Career Opportunity: Ice Technician

CFB Halifax Curling Club, Nova Scotia

CFB Halifax Curling Club is a 6 sheet curling facility located in Halifax Nova Scotia. It is part of the Canadian Military (Department of National Defence), and is managed under the Military’s Personnel Support Programs (PSP), which is a component of the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services (CFMWS) group.

The Club has been in existence since 1971 and presently is sustaining a membership of approximately 400. As well, there are numerous rental leagues that utilize the club facilities. There are also various bonspiels and other events that use the facilities throughout the curling season.

In addition to the ice shed, the Club has a lounge and bar as well as a full service kitchen and dining facility.

Summary of Position

Taking direction from the Curling Club manager, the Ice Technician is considered a contract opportunity with CFB Halifax Curling Club and Personnel Support Programs (PSP). The individual is responsible for the establishment of the best possible ice at all times, in conjunction with the schedule of the Club and Club Manager. The contractor provides direction in the daily operation of making, maintaining and improving our curling club ice at CFB Halifax. The facility is open 7 days per week and has a large club membership with frequent rentals as well as the demands from our military community. Due to the nature of the bookings, flexibility regarding meeting demand is critical. It should be noted that a typical season could have an average 20-23 draws per week.

Term of Contract

This is a contract position that will run from October 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. The Club is open 7 days per week during the curling season that runs from approximately October 15 to April 15. At the end of the contract, there will be a meeting between the Contractor and the Club Manager to determine if there is mutual interest in extending the contract for the year 2025/2026.

Scope of Service

• Install and maintain a high quality ice surface that maintains 23-25 second Hog to Tee time for 8 ends and has 3.5 to 4.5 feet of curl. In addition, the ice surface must be kept clean. This includes the playing surface, in and around the hacks, between the hacks and the end boards, and the rock boxes.
• Generally speaking, ice installation includes initial flooding, painting of the ice surface, installing houses and hog decals, lines, hacks and other advertising logos, applying finishing floods, and placing the curling rocks on the surface.
• Generally speaking, daily maintenance includes scrape and clean entire ice surface, mop, pebble, and nip the playing surface, and take down scoreboard numbers before each draw, clean far end and side walkways, replenish tissue boxes and empty garbage at far end (Daily draws can occur morning, afternoon and evening).
• At the season’s conclusion; remove the ice, properly clean and store all equipment, rocks, decals and clean the ice shed.
• Flood ice to throughout the season to provide high quality ice (every 4-6 weeks).
• Rock maintenance and service as required.
• Ensure all tasks and processes are executed or supervised by the Ice Technician.
• In the absence of the Ice Technician, ensure that all ice staff are adequately trained and qualified to execute ice maintenance duties.
• Maintain a daily log of activities and work performed.
• Perform moderate lifting, carrying, pulling and/or pushing (more than 10lbs and less than 50lbs).
• Work closely with the Club Manager to ensure all needs are being met.
• Safeguard supplies and equipment.
• Work with the Club Manager regarding building and/or mechanical maintenance.
• Attend and be available for meetings as required.
• Work with the Club Manager to ensure that ice expenditures follow approved annual budget.
• Undertake various risk management, quality improvement activities for ice, while identifying any Ice Shed area issues that may cause an element of risk to staff, curlers, visitors and assist Club Manager to develop action plans for potential resolution.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding curling club information.
• Communicate effectively with members, Military personnel, Club Employees, Board of Directors and the general public in a respectful, courteous and professional manner.
• Comply with all NPF Policies, procedures, regulations and applicable legislation.
• Comply with the requirements of the NPF health and safety programs.

Evaluation Criteria

The Ice Technician’s performance will be evaluated on the above with respect to the following:

• Contributes to the overall organization of the ice making and maintenance services.
• Quality of ice throughout the curling season.
• Evidence of timely, efficient and effective completion of established contractual responsibilities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma plus years experience in related field
• OR
• An acceptable combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered
• AND
• Current Level 1 Ice Technician Certification
• Current CPR/Basic First Aid qualifications considered an asset
• Current Refrigeration Ticket considered an asset

Experience

• Minimum of 1 year ice making and maintenance
• Operation of ice making/maintenance equipment
• General building upkeep

Submission

Payments are made to the awarded contractor twice per month, based on invoices submitted by the contractor on the 15th day and the final day of each month. The contractor is responsible to make necessary payments to the Canada Revenue Agency. Deductions regarding income tax and other deductions fall on the responsibility of the selected individual. The start date for this opportunity is October 1, 2024. Proposals for this opportunity must be received by COB July 26, 2024. We ask that all interested individuals include the following information in their proposal:
• Cover letter and resume clearly indicating work experience specifically relating to ice maintenance.
• Indicate if additional workers will be hired to assist with or complete work and training and scheduling policy (if applicable, this will be done so at the Ice Technicians expense).
• $2 million Liability Insurance minimum required.
• Proposed contract fee.

Please email your submission by July 26, 2024 to:

Floyd Otto, Manager, CFB Halifax Curling Club
[email protected]