Town Manager, Town of Silt, CO assisted by KRW Associates
Town of Silt, CO
The Town of Silt, CO is seeking qualified applicants for Town Manager. To view full job posting go to www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions.
The Town & Surrounding Area
The Town of Silt, Colorado (population 3,800), is nestled in the beautiful Colorado River Valley in Garfield County, along Interstate 70 and north of the Colorado River. Located approximately 177 miles west of Denver, 88 miles west of Vail, and just 20 miles from Glenwood Springs, Silt offers an exceptional quality of life with convenient access to some of Colorado's most spectacular year-round outdoor recreation. Surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, residents enjoy rafting, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rock climbing, and countless other activities that make Colorado such a desirable place to live and work.
While recreation and a healthy lifestyle are qualities that define the area, Silt’s people may be its greatest asset. Proud of its small-town charm, strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere, residents and visitors gather at local restaurants, shops, and school and community events and support each other and the Town. Popular community traditions include the annual Silt Heydays celebration, the Main Street Trick or Treat, the Christmas Tree Lighting, the youth sports programs offered through school and the Town's Recreation Department, and finally the summer farmers market and concert series. These traditions contribute to the Town’s close-knit character and offer opportunities for neighbors to connect.
The local economy is primarily driven by a mix of tourism, agriculture, energy production, construction, small businesses, and technical services. Locals enjoy a quality lifestyle, access to top health care services, and excellent public schools (Garfield School Dist. RE-2) which serves students in pre-K-12th grade. Colorado Mesa University is just over an hour away in Grand Junction, and Colorado Mountain College maintains a campus in Rifle and Glenwood Springs, both providing additional opportunities for higher education and professional development.
The Town of Silt is a full-service home-rule community operating under a Trustee-Manager form of government and governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees. The Town is comprised of five departments; Police, Public Works (Water/Wastewater/Irrigation, Parks, Streets), Town Clerk, Town Treasurer, Community Development (Planning, Zoning, Building, Recreation, Special Events). Services for the Town Attorney and Building Inspector are contracted. Fire and EMS is provided by the Colorado River Fire Rescue district which maintains a staffed station in Silt. The Town owns and maintains a 20-unit low-income senior apartment complex under its own housing authority. Thirty-one full-time employees, and additional part-time and seasonal staff serve the Town. To learn more, go to Town of Silt, Colorado.
The Position
The Town Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town and reports to the Board of Trustees. This position is responsible for the overall operation of the Town and all Town Staff, including implementation of policies established by the Board of Trustees, coordinating programs, services and activities among Town departments and outside agencies, ensuring the Town’s financial integrity, representing the Town’s interests and providing sound policy advice and administrative support to the Mayor and Board of Trustees.
The Town Manager strives to ensure public satisfaction with municipal services; serves as a liaison between the Board of Trustees and community stakeholders; performs analytical and policy research and is responsible for coordination of legal matters with the municipal attorney.
While the Town Manager is responsible for the leadership and management of all Town staff, six staff members are direct reports; the Town Clerk, Finance Director, Police Chief, Town Planner, Public Works Director and the Assistant to the Town Manager.
While this position is identified as “Town Administrator” in the Town’s Charter, it will commonly be referred to as “Town Manager”, by Board of Trustees consensus.
This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting contribution to a welcoming Colorado rural mountain community while being part of a town that values its quality of life, community connections, and continued mindful growth.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in public administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
A Master’s degree (MPA, MBA or related advanced degree) preferred.
A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal government or public sector management, or a related business field.
An equivalent combination of education, training and relevant experience in public or private sector leadership/management that would provide the necessary experience and competencies for success will be considered in lieu of the stated requirements.
Possession of a valid driver’s license is required.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
The Ideal Candidate
A visible and ethical leader who embraces the Silt community and commits to being a visible presence in town.
A collaborator, connector and coalition-builder with a proven track-record of negotiating business arrangements and building collaborative working relationships with key partners (e.g. the county commissioners, neighboring municipalities, fire district personnel, developers, etc.)
A thoughtful & transparent communicator who listens intently, communicates clearly and is comfortable addressing the Board, staff, the public and key stakeholders, both when the message is positive and when difficult. Is diplomatic and politically savvy. Keeps the staff and community informed.
A visionary who can execute the details– Experienced with strategic planning, prioritization of community goals, and building systems. Owns initiatives at a strategic level — sets priorities, anticipates obstacles, delegates appropriately and ensures staff has the information and resources to meet deliverables. Trusts staff to execute the details– is a supportive leader, not a micro-manager.
Leverages partnerships, grants, and other funding steams to enhance Silt’s opportunities with limited revenue streams.
Proven successful municipal professional with working knowledge of public administration including municipal finance and budgets; grant writing; human resources; public works; water/wastewater management; public safety; capital projects; housing; population/job growth; community recreation; tourism; community planning and economic development.
Manager and mentor with a growth mindset- One who is fair, approachable and accessible. Fosters a healthy organizational culture, ensures opportunities for staff development and growth. Holds people accountable and is mindful of succession planning.
Local business acumen – Understands how to drive success within Colorado’s statutory and regulatory framework.
Opportunities & Challenges
Following is a list of opportunities and challenges facing the new Town Manager.
· Wastewater plant renovation by 2032
· Water tank design/build 2028
· Interstate 70 interchange improvements
· Water line replacements
· Parks improvements and development
· Land acquisition for parks/open space
Why Silt?
· Excellent professional opportunity
· Welcoming close-knit community
· Healthy active lifestyle– outdoor recreation, parks & open spaces
· Safe and affordable
· Family friendly– excellent schools
· A nice balance of rural lifestyle, with easy access to larger community amenities
· Mild climate– lots of sunshine!
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $140,000 - $170,000
The Town offers a competitive salary and generous benefits. Below is a summary of some key benefits, additional voluntary benefits are available for purchase.
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance - Silt pays 100% of the health, dental and vision premiums for the employee; dependent coverage available. (Colorado Employees Benefit Trust)
Retirement– 401(a) DC Plan– Contribution rate based on years of service. (CRA) This is in addition to Social Security.
Vacation Time– Initial Accrual - 80 hours per year
Sick Time– Initial Accrual =-120 hours per year
Paid Holidays - 12 per year
Life Insurance- $100,000 coverage paid by Town
Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
Cell Phone- issued by Town for business use
Monthly vehicle allowance or access to a vehicle for business use.
A relocation allowance is negotiable.
Housing– The use of a Town-owned condominium or a housing allowance is negotiable. The newly remodeled condo is a 2nd floor unit with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
Apply Online- www.KRW-Associates.com/open-positions
Provide a cover letter, resume and six professional references.
Deadline: Friday, December 18, 2026, 5:00 PM MT.
Questions? KRW Associates LLC is assisting the Town of Silt with this search. Questions should be directed to: info@KRW-Associates.com or by phone to: KRW Associates Managing Partner Lorne Kramer - 719-310-8960 or KRW Senior Associates, Mark Collins - 307-460-1941 Gina McGrail - 303-249-9572.
The Town of Silt is an equal opportunity employer.