City Manager
City of Fruita, Colorado

The City of Fruita, Colorado, sits high on the Colorado Plateau along the banks of the majestic Colorado River, eight miles west of Grand Junction and 17 miles east of the Utah border. The city is part of the Grand Valley, which takes its name from the river, originally called the Grand River. Early settlers irrigated this high desert valley, capitalizing on abundant sunshine to build a major agricultural region rich with crop-growing farms and fruit-growing orchards. From this foundation, the city has become like no other place in Colorado, and residents cherish and actively cultivate their multifaceted, admittedly funky identity. The city’s FY 2025 Budget (proposed) is $27M (GF $14M), supporting 129 FTE (90 FTE, 70 PTE).

Fruita has enjoyed tremendous stability in the city manager position – the last two managers each served for over 10 years. As chief administrative officer, the city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of the city and the department heads who comprise the city’s leadership team, all in furtherance of implementing the policy priorities of the city council. The city manager must interact actively with the community to help meet the needs of this well-informed, highly-engaged community, that loves Fruita like nowhere else in the world.

A four-year degree in public administration, political science, business administration, or a related field, a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in local government, including three to five as a municipal manager, assistant, or major department head, are all preferred. Any equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered at the sole discretion of the city. Residency in the city is required, and a graduate degree is preferred.

The hiring range for this position is $170,000 to $200,000, with the salary determination DOQE. In addition, the following benefits are provided: medical (employee covered 100%, dependents 95%), dental (employee and dependents covered 100%), vision (voluntary), life, and supplemental insurances (voluntary). Retirement benefits customary to the position are offered through the Colorado Retirement Association, 401(a) mandatory, 457(b) optional. This position enjoys paid time off, sick leave, paid holidays, a vehicle allowance, and professional memberships. Relocation assistance is subject to negotiation.