Facilities Manager

United States Hockey League (USHL); Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ice Box in Lincoln, home to the Lincoln Stars, seeks a Facilities Manager to oversee the ice sheet, refrigeration and mechanical systems, and the overall building. You will ensure safe, reliable operations and game-quality ice for hockey, youth programs, public skating, and special events.

You will lead maintenance staff, manage vendor contracts, track work orders, and coordinate with team operations and event partners to minimize disruption and maximize performance.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication, able to explain technical issues to non-technical staff and partners.
• Experience negotiating, managing, and holding vendors accountable under service contracts.
• Strong collaboration and cross-department teamwork across staff, tenants, and partners.
• 3+ years in facilities, building maintenance, or operations, including supervising staff or contractors.
• Working knowledge of building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and preventive maintenance practices.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
• Availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call emergency response.
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ice installation, painting, lines, logos, and annual ice removal/rebuild.
• Maintain ice thickness, surface temperature, and quality for games, practices, and public sessions.
• Operate and maintain ice resurfacers and edgers; schedule resurfacing around events.
• Train and supervise staff on resurfacing, edging, and ice care procedures.
• Monitor and maintain the refrigeration plant, controls, and related systems.
• Oversee HVAC, dehumidification, boilers, water heaters, and ventilation to control temperature and air quality.
• Keep logs of system readings; respond to alarms and equipment failures.

Skills

Communication

Vendor management

Team leadership

Facility operations

Mechanical systems

Electrical/plumbing knowledge

Organizational skills

Emergency readiness

Job description

The Facilities Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of The Ice Box, including the ice sheet, refrigeration and mechanical systems, and the general building. This role keeps game-quality ice ready for Lincoln Stars hockey, youth and adult programs, public skating, and special events, while representing the facility through proactive maintenance, vendor management, and clear communication with staff, tenants, and partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee ice installation, painting, lines and logos, and annual ice removal and rebuild
• Maintain consistent ice thickness, surface temperature, and quality for games, practices, and public sessions
• Operate and maintain ice resurfacers and edgers, and set resurfacing schedules around events
• Train and supervise staff on proper resurfacing, edging, and ice care procedures
• Monitor and maintain the refrigeration plant (compressors, chillers, condensers, brine or glycol systems, and controls)
• Oversee HVAC, dehumidification, boilers, water heaters, and ventilation to control temperature, humidity, and air quality
• Keep logs of system readings and respond quickly to alarms and equipment failures
• Direct preventive and corrective maintenance for the building, including plumbing, electrical, lighting, doors, seating, locker rooms, dasher boards, glass, and netting
• Coordinate event changeovers and facility setups for games, tournaments, and special events
• Negotiate, manage, and evaluate service contracts for refrigeration, HVAC, fire and life safety, pest control, waste, cleaning, and other building services
• Schedule and oversee contractor work, verifying quality, safety, and timely completion
• Obtain quotes, review invoices, and keep contracts and warranties organized and current
• Serve as the main point of contact for facility issues with leadership, team operations, rink programming, tenants, and event partners
• Work with hockey operations and event staff to align maintenance with the schedule and minimize disruptions
• Hire, train, schedule, and supervise facilities and ice staff, and set clear expectations and standards

Minimum Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical issues clearly to non-technical staff, leadership, and partners
• Demonstrated experience negotiating, managing, and holding vendors accountable under service contracts
• Strong collaboration skills and a team-first approach when working across departments, tenants, and event partners
• 3+ years of facilities, building maintenance, or operations experience, including supervising staff or contractors
• Working knowledge of building systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) and preventive maintenance practices
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills; able to juggle priorities in a fast-paced, event-driven environment
• Availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call emergency response
• Valid driver's license and ability to pass a background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous ice management experience at an ice arena or multi-use sports facility
• Certified Ice Technician (CIT) or equivalent ice-making certification
• Knowledge of commercial refrigeration systems (ammonia, Freon/synthetic, or CO2), including troubleshooting and safe operation
• HVAC and dehumidification knowledge; EPA Section 608 certification a plus
• Certified Arena Facility Manager (CAFM), Certified Facility Manager (CFM), or similar credential
• Experience with sports and entertainment venues, including game-day and event operations

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Regular work in cold rink environments and mechanical rooms, with exposure to noise and chemicals
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods
• Ability to safely operate an ice resurfacer, edger, and other facility equipment