Ice Arena Facilities Manager

Gondola; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ice Box in Lincoln, Nebraska, is seeking a Facilities Manager to ensure safe, efficient operation of the ice sheet, refrigeration and mechanical systems, and the building. You will lead maintenance, supervise staff, and coordinate with leadership, tenants, and partners to support all hockey, public skating, and event activities.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in facilities or operations, strong communication, and relevant certifications.

Qualifications

• 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: ice management experience at an ice arena or multi-use sports facility; relevant certifications.

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 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, 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.

Skills

Facilities management

Vendor management

Team leadership

Mechanical systems

Electrical/plumbing basics

Job description

The Ice Box in Lincoln, Nebraska, is seeking a Facilities Manager to ensure safe, efficient operation of the ice sheet, refrigeration and mechanical systems, and the building. You will lead maintenance, supervise staff, and coordinate with leadership, tenants, and partners to support all hockey, public skating, and event activities.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in facilities or operations, strong communication, and relevant certifications.