Arena Specialist

Date posted: Tuesday, August 18, 2026 • Application deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026

About the role

This is a semi-skilled position involving on-site work in the maintenance of the Smith Center, its facilities, and equipment. Work assignments are provided by the Parks and Recreation Director and/or Administrative Assistant on an as-needed basis, with the employee expected to perform routine maintenance tasks as instructed.

Responsibilities

• Inspect the Smith Center daily for vandalism or other maintenance and repair needs.
• Perform general maintenance on the Smith Center building, Zamboni, and Power Edger.
• Lay ice for the Hockey Season and summer camp, paint floors, lay lines, and maintain ice throughout the season, including cleaning and maintaining all locker rooms.
• Clean and repair all boards and equipment after the Hockey Season.
• Monitor open skate times, collect fees, and rent skates.
• Perform and collect fees for skate sharpening.
• Remove snow and ice from sidewalks in winter; occasionally mow lawns and trim weeds in summer at the Smith Center.
• Assist with summer special event set-up and take-down (e.g., weddings, July 4th and Labor Day events, shows, rentals), which may include weekend and/or evening hours.
• Perform general maintenance tasks, including masonry, carpentry repairs, and repairs of vandalized items.
• Conduct general custodial work, such as cleaning restrooms, collecting and disposing of refuse, and removing snow.
• Operate equipment, including snow blowers, skate sharpeners, Power Edgers, and the Zamboni, with general maintenance on the Zamboni.
• Set up tables, chairs, and electrical equipment for summer events (e.g., concerts, weddings, specialty shows, holiday celebrations) and work those events.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Parks and Recreation Director and/or Administrative Assistant to meet the needs of the City.

Requirements

• Some work experience in building maintenance; knowledge of running an ice arena is preferred.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and a good driving record.
• Good physical condition to perform a variety of manual tasks.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to accurately follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to address the public with courtesy, tact, and cooperation.
• Ability to work closely and effectively with other Smith Center employees.
• Knowledge of building maintenance, motorized equipment, and ice arena equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain good relations with co-workers, subordinates, participants, and special interest user groups.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to exercise good judgment at all times.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed both inside and outside the Smith Center, near moving mechanical parts.
• Work hours are varied and unpredictable, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• May require occasional out-of-town travel for education and professional development.
• Extensive sitting, walking, standing, stooping, turning, bending, and talking.
• May lift, push, pull, and carry 100+ lbs.
• Some exposure to noise.
• Required to operate equipment, including power and hand tools, tractors, lawn tractors, snow blowers, power edgers, Zambonis, floor scrubbers, mops, and brooms.

Qualifications

Candidates must pass a background check, physical examination, and drug screening once a job offer is made. The physical examination is paid for by the City and administered by the City Health Officer. The chosen applicant is not officially hired until the physical examination is completed and records are provided to the City of Merrill.