Ice Technician – Chester Curling Club

The Chester Curling Club is celebrating over 54 years of curling and has a current membership of approximately 175 junior and adult members. Our goal is to ensure the highest quality ice conditions for recreational curlers, competitive players, and our guests. We foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for curlers of all ages and skill levels. Leagues operate 5 days a week with weekend bonspiels being held approximately 6 times over the curling season. 

Job Description

The Chester Curling Club is looking for a skilled and motivated Ice Technician. This is a part-time position from approximately October 1 to the first weekend in April. You will generally work 12 to 15 hours each week to prepare and maintain four sheets of ice. There are approximately six scheduled bonspiels each season for which you will be paid in addition to your regular hours. You will manage ice installation, routine maintenance and end-of-season ice removal. You will set the standard for the volunteer team through such tasks as scraping, shaving, pebbling, and sweeping for the occasions when you are not present. The Ice Technician will be responsible and answerable to the Club Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of ice installation and removal, routine maintenance, and major ice maintenance tasks.
• Maintain ice quality and standards at all times, ensuring competitive curling conditions.
• Proactively monitor the performance of the ice and react when performance criteria are not being met.
• Flood ice as required through season, with a minimum of once per season and that being during the Christmas break. Two floods are desirable.
• Mentor a team of Club volunteers to assist with ice maintenance. Only trained volunteers, endorsed by you, will be permitted to assist with ice maintenance.
• Maintain a strong focus on safety for yourself and volunteers, ensuring that all volunteers are well-trained and adhere to best practice and safety protocols.
• Ensure all curling stones are maintained / textured, ensuring they are in excellent condition and ready for use.
• Maintain appropriate records and log of ice maintenance.
• Maintain all ice maintenance equipment and measuring devicesin optimal condition.
• All ice surfaces used for league play will be scraped before use, and during bonspiels. Provide reports to the Board of Directors when requested.
• Be willing to attend Ice Technician courses and other professional development as suggested and paid for by the Board.
• Provide service to scheduled bonspiels in person or with a volunteer schedule.
• General upkeep within the ice shed and equipment.
• Prepare the ice shed for offseason.
• Maintain shoe cleaning equipment.
• Support the Club and Board in achieving its operational and strategic goals.

Facility Details

• Painted concrete floor.
• Logo mats for rings and other advertisements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Knowledge and direct work experience related to the installation and maintenance of curling ice.
• Completed Ice Technician course and certification (or willingness to complete) or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge and direct work experience of rock conditioning techniques.
• Standard First Aid (or willingness to complete).
• Ability to maintain competitive curling standards.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Clear and concise communication skills.
• Ability to work a flexible and variable schedule, including weekends. Hours of work will vary on demand.
• Positive attitude and a commitment to quality workmanship.
• Curling ice making experience, professional or volunteer.

Submission Requirements

• A resume, outlining experience and qualifications.
• A plan for ice maintenance and quality control.
• A list of relevant certifications or training.
• References.
• RCMP Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry (or willingness to complete).

Schedule

• Approximately 10 draws a week, some of which are completed by volunteers.
• Regular hours are Monday to Friday, weekends as required.
• Approximately 12 to 15 hours weekly, after ice install.
• Currently scheduled bonspiels:
  • Teazer Light U15: November 28 to 30, 2025.
  • Teazer Light U13: December 12 to 14, 2025.
  • Snowball bonspiel: February 13 and 14, 2026 (date to be confirmed).
  • Jolly Bowl bonspiel: March 7, 2026 (date to be confirmed).
  • Junior Funspiel: March 27 to 29, 2026.
• Other bonspiels.
• Ice rentals.

Pay / Benefits

• $22.50 / hour, negotiable. Scheduled bonspiels as income beyond hourly rate.
• Professional development, as approved by the Board.

Application Deadline

June 30, 2025 To apply or request more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Only applicants being considered will be contacted.

Hello Chester Curling Club Members,

On May 29, your Chester Curling Club held its Annual General Meeting, where a new Board of Directors was elected for the 2025–2026 season.

Scott Milner, Director, President 

Jeff Lamb, Director, Treasurer 

Carla Rafuse-Stevens, Director, Secretary,

Hannah Zinck, Director 

Laura Bowles, Director, Recording Secretary

Dan Sutherland, Director, Events Chair

First, I want to sincerely thank Andrew Milburn for stepping up two years ago to serve as Club President. Andrew completed his term at the end of last season, leaving a lasting impact on our club. Among other things, he led us through the trial of a new league structure, helped navigate the uncertainties surrounding the roof, and oversaw important furnace repairs and ice-making improvements. Thank you, Andrew, for your dedicated service to CCC members.

I’d also like to express gratitude to Holly Keillor for her detailed and efficient work keeping minutes and meeting notes for the Board.

Finally, a big thank you to Randy Cocks for his four years as Ice Technician. Randy invested countless hours to ensure our ice conditions were top-notch for members, guests, and bonspiels. Randy has retired from this position to spend more time with his family and grandchildren, and we wish him all the best!

