Manager - Pikes Peak America's Mountain

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!

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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.
• Other duties as assigned
• Learn more about this job by reviewing the class specification on the City of Colorado Springs Class Specifications page

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

• 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.

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

Physical Demands: This position requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and walking or standing to a significant degree. The ability to work at high altitude (14,115 feet) is also required.
 
Environmental Conditions 
Primary Work Environment - Office with some travel from site to site and possible exposure to extreme weather conditions
Extreme Temperature - Daily
Wetness and Humidity - Several times per week
Respiratory Hazards - Daily
Noise and Vibrations - Daily
Physical Hazards - Daily
Mechanical and/or Electrical Hazards - Continuously
Exposure to Communicable Diseases - Rarely

Salary : $115,026 - $138,086