Harold Alfond Forum Ice Arena & Building Operations Technician

About the job

Position Title

Harold Alfond Forum Ice Arena & Building Operations Technician

Description

The Ice & Building Operations Technician is responsible for supporting the daily operation, maintenance, and event readiness of the Harold Alfond Forum, one of the University of New England’s premier athletic and recreational facilities. This position plays a key role in maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment while ensuring NCAA-quality ice conditions and supporting the diverse programming hosted within the Forum.

Working under the direction of the Auxiliary Operations Manager, this position collaborates closely with Athletics, Campus Recreation, Student Affairs, Conference Services, Facilities Management, and other campus partners to support varsity athletics, club sports, recreation programming, conferences, special events, and community rentals.

The Ice & Building Operations Technician also works closely with the Forum’s Student Building Managers during daily operations and events, helping to ensure exceptional customer service, operational consistency, and a positive experience for all facility users.

About The University of New England UNE is Maine’s largest private university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible online offerings. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to positively impact a world full of challenges. We are the state’s top provider of health professionals and home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized programs in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities, and the arts.

Benefits Overview

• Multiple health and dental plan options, plus vision coverage.

• Up to 8% retirement plan match.

• Generous leave time, including vacation, sick, and personal time, and 12+ holidays per year.

• Educational benefits:

• UNE tuition waiver for employees, spouses, and domestic partners.

• UNE tuition waiver for dependents of employees with 1 year of full-time service.

• 50% tuition reduction if less than 1 year of full-time service.

For more information about our outstanding benefits, please visit: UNE Benefits Overview

Responsibilities

Ice Arena Operations

• Maintain NCAA-quality ice surfaces through resurfacing, edging, painting, flooding, and seasonal ice installation and removal.

• Safely operate, inspect, clean, and perform routine maintenance on the ice resurfacer and related ice maintenance equipment.

• Monitor refrigeration systems and promptly communicate operational concerns.

• Maintain accurate records related to ice maintenance, equipment operation, and preventative maintenance.

• Assist with dasher board installation/removal and seasonal facility conversions.

Facility Operations & Maintenance

• Assist in the daily operation and maintenance of the Harold Alfond Forum.

• Perform preventative maintenance and routine repairs throughout the facility.

• Complete minor carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical, housekeeping, and general building maintenance projects.

• Coordinate maintenance activities with the Facilities Management Department.

• Assist with equipment inventory, deliveries, receiving, storage, and facility organization.

• Support sustainability initiatives through energy conservation, recycling efforts, and responsible equipment operation.

Event Operations

• Assist with setup, operation, and breakdown of athletic contests, recreation programming, admissions events, conferences, concerts, commencement activities, and community rentals.

• Configure event spaces including the ice arena, fieldhouse, turf facility, meeting rooms, and multipurpose spaces.

• Assist with athletic equipment setup, staging, signage, tables, chairs, pipe and drape, and other event support needs.

• Respond to operational needs throughout events while maintaining exceptional customer service.

Customer Service

• Deliver outstanding customer service to students, faculty, staff, coaches, officials, vendors, visiting teams, and community members.

• Assist with skate sharpening, public skating operations, and point-of-sale transactions as needed.

• Maintain a professional, welcoming atmosphere for all guests utilizing the Harold Alfond Forum.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Auxiliary Operations Manager and fellow Ice & Building Operations Technicians to ensure seamless daily operations.

• Work closely with the Forum Student Building Managers to support building operations, customer service, event execution, and facility readiness.

• Assist in training new employees on operational procedures and safe equipment operation.

• Foster a collaborative, team-oriented work environment focused on continuous improvement.

Technology & Operational Systems

• Utilize MaintainX and other departmental software platforms to document preventative maintenance, complete work orders, track assets, and support operational reporting.

• Assist in maintaining accurate equipment inventories and maintenance documentation.

• Support technology initiatives that improve operational efficiency and customer service throughout Auxiliary Operations.

Safety & Compliance

• Conduct routine facility inspections to identify operational or safety concerns.

• Ensure compliance with University policies, OSHA standards, and departmental safety procedures.

• Assist with emergency response procedures and incident documentation.

• Maintain required certifications and complete annual University compliance training.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with snow removal and exterior facility maintenance when required.

• Cross-train with other Auxiliary Operations functional areas to provide operational support during peak periods or special projects.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of Auxiliary Operations and the University’s mission.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in facility operations, building maintenance, ice arena operations, or related fields; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment and facility issues.

• Experience safely operating maintenance equipment, power tools, and machinery.

• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently while contributing positively within a collaborative team environment.

• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and flexible schedules based upon operational needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Sports Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Experience operating an ice resurfacer (Zamboni or equivalent).

• Experience working within collegiate athletics or multi-use recreational facilities.

• Certified Ice Technician (CIT) certification or willingness to obtain.

• CPR/AED/First Aid certification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of ice arena operations and facility maintenance.

• Working knowledge of mechanical building systems.

• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to teamwork, professionalism, and exceptional customer service.

Ability to adapt to changing operational priorities. Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work in physically demanding environments for extended periods.

• Ability to frequently lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to safely operate an ice resurfacer, forklifts, utility vehicles, and maintenance equipment.

• Ability to work in cold environments associated with ice arena operations.

• Manual dexterity is required to safely operate tools, machinery, and equipment.

Work Environment

Work is performed throughout the Harold Alfond Forum, including the ice arena, fieldhouse, turf facility, locker rooms, mechanical spaces, offices, storage areas, and exterior grounds. Evening, weekend, holiday, and on-call work is routinely required to support athletic competitions, recreational programming, conferences, and community events.

Vaccination Statement (PLEASE NOTE)

Employees in clinical settings must meet the State of Maine’s immunization requirements for clinical activity.

Additional Note

This position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extension.