Director of Parks & Recreation

Pueblo County, CO

$114K — $171K *
Hospitality & Recreation
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field required.
  • Master's Degree preferred.
  • At least 12 years of recreation management experience required.
  • 7 years of supervisory experience in parks or recreation required.
  • 7 years of supervisory experience in government preferred.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) required upon hire.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise and evaluate staff, setting clear performance expectations.
  • Plan and manage parks and recreation operations to meet community needs.
  • Build community relationships and promote park usage through outreach.
  • Develop and manage the department budget and analyze financial trends.
  • Implement strategic plans for operational efficiency and maintenance.
  • Coordinate with vendors and contractors, ensuring compliance with contracts.
  • Work with media on communication strategies for community engagement.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Generous vacation and sick leave accrual.
  • Remote and hybrid working opportunities available.
  • Support for career growth with leadership guidance.
  • Inclusive and diverse work environment.
  • Access to fitness center at the Historic Pueblo Courthouse.
  • Paid parental leave for full-time employees.
Full Job Description
Salary: $9,552.00 - $14,326.00 Monthly
Location : Pueblo, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 02984
Department: Facilities/Recreation
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/30/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A

POSITION SUMMARY
Responsible for leading and directing parks and recreation operations, including but not limited to recreational and community service programs and activities, County-owned parks and recreation facilities, and the administration of third-party services, maintenance contracts, and the department budget. Establishes performance metrics, key performance indicators (KPIs), and benchmarks for department programs, measures results against them, and reports performance regularly to the Chief Administrative Officer and County leadership. Operates with a high standard of accountability, following through on commitments to completion and keeping leadership informed of progress, risks, and results without prompting.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Exercises direct, first-level supervision of positions, employees, operations, and activities within a main or branch office; Sets clear performance expectations and holding staff accountable for completing assignments on time and to standard; Includes coordinating staff training, assigning and reviewing work, participating in the interview and selection process, making recommendations impacting pay, status, and disciplinary action, evaluating performance independently or in conjunction with a higher-level supervisor/manager, and approving time off. Responsible for the completion, accuracy, and distribution of staff timesheets.
  • Plans, schedules, and manages parks and recreation operations, including community center operations, facility utilization, and program delivery to meet the needs of residents of all ages. Focuses on developing diverse recreational programs, managing community centers, and creating educational initiatives that address community and individual needs. Coordinates activities to promote engagement, wellness, and community development through well-organized programs and facilities. Travels independently to all Pueblo County Parks & Recreation facilities and regularly visits all work sites and shifts.
  • Fosters community relationships, gathers public input, and promotes the use of parks and recreational spaces through targeted outreach, organized events, and inclusive planning initiatives. Forms partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, and community groups; encourages volunteer participation; creates promotional materials; and evaluates engagement efforts through surveys and data analysis to refine outreach strategies and enhance community involvement. Coordinates with Pueblo County Emergency Management and partner agencies to support emergency preparedness, emergency operations, and the activation and operation of County evacuation centers and emergency shelters. Travels independently to community centers, parks, and special events as needed.
  • Oversees the development and administration of the Parks and Recreation department budget by monitoring expenditures, balancing program revenues, preparing cost and usage reports, and evaluating financial trends. Recommends maintenance and capital improvements. Analyzes trends in program usage and financial impacts to evaluate budget adequacy and forecast future needs. Secures, administers, and manages grant funding to support parks and recreation programs and services.
  • Develops and implements short-term and long-term strategic plans for parks and recreation facilities and programs, emphasizing cost analysis, maintenance, and operational efficiency.
  • Manages vendor and contractor services by coordinating schedules, addressing issues, monitoring performance, and maintaining comprehensive documentation. Ensures compliance with contracts and fulfillment of all contractual obligations. Administers procurement processes for quotes and bids, and supervises outsourced services.
  • In consultation with the CAO, works with the County media team to develop communication strategies, promotional materials, and social media content that highlight parks, recreational programs, and community engagement.
  • Stays abreast of and ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding parks and recreation Management.
  • Provides statistical analysis for Parks and Recreation Operations Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
  • Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of parks and recreation.
  • Responds to emergencies as needed.
  • Serves on committees as needed.
  • May be required to effectively manage multiple projects, deal with stressful situations, and adapt to sudden and unexpected changes in work assignments.
  • Performs additional tasks as assigned, including filling in for other staff as necessary and/or required.


WHAT YOU HAVE
EDUCATION:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Recreation, Business Management, Sports Business, Sports Management, Public Administration, or a related field required
  • Master's Degree in Recreation, Business Management, Sports Business, Sports Management, Public Administration, or a related field preferred

EXPERIENCE:
  • Minimum of twelve (12) years or more experience in recreation management, park administration, or a related field required
  • Minimum of seven (7) years or more of supervisory experience in parks, recreation, or a related field required
  • Minimum of seven (7) years or more of supervisoryexperience in local, state, or federal government preferred

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES:
  • Valid driver's license at the time of application and a valid Colorado driver's license within 60-days of hire required
  • Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) obtain from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) or a recognized professional organization required upon hire
  • ICS-300: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents ceritification obtained from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the COTRAIN (Colorado Training and Action Information Network), and other recognized organizations required within 1-year of hire
  • ICS-400: Advanced Incident Command System for Complex Incidents ceritification obtained from the Colorado Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the COTRAIN (Colorado Training and Action Information Network), and other recognized organizations required within 1-year of hire

