Icemaker - Caretaker (Unifor)

Department of Food Science, University of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Food Science, University of Manitoba, is seeking an Icemaker-Caretaker to manage ice production and arena maintenance at the Max Bell Centre. The role requires operating ice equipment, following instructions in English, and supporting caretaking tasks within a busy university setting.

Shifts include early mornings and weekends with rotating schedules. Candidates should have a high school diploma and a willingness to obtain required safety training and certifications as needed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with ice making and arena maintenance is preferred.
• Ability to read and follow instructions in English.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, perform ice-making and arena maintenance at Max Bell Centre.
• Install and maintain ice surface using tools and equipment.
• Monitor ice condition and brine temperatures; report malfunctions.
• Keep facilities clean and perform minor repairs as needed.
• Maintain operator log and perform caretaking duties as required.

Skills

Ice equipment operation

Ice installation knowledge

English communication

Shift and weekend availability

Motorized equipment experience

Safety training readiness

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Work schedule: 77.50 hours bi-weekly, Monday to Friday, rotational shifts 6:00 am-4:15 pm and 3:00 pm-1:15 AM, 3 shifts one week, 5 shifts next week

Salary: $32.68 per hour

Expected Start Date September 28, 2026

465 hours worked

For more information please contact: Ophelia Morris - [e-mail]

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

The minimum qualifications necessary for acceptable (satisfactory) job performance are:

• Certification: Refrigeration Class Power Engineer's certification (W Class ticket or higher), or 4th Class Power Engineering certification
• License: Valid Class 5 Manitoba Driver's License.

LEVEL OF FORMAL EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma (Grade 12)

EXPERIENCE:

• Less than 1 year - little to some prior experience required

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Experience operating related motorized equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of ice installation, ice maintenance, ice plant operation, and caretaking procedures.
• Ability to operate all related icemaking and caretaking equipment.
• Must be able to communicate and follow instructions in English (verbal and written).
• Must be willing to work various rotating shifts and weekends.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The work environment across the University includes high rise buildings, academic and research facilities with laboratories, libraries, lecture theatres, office spaces, residences for students and recreational space for an active staff and student population of approximately 40,000.
• Industrial spaces also exist for essential campus services including high pressure steam and high voltage electrical distribution, water storm and waste networks, as well as tunnels, confined and restricted access spaces.
• The full ranges of municipal services are delivered across campus including mail, parcel and parts delivery, garbage and recycling pickup, snow removal and roads and grounds maintenance.
• Outdoor spaces are included in the work environment and the inherent climactic conditions include winter and summer temperature variations that range from extreme cold to extreme heat.
• Most work is physically demanding and some work environments present hazards that involve safe work procedures and precautions.
• Must comply with provincial health act.
• Must be physically capable of performing the duties as assigned.
• Must be able to pass required FIT assessment and related safety training. Must be able to work in awkward, confined spaces and high locations.
• Must be able to perform related duties as assigned.

OTHER:

• Regular attendance and punctuality are required.
• Will be required to provide acceptable Criminal Record and Vulnerable Persons Registry checks.

Key responsibilities

Under general supervision, the Icemaker-Caretaker is responsible for all ice-making and arena maintenance procedures, as well as caretaking of all facilities in the Max Bell Centre arena and fieldhouse. Responsibilities include (but are not exclusive to):

• Installs and maintains ice surface using various mechanical hand-held tools, and motorized equipment.
• Maintains arena boards and glass as required.
• Monitors condition and quality of ice, brine temperatures and reports malfunctions to a supervisor or Power Engineer.
• Cleans and maintains all facilities, including the operation of relevant tools and equipment, according to acceptable caretaking standards.
• Responsible for performing minor repairs and maintenance on arena equipment, as required.
• Provides minor grounds-keeping and utility caretaking duties as required.
• Performs other duties characteristic of the classification.
• Must maintain operator’s log.

Additional information

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of "The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act" (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.