Looking ahead, your Board has several initiatives on the horizon: reviewing the new league and fee structure, supporting our Junior program, increasing member volunteer engagement and incentives, and updating key operational policies such as banner acquisition, ice booking procedures, and facility access responsibilities.

My primary reason for reaching out now, well before the 2025–2026 season, is to inform you that our top priority is securing a part-time, paid Ice Technician. We have already met several times to strategize and have reached out to curling contacts across Nova Scotia, recreation leaders, the Nova Scotia Curling Association, and other clubs.

Our next step is to post the Ice Technician job opening widely. I ask for your help in spreading the word. Please review the attached position description and share it with anyone you think might be interested. The broader the reach, the better.

If you yourself might be interested, please reach out with any questions. We recognize that ice technician skills are specialized and trained individuals are rare. We are willing to provide initial training and have mentoring support lined up through other clubs for the successful candidate.

Additionally, a team of about 10 member volunteers will continue to assist with ice-making duties. If you have any questions or ideas to help us secure an Ice Technician, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Our goal remains to create a welcoming, fun, and inclusive environment for curlers of all ages and skill levels. I will keep you updated as the season approaches and appreciate any support you can provide in this search for a new Ice Technician.

Join the game, find your circle!

Scott Milner President, BOD Chester Curling Club

Hi everyone, just a friendly reminder our AGM is coming up this week!  Hope to see you there.  

We are pleased to announce that our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on THURSDAY, May 29th.

This is an important opportunity for all members to come together, review the year’s achievements, discuss future plans, and participate in key decisions.

Date: Thursday May 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM

Location: CHESTER CURLING CLUB

Your voice matters, and we encourage all members to attend.

More details will follow soon. Stay tuned!

Some background tidbits of Jolly Bowl and the Anil Trophy:

In 1968, investors from India formed the “Anil Hardboard Co.” in co-operation with the Nova Scotia Industrial Estates Ltd.  At the time, this company founded the largest hardboard sheet material plant in Canada.  Over the years the company (Canxel) has changed ownership several times.

Mr. Govind Jolly was the president of the Anil Hardboard Company of Bombay.  Mr. Jolly brought an elephant “Balakrishnam” to Canada from India.  Unfortunately, Baladrishnam, the elephant died within a year of being here due to a climate related illness.  The Jolly Bowl started in 1970 and was a weekend club spiel with games going 24 hours.  WOW! The Anil Trophy is adorned with elephants and is the most sought after trophy at the Chester Curling Club.  This trophy is awarded to the winning team of the Jolly Bowl. So, come on out for a few hours of fun and laughter.  Get a chance to meet other club members and of course to see who wins the “Anil Trophy”

What will happen???

8 ends of curling starting at 2:00 pm (points on winning ends, game won, loss or tied)

Potluck supper to follow, ending with the presentation of the Anil Trophy to the winners.

Look for the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board at the Club!

It’s a great way to enjoy some fun curling and help show your continued support of the Chester Curling Club.

It’s hard to believe but we are nearing the end of our second seven-week session of curling for adults for the 2024-25 season. So, what does that mean for you as an adult curler? For the three Open Leagues on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, this is an opportunity to start a new schedule for the next seven-week session.

New teams can join the leagues, and existing teams may choose to move to another night that better meets their availability or skill level. Drop-in leagues will continue unchanged.

As we begin the third session, it is important for you to review your membership status.

• If you signed up as a full Adult ($450) member, then you can continue to play in all curling activities applicable to your age group for the entire year.
• If you signed up for a One League Adult ($300) membership, then you can continue to play in one league for the next two sessions.
• If you would rather change to another league for any reason, this is your opportunity to make the switch, but you must still only play in one league.
• If you signed up as a One Session Adult ($160) or a One Session, One League Adult ($110), then you will have to register for another One Session membership and pay the appropriate fee for the third session.
• If you aren’t sure what you initially signed up for, or if you wish to change leagues or membership status, or if you just want to pay your fees for the third session, then just click on the  "PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE MEMBERSHIP SIGN-UP" at the top of the members’ website page and follow through the web pages until you confirm your registration and can pay your fees.

If you have any problems or questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please note: Appropriate instructions for Junior members for the third session will be communicated separately.

         TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO JOIN THE BEST WINTER SPORT AROUND!

It’s hard to believe but we have already been curling for seven weeks and tomorrow marks the end of our first session of the 24-25 season at the Chester Curling Club. So, what does that mean for you as a curler?

For the three Open Leagues on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights and for the Monday Night Junior League, this is an opportunity to start a new schedule for the next seven-week session. New teams can join the leagues, and existing teams may choose to move to another night that better meets their availability or skill level. Drop in leagues will continue unchanged.

As we begin the second session, it is important for you to review your membership status.

If you signed up as a full Adult ($450) or Junior ($190/$130) member, then you can continue to play in all curling activities applicable to your age group for the entire year.

If you signed up for a One League Adult ($300) membership, then you can continue to play in one league for the next two sessions. If you would rather change to another league for any reason, this is your opportunity to make the switch, but you must only play in one league.

If you signed up as a One Session Adult ($160) or a One Session, One League Adult ($110), then you will have to register for another One Session Adult membership and pay the fee for the second session.

