department to the general public, coordinate/facilitate Parks and Recreation activities with public service needs Investigates resident complaints and responds to them for Parks and Recreation issues.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide staff assistance to the City Manager; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay up-to-date of new trends and innovations in the field of parks and recreation administration.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Performs other duties as assigned by the City Manager.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Leisure Studies, Recreation Administration, Facility Administration, or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience:
Six to eight years of increasingly responsible experience in parks and recreation, including four years of administrative or supervisory responsibility. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Job Requirements Valid Colorado Driver License. CPRA Certification and American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).
Supervisory Duties Supervision of Parks and Recreation and Community Center employees and activities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive parks and recreation program.
Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.
Principles and practices of program management, development and administration.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
Current Human Resources and employee labor law issues.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of staff.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Delegate authority and responsibility.
Lead and direct the operations, services and activities of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Determine the feasibility of various municipal projects.
Identify and respond to community issues, concerns and needs.
Develop and administer goals, objectives and procedures.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Follow all safety rules and regulations of the department to which assigned.
Maintain effective audio‑visual discrimination and perception needed for: making observations, reading and writing, operating assigned equipment, communicating with others.
Maintain mental capacity which permits: making sound decisions and using good judgment demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT Physical : Visual acuity, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 50 lbs. Standing and walking each 25% of the time.
Environment : Work is performed both indoors and outdoors with the majority being office repated. The noise level is moderate.
Benefits Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Holiday Pay, Sick Time, Vacation Time, 401(a), Flex Spending Account, and AFLAC Supplemental Insurance.
Category Job Opportunities Status Open. Salary $118,148 – $132,917 annually, paid on a biweekly basis. Posted March 24, 2026. Closing April 17, 2026 5:00 PM.
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Position Overview This position description is intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by the Director. Specifications are
not
intended to reflect all duties performed within the job. This position plans, manages and oversees the activities, projects, and operations of the Parks and Recreation Department including recreation, parks, open space, and community center, with other City departments and outside agencies. This position provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager’s office.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Includes but is not limited to:
Assume full management responsibility for all Parks and Recreation services and activities, and administers related policies and procedures.Supervision of all Parks and Recreation Divisions, employees and activities.
Develops and implements Parks and Recreation goals, objectives, policies and priorities as identified in the Parks, Health, Recreation, Open Space and Trails Master Plan and other subsequent Master Plans and Strategic Plans. Adjust priorities to meet shifting long‑range plans based upon Council and community direction.
Leverages Parks and Recreation services management to support community and economic health.
Forecasts staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
Strategically plans, presents, and administers annual budgets for Parks and Recreation in the General Fund and the Community Center Fund; monitors expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Supervises all Parks and Recreation staff, either directly or indirectly. Ensures supervision of staff in performance of duties including assigning and prioritizing duties, reviewing and approving work when necessary, providing input on performance, reward recognition, and discipline issues. Directly oversees the Recreation Program Supervisor, the Community Center Facility Supervisor, the Aquatics Supervisor, and the Parks Supervisor.
Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
Serves as a member of the City’s leadership team. Collaborates with leadership team on projects, priorities, and vision for Fruita.
Oversees capital projects within the Parks and Recreation Department from beginning to completion. With support from Engineering staff, serves as a Project Manager for Parks and Community Center capital projects.
Represent the Parks and Recreation Department to other city departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate Parks and Recreation activities with those of other departments, outside agencies and organizations. Serves as a representative on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission, and other boards or commission as assigned.
Development and evaluation of programs and policies for implementation of departmental and City needs and goals.
Assess and monitor the City’s infrastructure to provide adequate levels of public service both for existing systems/networks and extensions/developments.
Fosters teamwork across departments and the organization.
Represent the Parks and Recreation Department to the general public, coordinate/facilitate Parks and Recreation activities with public service needs Investigates resident complaints and responds to them for Parks and Recreation issues.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide staff assistance to the City Manager; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay up-to-date of new trends and innovations in the field of parks and recreation administration.
Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
Performs other duties as assigned by the City Manager.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Leisure Studies, Recreation Administration, Facility Administration, or closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience:
Six to eight years of increasingly responsible experience in parks and recreation, including four years of administrative or supervisory responsibility. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Job Requirements Valid Colorado Driver License. CPRA Certification and American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire).
Supervisory Duties Supervision of Parks and Recreation and Community Center employees and activities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive parks and recreation program.
Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.
Principles and practices of program management, development and administration.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
Current Human Resources and employee labor law issues.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of staff.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Delegate authority and responsibility.
Lead and direct the operations, services and activities of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Determine the feasibility of various municipal projects.
Identify and respond to community issues, concerns and needs.
Develop and administer goals, objectives and procedures.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Follow all safety rules and regulations of the department to which assigned.
Maintain effective audio‑visual discrimination and perception needed for: making observations, reading and writing, operating assigned equipment, communicating with others.
Maintain mental capacity which permits: making sound decisions and using good judgment demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT Physical : Visual acuity, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, repetitive motions. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 50 lbs. Standing and walking each 25% of the time.
Environment : Work is performed both indoors and outdoors with the majority being office repated. The noise level is moderate.
Benefits Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Holiday Pay, Sick Time, Vacation Time, 401(a), Flex Spending Account, and AFLAC Supplemental Insurance.
Category Job Opportunities Status Open. Salary $118,148 – $132,917 annually, paid on a biweekly basis. Posted March 24, 2026. Closing April 17, 2026 5:00 PM.
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