Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Ice Cleaner
💰 $28,000 - $45,000
FacilitiesSports & RecreationMaintenance
🎯 Role Definition
An Ice Cleaner is a facilities and operations professional responsible for maintaining clean, safe, and high-quality ice surfaces in arenas, skating rinks, and recreational facilities. This role ensures optimal ice conditions for public skating, hockey games, figure skating, and special events by performing routine ice resurfacing, cleaning, inspections, and equipment operation while adhering to safety and facility standards.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Facilities Maintenance Assistant
- Arena Attendant
- Custodial or Janitorial Staff
Advancement To:
- Senior Ice Technician
- Arena Operations Supervisor
- Facilities or Ice Rink Manager
Lateral Moves:
- Building Maintenance Technician
- Event Operations or Facilities Coordinator
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Operate ice resurfacing machines to clean, shave, and resurface ice between scheduled skating sessions and events.
- Inspect ice surfaces for cracks, chips, soft spots, and uneven areas and perform corrective maintenance as needed.
- Maintain proper ice thickness, temperature, and surface consistency to meet safety and performance standards.
- Apply water treatments and resurfacing techniques to ensure smooth, level, and durable ice conditions.
- Remove snow buildup, debris, and excess ice shavings from rink surfaces and surrounding areas.
- Perform daily cleaning of boards, glass, benches, penalty boxes, and player areas.
- Monitor and adjust refrigeration and ice plant systems to support optimal ice quality.
- Conduct routine equipment inspections and basic maintenance on ice resurfacers and hand tools.
- Safely handle and store fuels, chemicals, and cleaning agents used in ice maintenance operations.
- Set up and break down rink configurations for hockey, figure skating, public skating, and special events.
- Follow established safety procedures to prevent accidents for skaters, staff, and spectators.
- Respond promptly to ice-related hazards, spills, or emergency maintenance issues.
- Maintain clean and orderly storage areas, maintenance rooms, and mechanical spaces.
- Assist with general facility cleaning, including locker rooms, restrooms, and common areas as required.
- Track and document ice maintenance activities, inspections, and equipment usage.
- Coordinate with event staff, coaches, and facility management to align ice preparation with schedules.
- Ensure compliance with local health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Support seasonal start-up and shutdown procedures for ice rinks and refrigeration systems.
- Provide customer-friendly service when interacting with skaters, teams, and facility users.
- Work flexible shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules.
Secondary Functions
- Assist with minor facility repairs and general maintenance tasks as assigned.
- Support event changeovers and special ice configurations.
- Participate in safety training, equipment certifications, and operational meetings.
- Assist in training new staff on ice cleaning procedures and equipment operation.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Ice resurfacing machine operation
- Ice maintenance and repair techniques
- Basic mechanical and equipment maintenance
- Refrigeration system monitoring
- Facility cleaning and sanitation procedures
- Safe handling of chemicals and fuels
- Ice thickness and temperature control
- Tool and equipment operation
- Preventative maintenance practices
- Workplace safety and hazard awareness
Soft Skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Time management and reliability
- Physical stamina and endurance
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Ability to follow procedures and schedules
- Problem-solving under time constraints
- Clear communication skills
- Customer service mindset
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
High school diploma or equivalent
Preferred Education:
Vocational training or certifications related to facilities or ice maintenance
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Facilities Maintenance
- Mechanical or Building Operations
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range:
0–3 years of experience in facilities, janitorial, or ice rink operations
Preferred:
Prior experience operating ice resurfacing equipment in a hockey arena or skating facility