Facility & Ice Operations Manager

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

Job summary

The Tri-City Storm and Viaero Center are seeking a hands-on Facility & Ice Operations Manager to oversee daily maintenance, ice operations, equipment, and the overall condition of the Viaero Center in Kearney, Nebraska. This working management role requires ownership of the facility and proactive problem-solving to ensure a safe, clean, and event-ready venue.

The successful candidate will supervise maintenance staff, coordinate outside vendors, and maintain detailed logs while ensuring optimal

Qualifications

• Hands-on facility maintenance and operations expertise.
• Ability to inspect and repair building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical).
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating external contractors.
• Demonstrated strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily maintenance and operation of the Viaero Center.
• Operate and maintain ice resurfacing equipment.
• Maintain high-quality ice conditions for practices and events.
• Monitor refrigeration and mechanical systems.
• Develop and manage preventative maintenance program.
• Coordinate building repairs and service work.
• Keep logs and work-order records up to date.
• Identify issues before downtime occurs and arrange solutions.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Building systems knowledge

Supervisory skills

Contractor coordination

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Driver's license

Zamboni equipment experience

Tools

Zamboni ice resurfacing equipment

Job description

Position Overview

The Tri-City Storm and Viaero Center are seeking a hands-on, dependable Facility & Ice Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day maintenance, ice operations, equipment, and overall physical condition of the Viaero Center in Kearney, Nebraska. This is a working management position for someone who takes ownership of the facility, identifies and addresses problems before they become emergencies, and is willing to work alongside the facility team to get the job done. The Viaero Center is home to the Tri-City Storm and hosts hockey games, concerts, sporting events, community events, and other entertainment throughout the year. The Facility & Ice Operations Manager will be responsible for ensuring the building is safe, clean, operational, and event-ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily maintenance and operation of the Viaero Center.
• Operate and maintain Zamboni/Olympia ice resurfacing equipment.
• Maintain high-quality ice conditions for practices, games, and events.
• Monitor the ice plant, refrigeration systems, and related mechanical equipment.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive preventative maintenance program.
• Perform and coordinate general building repairs, including plumbing, electrical, HVAC, mechanical systems, doors, fixtures, and facility equipment.
• Conduct routine inspections of the building and equipment.
• Maintain maintenance logs, service records, and work-order schedules.
• Identify potential equipment and facility issues before they result in downtime or emergency repairs.
• Coordinate and oversee outside contractors and service vendors.
• Maintain inventory of facility parts, tools, equipment, and supplies.
• Help recruit, train, schedule, and supervise part-time facility and game-day maintenance staff.
• Oversee event conversions, setups, breakdowns, and facility preparation.
• Assist with snow removal and exterior facility maintenance when necessary.
• Respond to facility emergencies and equipment issues when required.
• Work closely with Tri-City Storm and Viaero Center management to ensure the building is prepared for all games and events.
• Maintain a clean, safe, professional, and guest-ready facility at all times.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in facility maintenance, building operations, mechanical systems, commercial refrigeration, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, arena operations, or a related field.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Working knowledge of commercial building systems.
• Ability to perform hands-on maintenance and repair work.
• Experience operating a Zamboni or other ice resurfacing equipment is preferred, but training may be available for the right candidate.
• Ice arena, refrigeration, or ice plant experience is a strong plus.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to supervise employees and coordinate outside contractors.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of facility issues.
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to perform the physical requirements associated with facility maintenance.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, games, events, and respond to facility emergencies when necessary.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their facility and treats it as their own. The successful candidate will be proactive rather than reactive, communicate issues early, establish strong preventative maintenance practices, and take responsibility for keeping the Viaero Center operational and looking its best. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced maintenance or mechanical professional who wants to take ownership of the operations of a major sports and entertainment facility. Candidates with significant commercial refrigeration, HVAC, electrical, ice plant, or arena operations experience will receive strong consideration.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.