Director of Parks, Trails, and Recreation

Director Of Parks, Trails, And Recreation

The City of Belgrade is seeking a Director of Parks, Trails, and Recreation to join one of Montanas fastest growing cities, located in the heart of the beautiful Gallatin Valley just ten miles west of Bozeman. Belgrade offers small-town charm, Big Sky views, and easy access to world-class outdoor recreation.

Belgrade is a full-service city serving approximately 13,721 residents across 4.8 square miles with a 2025 budget of $45 million and a team of 107 authorized FTEs. The City Manager leads an energetic and collaborative leadership team that is driven to find innovative solutions to challenges that regularly arise in managing one of the fastest growing cities in the state.

The Belgrade Regional Parks, Trails & Recreation District is a newly established entity aimed at enhancing the communitys recreational infrastructure. Established by voters in 2023 and operating under an interlocal agreement with the City of Belgrade and Gallatin County, the District spans 242 square miles. The District operates with a 2025 budget of $2.5 million and a staffing of 10.75 FTEs. The City of Belgrade manages all services and improvements in the District. As a taxing authority, the District is governed by a seven-member Board of Directors who recently approved a 2025 Master Plan.

The Director of Parks, Trails, and Recreation is a department head position that reports to the Assistant City Manager. The position performs high-level administrative, professional, and technical work that is directly responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing programs, activities, and operations of the Parks and Recreation District including parks and open space, a comprehensive trail system, recreation programming and activities, park facilities, and the Senior Center. While the Director reports to the Assistant City Manager, there is also a policy reporting responsibility to the Park District Board and County Commission.

This is a unique opportunity to join an exceptional community and enhance the quality of life through the Parks, Trails, and Recreation Department. Belgrade is a picturesque community in southwestern Montana that offers small-town charm along with the essential amenities and services typically found in larger cities. Belgrade is an exceptionally well-managed city with a highly professional staff team dedicated to their community, public service, and a strong professional work ethic. The next director will have the opportunity to elevate the district park system, guided by the new Masterplan. This is a rare and exceptional chance to play a pivotal role in improving quality of life by implementing sustainable and lasting changes to the communitys parks, trails, open spaces, programs, facilities, and leisure services.