*** Must successfully pass any and all applicable background checks ***

NOTE:The substitution of any combination of relevant and related education, training, and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and ability may be considered.
WHAT PUEBLO COUNTY OFFERS
• Comprehensive Benefits package (medical, dental, vision, etc.) for full-time employees
• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave Accrual
• Remote & Hybrid working opportunities
• County Retirement Program
• Autonomy to grow and find your career path with supportive leadership
• Truly inclusive and diverse environment
• Fitness Center (Historic Pueblo Courthouse Building)
• May be eligible for up to 12-weeks Paid Parental Leave Benefits (full-time employees)
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS SUMMARY

2026 PAID HOLIDAYS
  • New Year's Day - January 1st
  • Day after New Year's Day - January 2nd
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - January 19th
  • Memorial Day - May 25th
  • Employee Appreciation Day - June 3rd
  • Juneteenth Day - June 19th
  • Independence Day (observed) - July 3rd
  • Day before Labor Day - September 4th (Early Release at 12:00pm)
  • Labor Day -September 7th
  • Francis Xavier Cabrini Day - October 5th
  • Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day - October 12th
  • Veteran's Day - November 11th
  • Day before Thanksgiving - November 25th (Early Release at 12:00pm)
  • * Thanksgiving Day - November 26th
  • * Day after Thanksgiving -November 27th
  • * Christmas Eve Day - December 24th
  • * Christmas Day - December 25th
  • Day before New Year's Day - December 31st (Early Release at 12:00pm)
  • One Personal Day (County employees will have one paid personal day off in 2026. This paid day off is to be chosen by the employee and approved by their Elected Official or Department Director.)

* = Regular Part-Time Employees who are scheduled to work on a 2026 Holiday will receive Holiday Pay for two (2) of the Holidays of their choice (marked with the single asterisk * above) as approved by their Elected Official or Department Director
  • When a holiday falls on a Saturday, Friday will be celebrated as the County holiday
  • When a holiday falls on a Sunday, Monday will be celebrated as the County holiday
  • Early releases are at the discretion of the Elected Official or Department Director and may vary based on the operational needs of their offices/departments.
  • All time off work taken by County employees for the days designated as Early Release shall be considered holiday time off for purposes "worked time" in determining Overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
  • If an employee is absent the day preceding or following the holiday without prior approval, the employee will not be paid for the holiday
  • The following time off types will not contribute to the daily or weekly overtime calculation: Unpaid Days Off, Unpaid Personal Days, and Unpaid Early Release Days.
  • Any employee that is required to work by their supervisor on a designated Unpaid Day Off,
    a designated Unpaid Personal Day or during a designated Unpaid Early Release period shall be paid for work required and performed during such days and periods.
  • No employee may work during an Unpaid Day Off, an Unpaid Personal Day, or during an Unpaid Early Release period without the express authorization of their supervisor. This Resolution contemplates and authorizes supervisors to direct work during Unpaid Days Off, Unpaid Personal Days, or Unpaid Early Release Periods for community safety and County government essential activities such as snow removal, social worker visits for child welfare and other family emergencies, response to emergency calls by facilities and fleet employees, and required court appearances by County employees.
  • For weeks in which an Unpaid Day Off or an Unpaid Early Release takes place, County Exempt employees are designated as Non-Exempt employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Those employees so designated will be required to clock in and out of work via email to their Director for all days worked during weeks that include an Unpaid Day Off.
  • No employees shall be permitted to work over 40 hours during a week that includes an Unpaid Day Off or an Unpaid Early Release without the express written authorization of their Director or Elected Official.

*** The above 2026 Holiday Schedule Resolution was originally approved by the Board of County Commissioners on December 15th, 2025 and then revised on February 12th, 2026 & March 12th, 2026***

DEPARTMENTS SCHEDULED TO WORK ON HOLIDAYS
Due to operational requirements, some employees will be required to work on holidays. The employee must take the holiday by the end of the month following the holiday at a date approved by their Elected Official or Department Director

SICK LEAVE
Regular full-time employees accrue eight (8) hours per month with a maximum accrual of 960 hours.

VACATION LEAVE
  • Upon initial date of hire: earn eight (8) hours per month with a maximum accrual of 144 hours.
  • After 5 years: earn twelve (12) hours per month with a maximum accrual of 216 hours.
  • Ater 10 years: earn sixteen (16) hours per month with a maximum accrual of 288 hours.

RETIREMENT
All Regular Full-Time employees and Elected Officials are required to participate in the County Retirement Plan upon completion of one (1) month of continuous employment. A pre-tax deduction of 8.25% will be deducted from the employee's monthly pay.

EMPLOYER MEDICAL CONTRIBUTION
Pueblo County's contribution toward the purchase of your benefit options on a tiered approach and based on which medical plan you elect.

If Benefit Selections:
  • Are greater than the employer contribution dollar amount, the difference is deducted from paycheck
  • Are equal to the employer contribution dollar amount, there is no effect on pay
  • Are less the employer contribution dollar amount, additional pay or cash back is not optional
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MEDICAL INSURANCE - ANTHEM BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD (optional)
Medical, Dental, & Vision Rates are for the 2026 Plan Year (effective January 1st, 2026)

HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLANEmployee Only Employee + 1 Family
Plan Cost $823.00 $1,543.00 $2,12900
Employer Contribution $852.00 $1,428.00 $1,938.00
Employee Contribution $-29.00 $115.00 $191.00
PPO
Employee Only Employee + 1 Family
Plan Cost $889.00 $1,713.00 $2,351.00
Employer Contribution $860.00 $1,453.00 $1,969.00
Employee Contribution $29.00 $260.00 $382.00

HMO/DedEmployee Only Employee + 1 Family
Plan Cost $999.00 $1,926.00 $2,661.00
Employer Contribution $876.00 $1,484.00 $2,014.00
Employee Contribution $123.00 $442.

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