Hockey Equipment Manager

Summary

The Hockey Equipment Manager independently manages all equipment operations for the Division I Men's Ice Hockey program and other assigned teams. Responsibilities include procuring, maintaining, and overseeing uniforms, equipment, and gear for athletes, coaches, and support staff. Ensures compliance with health and safety standards, manages the equipment and apparel budget (including NIKE Comp funds), and designs uniforms and practice apparel in accordance with AWPAA brand standards and NCAA/league requirements. The Hockey Equipment Manger upholds the values and high standards of the United States Military Academy and Army West Point Athletics.

Scope of Impact

Job Complexity: High: The employee must work with Coaches, Administrators, Athletic Interns, Cadet-Athletes and Cadet managers for various programs as well as external agencies (i.e. Nike, Bauer, etc.) in managing a successful equipment program.

Scope of Influence: High: The employee has direct oversight of the sport’s equipment and apparel that he/she is assigned to.

Level of Decision Making

The responsibilities outlined in this job description are integral to the success of the AWPAA. All decisions associated with designated responsibilities will be made in conjunction with their direct supervisor and/or the Sr. Associate Athletics Director, Internal Operations.

Success Factors

Success in this position will be evaluated by the Supervisor on the employee’s performance in a variety of areas, including but not limited to: Commitment to AWPAA Mission, Vision and Values; and supporting the AWPAA Strategic Plan and Priority Results.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

60 % Equipment Operations

• Independently manage equipment room and operations for the hockey program and other assigned sports.
• Perform all team ordering with AWPAA apparel and equipment partners.
• Manage equipment/apparel budget and credit card (if applicable). Coordinate with Head Coach and Sport Administrator when necessary.
• Design team uniforms and practice apparel while adhering to AWPAA brand standards, NCAA and league requirements.
• Monitor the maintenance needs of the equipment room machinery and schedule repairs as needed.
• Establish and implement department protocols to manage an accurate inventory system.
• Manage practice and gameday operational needs per assigned sports.
• Recruit, train, and supervise Cadet-Managers (if applicable).

30% Health and Safety

• Use discretion to ensure all equipment meets USMA, league, NCAA or other applicable health and safety standards and best practices.
• Perform routine and emergent maintenance to ensure healthy and safety standards are maintained.
• Ensure proper sanitation of all apparel and equipment, including, coordination of team laundry operations throughout the year.
• Provide all athletes with appropriate playing apparel and proper fitting protective equipment.
• Responsible for keeping up to date on health and safety regulations and best practices.

10 % Administrative & Other Duties as Assigned

• Apply knowledge of the organization, its policies and regulations to carry out a wide variety of administrative functions related to the organization and its mission.
• Coordinate with internal and external constituents regarding equipment operations.
• Ensure all operations are in compliance with USMA, NCAA and Conference regulations.
• Adhere to all department-wide management controls and participate in training programs as required.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned by the Sr. Associate Athletics Director, Internal Operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Work Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Perform duties during flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required by the athletics schedules.
• Travel as necessary per athletics schedules.
• Perform duties in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.
• Moves boxes weighing up to 50 lbs.
• This position frequently communicates with cadet-athletes, coaches and staff who have questions related to proper equipment and apparel fitting to ensure health and safety. Must be able to exchange accurate information with cadets, coaches and staff.
• Must be able to observe and assess equipment conditions to coordinate proper repairs and replacements.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer, printer, and phone.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with team members, United States Military Academy (“USMA”) staff and vendors.
• Consistently works in outdoor weather conditions when providing direct support and training at outdoor practice and competition facilities.

Travel

Travel is required for all team competitions (exhibitions, pre-season, regular season, post-season).

Required Qualifications

• 2-4 years of relevant experience in athletics (intercollegiate or professional), specifically hockey equipment operations.
• Must be eligible for the Athletic Equipment Manager’s Association (AEMA) certification within eighteen months of being hired.
• Demonstrated experience in fitting, repairing/maintaining, and purchasing athletic equipment, to include skate sharpening.
• Repair equipment with proper tools such as sewing machines (household and industrial) and other ways that are necessary.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices including sanitization and cleansing chemicals.
• Demonstrate good judgment and the ability to respond quickly and deal successfully under pressure and in a very open and public environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations.
• Team-First Approach.
• Strong Work Ethic.
• Ability to Build and Maintain Relationships.
• Excellent Organizational and Communication Skills.
• Willingness to Learn and Contribute.
• Microsoft Office 365.
• Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Athletic Equipment Manager’s Association (AEMA) certification.
• Experience creating, organizing, and adjusting budgets.
• Designing athletic apparel.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

• Must be eligible to work in the United States of America, without sponsorship.
• Must be eligible to work on a military installation, including a willingness to submit to a background screen.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Pay Range

$60,000 - $65,000

This job posting contains a pay range, which represents the range of salaries that AWPAA believes, in good faith, at the time of this posting that it might be willing to pay for the posted position. AWPAA expects to hire for this position near the middle of the range. Only in truly rare and exceptional circumstances, where an external candidate has experience, credentials or expertise that far exceed those required or expected for the position, would AWPAA consider paying a salary or rate near the higher end of the range.

About Us

USMA is renowned as the world’s preeminent leadership development institution. Located on the banks of the Hudson River in West Point, NY, it is approximately one hour from New York City. The mission of USMA is "to build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army Values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and Nation." This position will be housed within the AWPAA, which is a non-profit corporation organized to manage and support the 30 intercollegiate athletic programs at the Academy. The AWPAA mission is to recruit, educate, train and inspire leaders of character who are committed to the Army Values through an extraordinary NCAA Division I athletic experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AWPAA is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law.

Applicant qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law.

Disclaimer Statement

This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.