Lead Athletic Crewperson, Ice Rink Operations

The Athletic Facility Crewperson is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of Princeton’s athletic facilities. Facilities include natural grass fields, artificial turf fields, swimming pools, basketball/volleyball courts, indoor/outdoor tennis courts, indoor/outdoor tracks, an ice rink, squash courts, fencing room, strength and conditioning facilities, athletic medicine facilities, etc. As part of a Division I athletic program it is the expectation that all facilities will be maintained to the highest possible standards.

Schedules and duties assigned are event driven and can vary from season to season as well as day to day. Crew members must have a thorough understanding of the department’s many different facilities and equipment that is necessary to run a Division I athletic department. In addition, crew members are expected to develop a complete understanding of the requirements for competition for the 38 varsity sports and numerous club and intramural programs that utilize the facilities. Crew members are expected to work both independently and collaboratively as well as utilize problem solving and troubleshooting skills when necessary in order to diagnose and make repairs on equipment as needed. In addition, crew members are expected to provide excellent customer service by interacting with coaches, staff, and visiting teams as well as making appropriate decisions with minimal supervision.

In addition to the Athletic Facility Crewperson responsibilities, the Lead Athletic Facility Crewperson for Ice Rink Operations is responsible for the maintenance and operation of historic Hobey Baker Rink. The expectation is that the ice sheet is to be maintained at the highest standards possible for a Division I athletic program. This position is responsible for developing and implementing the maintenance of the ice sheet from starting up and putting the ice in through end of season shutdowns. This position is also responsible for ensuring all Athletic Facility Crewmembers are trained on operating the ice resurfacer and are fully meeting all expectations. In addition, the Lead Athletic Facility Crewperson is expected to assume a leadership role in the absence of the Athletic Facility Crew supervisor.

Princeton University Department of Athletics is committed to creating a workplace culture where differences are celebrated, where all employees feel valued and are empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents, and where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

• Manage the maintenance of the ice sheet
  • Startup of the rink including ice buildup and ice painting
  • Determine the schedule for maintenance tasks such as ice resurfacing, edging, hand edging, cutting down corners, melting out ice buildup, etc.
  • Ensuring that other rink staff have a thorough understanding of expectations and are properly trained.
• Manage the operation of the Ice Resurfacer
  • Have extensive knowledge of the machine
  • Be able to troubleshoot and make repairs when needed.
  • Maintain the machine by checking fluids, pressures, chains, greasing, etc.
  • Change blades and calibrate accurately to produce level ice.
  • Train other crew on the proper operation of the resurfacer.
• Oversight of the Ice Plant
  • Monitor and track logs
  • Take note and alert management or outside contractors of issues before they become major problems
  • Perform basic maintenance such as adding oil, resetting faults, etc.
• Ice Rink Operations
  • Inspect and make repairs on the boards and glass
  • Inspect and make basic repairs to the rink or coordinate repairs with University Facilities
  • Coordinate needs of the rink / ice sheet with other department staff such as the coaches, rink scheduler, the event operations staff, equipment staff, etc.
• Maintenance of natural grass fields including mowing, fertilizing, seeding, aerating, top dressing, irrigation installation and maintenance, field lining, etc.
• Maintenance of artificial turf fields including grooming, blowing, making repairs, cleaning, adding infill, etc.
• General upkeep of outdoor venues and common areas including sweeping, leaf/debris cleanup, trimming, landscaping, pressure washing, litter pickup, trash removal, etc.
• General upkeep of indoor venues including sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, litter pickup, trash removal, cleaning glass, etc.
• Maintenance of ice rink including operation of the ice resurfacer, management of the ice sheet, and equipment checks/maintenance.
• Perform maintenance on University swimming pools and fountains as needed.
• Snow/ice removal operations within and around athletic venues as well as artificial turf fields utilizing both hand tools as well as machinery such as plows, loaders, snowblowers, etc.
• For special events and contests: set up bleachers, goals, platforms, coach/team benches and tables for announcers, scorekeepers and radio and television crews, etc.
• Move equipment and supplies around and between athletic venues as needed for the operation of the department and events.
• Perform minor maintenance and basic trade skills to make repairs on equipment and within facilities including assembly and installation of equipment as well as demolition and removal of equipment.
• Provide excellent customer service by serving as a point of contact for coaches, staff, external rental groups, outside contractors, etc. to include facility setup and general information.
• Work with outside contractors and University trades (including submitting work orders) as needed as it relates to the general upkeep of athletic facilities.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment such as scoreboards, public address systems, timing systems, machinery, and equipment related to the different athletic programs, etc.
• Operate and maintain machinery such as mowers, high reach lifts, plows, loaders, forklifts, ice resurfacer, etc.
• Assist with securing facilities and equipment as needed at the conclusion of a scheduled shift.
• Other duties as assigned.

• At least three years of ice rink experience, preferably at the collegiate level.
• Ability to demonstrate dependability and flexibility as the Athletic Department requires a flexible work schedule that varies season by season. Regular time hours may include weekends and nights as required by the Athletic Department. The ability to work overtime as needed may be required as per Article 15, Section 3B in the SEIU contract.
• The Athletic Facilities Crew is considered essential personnel and required to report to work during normal campus closures due to weather or other campus emergencies/closures.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions and work with minimal supervision.
• Valid driver's license.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong familiarity with the operations of the various electronic and/or mechanical equipment in order to perform minor adjustments in the event of breakdown and/or failure.
• Knowledge of the layout and dimensions of various NCAA playing surfaces and to be able to prepare them (lining, setting up goals, etc.) for intercollegiate contests, as well as for daily practice.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, administrators, staff, coaches, officials, and the general public.
• Adherence to Ivy League and NCAA rules and regulations is required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Certified Ice Technician
• Certified Rink Administrator
• Certified Ice Rink Manager
• Basic familiarity with hand tools and a high level of mechanical aptitude.
• Basic familiarity with trade skills such as small engine or automotive repair, carpentry, minor electrical work, minor plumbing work, and painting.
• Previous experience in an athletic environment performing grounds maintenance work.

Physical Demands: The following are a list of the associated physical requirements:

• stand or walk 2 - 4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day
• sit for less than 2 hours during an 8-hour day, except while operating mowers, performing field maintenance, or during snow removal operations;
• during grass mowing, field maintenance, or snow removal operations, sits for 2-4 hours at one time, up to 8 hours per day
• during grass mowing, field maintenance, or snow removal operations, operates motor vehicles (including mowers) or heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, bobcat, etc.) constantly (over 67% of the workday)
• lift or carry up to 20 pounds frequently (34 - 66% of the workday) and 100 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday)
• lift up to 100 pounds to shoulder height and up to 20 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead
• frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 - 66% of the workday)
• during grass mowing, field maintenance, or snow removal operations constantly use feet for operating foot controls (over 67% of the workday)
• occasionally push or pull with forces up to 100 pounds, kneel, climb stairs or ladders, lift overhead, lie down (less than 33% of the work day)
• frequently push or pull with forces up to 20 pounds, bend, squat, dig or pick (34 - 66% of the work day)
• work indoors and outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions
• ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS