Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Ice Operator

🎯 Role Definition

As an Ice Operator, you are the cornerstone of our arena's operations, responsible for creating and maintaining world-class ice surfaces. This is more than just driving a Zamboni; you are a skilled technician entrusted with the complete ice-making lifecycle, from installation and painting to daily maintenance and refrigeration plant management. You will ensure the facility is safe, clean, and ready for a diverse range of user groups, providing an exceptional experience for every athlete and guest who enters our doors. This role requires a proactive, safety-conscious individual with a strong mechanical aptitude and a passion for the fast-paced environment of sports and recreation.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Facility Attendant
General Maintenance Worker
Recreation Assistant

Advancement To:

Lead Ice Operator / Arena Foreman
Arena or Facility Supervisor
Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Building Operator
Maintenance Technician
Parks and Recreation Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate and perform daily maintenance on ice resurfacing equipment (e.g., Zamboni, Olympia) to ensure a high-quality, safe, and consistent ice sheet for all user groups.
Execute all aspects of ice maintenance, including flooding, shaving, edging, and performing detailed manual ice repairs to address ruts and gouges.
Monitor, record, and maintain the facility's refrigeration plant, including compressors, condensers, and chillers, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with safety regulations.
Conduct regular and systematic checks of ice thickness and temperature, maintaining detailed logs to track conditions and ensure consistency.
Perform the seasonal installation and removal of the ice surface, including the precise painting of lines (hockey, ringette, lacrosse), circles, and the installation of in-ice logos.
Proactively inspect and maintain all arena-related equipment, such as boards, protective glass, netting, goal frames, and scoreboards, performing minor repairs as needed.
Uphold a high standard of cleanliness and organization throughout the facility, including in dressing rooms, spectator seating, lobbies, and washrooms.
Provide exceptional customer service by interacting professionally with coaches, players, officials, and the general public, promptly addressing inquiries and concerns.
Ensure the safe and efficient setup and tear-down for a variety of events, including games, tournaments, practices, and special functions.
Manage the skate sharpening service for facility patrons, including machine maintenance, blade hollow adjustments, and quality control.
Strictly adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures, including WHMIS, lock-out/tag-out, and emergency response protocols, to foster a secure environment.
Complete detailed daily operational logs, maintenance records, incident reports, and refrigeration plant readings accurately and on time.
Assist in managing inventory of operational supplies, including resurfacer blades, paint, cleaning products, and repair materials, and report shortages.
Respond effectively to facility-related emergencies, such as equipment failures, power outages, or medical incidents, following established protocols.
Perform routine preventative maintenance on facility systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and lighting, to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.
Operate other facility-related machinery, such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and loaders, in a safe and certified manner for various operational tasks.
Enforce all facility rules and regulations in a firm but courteous manner to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all patrons and staff.
Actively participate in staff training and development programs to stay current with industry best practices, safety standards, and new equipment.
Collaborate with the scheduling and programming teams to ensure ice maintenance is performed efficiently between user groups with minimal disruption.
Assist in training and mentoring new or part-time facility staff on standard operating procedures for ice maintenance and janitorial duties.
Conduct regular water quality tests for the ice-making process to ensure clarity and strength of the ice sheet.

Secondary Functions

Support special projects and capital improvement initiatives within the facility as directed by management.
Provide on-the-ground support during major tournaments and community events.
Assist other departments with general maintenance or operational tasks during off-seasons or periods of low activity.
Contribute to the development and refinement of standard operating procedures for arena operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient operation of ice resurfacing machines (Zamboni, Olympia).
Certified and/or experienced in the operation of industrial refrigeration plants (e.g., Refrigeration Operator Class B, or equivalent provincial certification).
Knowledge of ice installation techniques, including base coats, line painting, and logo application.
Competency with skate sharpening equipment and techniques.
Basic mechanical, plumbing, and carpentry skills for minor facility repairs.
Knowledge of safety standards, including WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, and AED operation.
Valid provincial driver's license with a clean abstract.
Ability to operate power tools and other maintenance equipment safely.
Experience completing detailed operational logs and maintenance reports.
Certification or ability to be certified in forklift and aerial work platform operation.

Soft Skills

Strong time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and tight schedules.
Excellent problem-solving abilities to quickly diagnose and resolve equipment and facility issues.
High level of attention to detail to ensure ice quality and facility safety.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as part of a collaborative team.
Strong verbal communication and customer service skills.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Post-secondary certificate in Building/Facility Operations, Refrigeration Operation, or a related skilled trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Facilities Management
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of direct experience in an arena or recreational facility setting.

Preferred:

3+ years of experience with demonstrated responsibility for refrigeration plant operations and lead-hand duties.
Experience in a multi-pad arena or a facility that hosts high-level competitive events.