If you aren’t sure what you initially signed up for, or if you wish to change leagues or membership status, or if you just want to pay your fees for the second session, then just click on the

PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE MEMBERSHIP SIGN-UP

at the top of the members’ website page.

If you have any problems or questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please note: The second session starts on December 16 and runs until Friday February 14, with a two week break from December 23^rd to January 3^rd. Leagues may chose to use their regular times during the break period if they wish, but those are not officially part of the seven week session.

1. The following statement is effective immediately and will be implemented going forward.

   With the opening of the Curling Club for the 2024-2025 season, we must address the safety and operational guidelines for the Club during and after weather events. These guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of all members and the integrity of the facility.

   Guidelines for Closure:

   1. Wind Conditions: The Curling Club will be closed if wind speeds reach 70 KPH (kilometers per hour) or higher.
   2. Snow Loads: The Curling Club will be closed if snow accumulates to a depth of 1 foot or more.

   These parameters are being put in place to ensure safety, especially in the case of high winds and heavy snow.

   Notification Process:

   • CMP Park will notify the Club by email when a closure is imminent due to weather conditions.
   • Members: It is vital that your email address is up to date in the Curling Club Manager system.
   • League Chairs: When a closure is announced, the League Chairs will forward the notification to their core groups.

   Important Notice on "No People Inside":

   • When the park indicates “no people inside,” this means that no one is to enter the building, regardless of their role.
     • No Ice Technicians
     • No Keyholders
     • No Teams (practice or scheduled ice sessions)

   Anyone found disobeying this order will have their key privileges suspended, and the key will not be returned.

   Immediate Action:

   Please be aware that weather conditions are expected to change over the next few days, and a closure could be implemented. We encourage all members to monitor their email closely during this period.

   Further updates and more details will be provided as we continue to refine these procedures.

   Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

   Andrew Milburn

   CCC President

Registration is now OPEN!!! The Chester Curling Club will be hosting two separate events for the 2024 Teazer Light

U13 and U15 Divisions - Boys, Girls or Mixed Teams

Age cutoff is as of June 30, 2024

U15 Division (6 end games) – November 22-24, 2024: $160/team

U13 Division (4 end games) - December 13-15, 2024: $150/team

To register, send Team Details – Team member names and date of birth, club affiliation, coach name and key contact info to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Payments will be accepted via etransfer to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

HEY KIDS!!!!

COME LEARN TO CURL for free!

The Junior Division of the Chester Curling Club is offering 2 free instruction sessions for all students Grade 3 and up. The program will start October 28^th, and children may choose any two sessions to attend. If you are new to curling and really want to do more sessions, registration for beginners is only $70 for the whole season.

Please contact Tammy Rent (Junior Chairperson) at: 902-483-9086 (cell) orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register your child.

Registration System Now Operational!

We apologize for the long delay in opening the online registration system, but we have made significant changes in the league and fee structures, and we have therefore had to make significant changes in the online system.

After some teething pains, we have completed testing and the system is now good to go, including the credit card payment system.

All you need to do is click on the green Member Login button on the www.chestercurlingclub.ca website and then click on the following link at the top of the page following login.

"PLEASE CLICK THIS LINK TO COMPLETE YOUR ONLINE MEMBERSHIP SIGN-UP"

As a former member, you will just need to review and confirm the personal information that is currently in our member database. If you have moved or changed any of your contact information, then this is your chance to correct things and make sure that you don't miss the latest news from the club or that phone call from your skip or opponents that the game tonight is going to be cancelled. Please check your information carefully to prevent any errors. It is very important that your correct birth date is in the database because your registration fee will be calculated based on your age and the number of leagues that you sign up for.

For details of the membership types and fees, please go to Chester Curling Club - Types and Fees . Once you have confirmed your personal information then proceed to the next page and select the leagues/activities that you wish to play in. You may pick as many or as few as you want, and your fee will be charged accordingly. If there is any doubt about whether you are planning to play in the second or third seven-week session, then please only pick one session to avoid being charged the full season fee. You will be able to register for those other sessions at a later date, but you will be charged the sessional fee for each session at that time. Please note that paying for each session individually does result in a larger overall fee if you pay for all three sessions individually rather than paying the full season fee all at once.

Once you have picked your leagues, then you must accept the conditions of the online waiver form to complete your registration. Then you can make your payment using any of the payment methods including credit cards or e-transfer online, or cash or cheques at the club.

You may notice that the Club 200 ticket option is no longer on the registration form. Unfortunately, we have had to remove it from the online system as online sales and payment are contrary to the conditions of our lottery license. We do hope that you will continue to support the Club 200 fundraiser by buying your tickets at the bar during the season.

Remember, fundraising efforts help us to keep our membership fees reasonable.

Please note that the interactive nature of the registration process has made it difficult to use a paper form. If you are unable to access a computer or you are having difficulty using the online system on your own, then please come to the club during one of the registration nights or any time when the bar is open during nighttime leagues, and someone will be able to guide you through the process. Monday, October 21, and Tuesday, October 22, at 7 PM.

If you have any questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Charles Walker, Membership Chair

Jeff Lamb, Treasurer