Ice Arena Operations Manager

Ice Arena Operations Manager
Organization Montgomery Parks
Location Wheaton, Maryland
Job Type Full Time
Application Deadline Sep 1, 2025

Description

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a six-time National Recreation and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner, is seeking an Operations Manager to work within Montgomery Parks at the Cabin John Ice Rink in Rockville, MD, and the Wheaton Ice Arena in Wheaton, MD. The Department serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in Montgomery County, Maryland, and manages 421 parks on more than 37,000 acres of parkland. The Department has an annual operating budget of over $100 million, a six-year Capital Improvement Program of over $180 million, and a career staff of nearly 800 employees.

The Montgomery County Parks Enterprise Division is seeking an Operations Manager to provide oversight of maintaining four (4) ice surfaces (Two NHL, Studio, and Olympic Rinks) and maintenance at Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena including dasher board systems and glass; operate and maintain all ice equipment to include three ice resurfaces, ice edgers, and ice making equipment; operate and assist the Facility Managers with maintaining the five buildings equipment to include CO sensors, fire suppression system, security system, HVAC, and building inspections; operate three refrigeration systems (Glycol/R22 and Ammonia plants)and other associated components to include energy efficient compressors, three dehumidification units, three cooling towers, etc.; as well as oversee ground maintenance. This position will also assist the facility managers with overseeing the custodial services and building maintenance. Additional tasks will include procurement, budget management, personnel management (hiring, training, and supervising Zamboni drivers and custodians), and emergency response. Performs other duties as assigned.

The incumbent will be expected to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, and serve as a manager on duty during various scheduled shifts.

Examples of Important Duties

Manager

  • Manage and coordinate maintenance with other staff on four ice surfaces (NHL, Studio, Olympic): Perform proper ice maintenance procedures, including resurfacing, measurements, edging, etc., on a regular schedule. Ensure the ice rink is always in good condition, including dasher boards, glass, doors, kickplates, hockey boxes, Zamboni doors, threshold, netting, etc. Make repairs or replace them as needed. Maintain and repair hockey nets.
  • Under the direction of the Facility Managers, assist with preventative maintenance on all ice equipment: perform routine maintenance on five Zambonis and ice edgers and basic repairs.
  • Assist with maintaining the three refrigeration systems (Glycol/R22 & Ammonia) and other associated components, including compressors, three dehumidification units, three cooling towers, etc.: perform routine tasks, record readings, and other information.
  • In conjunction with the Facility Managers, oversee the building maintenance (interior and exterior), service, and projects, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, security system, CO sensors, equipment control systems, fire suppression system, roof, keys, locks, and other major building systems.
  • Assist the Facility Managers and Construction Supervisor with managing and overseeing renovations and building projects.
  • Ensure the overall building/rinks are clean and repairs are completed promptly.
  • Maintain Air Quality Standards by assisting in the documentation of meter readings.
  • Submit service requests when needed – follow up on work and track progress.
  • Assist Facility Managers with budget formulation for equipment and supply needs. Monitor and track expenditures. Control expenditures in accordance with the approved budget.
  • Order maintenance supplies.
  • Obtain price quotes for materials and supplies and new and replacement equipment.
  • Complete required administrative paperwork and recordkeeping: inventory of supplies and materials, facility and ice maintenance, refrigeration systems readings, timecards, etc.
  • Assemble information and prepare selected reports as directed by the supervisor.
  • Conduct Research. Attend professional seminars and training to stay current with industry standards, learn new techniques for maintaining ice rinks, and recommend new or upgraded equipment for the facility.

Records Management

  • Maintain and update all inventory of power equipment, tools, safety equipment, refrigeration equipment, ice equipment, etc.
  • Completes equipment maintenance records and ensures all readings and maintenance are completed and documented.
  • Completes Inspection records as directed by supervisor.
  • Completes staff training records on all ice equipment, including maintenance and operating (Zamboni, edgers) and ice maintenance.

Supervision of Staff

  • Recruits, hires, and trains staff.
  • Assigns and schedules the work of staff.
  • Assists in staff training in performing ice maintenance, safely operating equipment, and monitoring refrigeration systems.
  • Evaluates and counsels staff’s performance.
  • Initiates disciplinary actions.
  • Approve timecards and leave request

Minimum Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s Degree in Parks and Recreation, Recreation Management, Facility Management, Education, Business Administration, Physical Education, Communication, Leisure Services, or any related field.
  2. Two (2) years of responsible professional experience working in a facility related to parks, recreation, leisure services, or area of required specialty (e.g., arts, performing arts, tennis, aquatics, ice rinks).
  3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
  4. Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of the position.
  5. Contingent upon area of assignment, some positions in this class may require valid: (a) operating license (e.g., county pool operator, childcare license) as appropriate; (b) First Aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator (AED) certifications; or (c) certifications as related to assignment (e.g., Lifeguard Instruction, Fundamentals of Gymnastics).
  6. Pass Commission medical exam
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