Temporary Rink Assistant

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University is hiring for a Temporary PE & Athletics Professional to support Lynah Rink operations in Ithaca, NY. The role involves operating the ice resurfacer, maintaining ice quality, skate sharpening, and event support for NCAA hockey games.

Applicants must have a high school diploma, be able to lift 100 pounds, and demonstrate experience with power equipment. This onsite position requires safety‑conscious, independent work in a fast-paced athletic facility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds and perform rigorous physical work.
• Experience with operating power equipment and ice rink machinery.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced arena environment.
• Demonstrated safety-focused approach to operating heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the ice resurfacer and ensure ice quality for NCAA competition.
• Perform skate sharpening, facility maintenance, and custodial duties.
• Support events for men's and women's intercollegiate hockey games.
• Maintain safety protocols and troubleshoot rink equipment as needed.

Skills

Lifting up to 100 pounds

Ice rink equipment operation

Independent work

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Climb ladders

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Ice resurfacer (Zamboni)

Hand tools

Power equipment

Job description

Student and Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad.

Cornell University is an NCAA Division I institution and a member of the Ivy League. The university fields teams in 37 intercollegiate sports and provides a comprehensive physical education program. The university is committed to excellence in academics and athletics, gender equity and diversity in its programs, and a well-balanced, broad-based intercollegiate athletics program. Athletics and Physical Education offers a diverse program of physical and outdoor education, recreational services, intramural sports and intercollegiate athletic competition, plus Wellness programs for faculty and staff, fitness centers and fitness classes for the entire Cornell community.

As part of the rink operations team, this position performs specialized ice maintenance and arena operations duties essential to the successful operation of Lynah Rink. Responsibilities include operating and maintaining the ice resurfacer (Zamboni), monitoring and maintaining ice quality and safety standards, skate sharpening, facility maintenance, custodial duties, skate rental operations, and event support for men's and women's intercollegiate ice hockey games.

This position requires extensive hands-on training to safely operate costly ice maintenance machinery, maintain professional-quality ice conditions for NCAA Division I competition, and perform preventative maintenance and troubleshooting of rink equipment. Successful performance requires technical knowledge, sound judgment, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment. The position calls for being in a standing position for extended periods of time.

*Pay rate: $20.00/hour. Please note that this position is not eligible for benefits or visa sponsorship.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid motor vehicle operator license.
• Ability to lift or move up to 100 pounds and perform various lifting, pulling and pushing operations.
• Prior experience with operating a variety of power equipment.
• Proficiency in routine equipment and building repair/maintenance.
• Ability to climb/work from ladders and perform rigorous physical work for sustained periods, sometimes in inclement weather.
• Skate Sharpening experience.
• Ability to operate hand tools and power equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate specialized ice rink equipment, including ice resurfaces, and related maintenance machinery.
• Ability to learn and apply technical knowledge related to ice-making, ice maintenance, and arena operations.
• Ability to identify equipment issues and perform routine preventative maintenance on mechanical systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety when operating heavy equipment in occupied facilities.
• Ability to work independently and make operational decisions regarding ice conditions and facility readiness.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory and cash handling experience.
• Experience with ice rink operations.
• Familiarity and understanding of various sports.

University Job Title

Temporary PE & Athletics Professional - SP

Job Family

Temporary Athletics & Physical Education

Level

No Grade - Hourly

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Pay Range

Refer to Posting Language

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

Contact Name

Bri Muscente

Contact Email

[e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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EEO Statement

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2026-10-07