About the Job: In this position, you will manage a complex and diverse site, including the overall administration and operation of Pikes Peak - America's Mountain (PPAM) and its associated facilities, recreation areas, and events. As an international attraction and national historical landmark, with multiple visitor centers including the Summit Visitor Center located at 14,115-feet, management of the guest experience and natural resource stewardship and protection is critical to this position.
Come explore the possibilities a career with the City of Colorado Springs can offer!
We're an accredited pay equity employer!
Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. See the full potential of growth for this position here:2026 Salary Schedule
As the Manager for Pikes Peak America's Mountain, you will:
Manage interpretive and customer service programs for approximately one million annual visitors accessing the summit of Pikes Peak via the highway, Broadmoor Cog Railway, and major trail systems.
Oversee highway maintenance, natural resource stewardship, and facility operations along the Pikes Peak Highway Recreation Corridor in partnership with the United States Forest Service.
Manage maintenance, resource stewardship, and recreation activities for the North and South Slope Recreation Areas in coordination with Colorado Springs Utilities.
Oversee access and seasonal maintenance for the United States Army High Altitude Research Lab in partnership with the United States Army.
Manage the concessionaire contract with Aramark for food, retail, custodial, and medical services at Pikes Peak America's Mountain visitor centers.
Coordinate with Colorado Parks and Wildlife on recreational fishing, wildlife education, and limited hunting opportunities across multiple recreation areas.
Collaborate with El Paso and Teller County Search and Rescue teams to support emergency response and visitor safety operations.
Coordinate logistics for large-scale special events including the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Pikes Peak Marathon & Ascent, AdAmAn, and Cycle to the Summit.
Develop and manage contracts, permits, budgets, environmental compliance, and infrastructure assessments across the recreation corridor and reservoir areas.
Supervise full-time and seasonal staff while maintaining strong partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies and staying current on industry trends and best practices.
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate: Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics, services, and activities of outdoor recreational facilities and programs
Principles and practices of program development and administration
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration
Pertinent safety and compliance of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
Highway maintenance, civil construction or public works
Environmental and resource land management
Emergency response and communication
Marketing and communications strategy
Ability to:
Oversee and participate in the management of recreational activities, interpretive services, and guest services
Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques
Provide project management
Provide staff leadership and supervision
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, parks and recreation management, engineering, or a related field
Five years of full-time professional experience in business, parks and recreation, or public administration management
Two years of administrative, leadership, and supervisory experience
Possess or obtain within three months of hire a CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certification
Possess or obtain within three months of hire a First Aid certification
We value a diverse range of qualifications and experiences. Our organization views each year of further education as equivalent to each year of relevant work experience, and each year of additional relevant work experience as equivalent to each year of required education.
Preferred Qualifications:
The following qualifications are not required, but they are considered desirable. If you possess any of the preferred qualifications, please include specific details in your application. This information may be used to identify a top group of applicants.
Two or more years of environmental and natural resource land management experience
Experience managing a tourist attraction
Public relations experience
Currently possess a CPRP (Certified Park & Recreation Professional) certification
Currently possess a CPRE (Certified Park & Recreational Executive) certification
Colorado Springs, with an estimated population of 506,646 occupies 195 square miles at the base of majestic Pikes Peak – America's Mountain and enjoys nearly 243 days of sunshine per year. With 375 miles of trails and over 150 parks, Colorado Springs is the state's largest city in terms of area and second to Denver in population. There are currently 375 miles of trails and over 150 parks within the city.The "Springs" is home to five military establishments, including the Air Force Academy, many colleges and universities, the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee Headquarters and Museum, and over 50 different sports organizations. Colorado Springs is a thriving city and a leader in the aerospace, defense, and cybersecurity industries. It also has a diverse collection of non-profit organizations and businesses with a large number of tourist attractions.The City of Colorado Springs, which is among the community's largest employers, is organized as a home rule Council-Mayor form of municipal government with a popularly elected Mayor and nine council members. Colorado Springs ranked 2nd in the US News & World Report’s 2021-22 Best Places to Live in the United States.
