Ice Arena Facilities Manager: Ice, HVAC & Event Ops

US Ice Rinks, Inc.; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ice Box in Lincoln, NE, seeks a Facilities Manager to ensure safe, efficient operation of the ice sheet, refrigeration and mechanical systems, and building services for Lincoln Stars hockey, youth programs, public skating, and events.

You will lead preventive maintenance, supervise ice and facilities staff, manage vendors and contracts, coordinate event changes, and communicate clearly with staff, tenants, and partners to keep game-quality ice and a reliable venue.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; 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 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

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

Skills

Communication

Vendor management

Team leadership

Facilities operations

HVAC knowledge

Electrical knowledge

Plumbing knowledge

Evenings & weekends availability

Job description

The Ice Box in Lincoln, NE, seeks a Facilities Manager to ensure safe, efficient operation of the ice sheet, refrigeration and mechanical systems, and building services for Lincoln Stars hockey, youth programs, public skating, and events.

You will lead preventive maintenance, supervise ice and facilities staff, manage vendors and contracts, coordinate event changes, and communicate clearly with staff, tenants, and partners to keep game-quality ice and a reliable venue.