Summary

This position is primarily responsible for independently managing the equipment for Army West Point Athletic Association Inc.’s (“AWPAA”) Division I Men’s Ice Hockey program and may be assigned additional team equipment operations responsibilities. This includes procuring, supervising, and maintaining uniforms, equipment, and gear for all athletes, coaches, and support staff for assigned teams. This position is also responsible for ensuring that all health and safety measures are implemented and maintained for equipment and apparel. Establishes a working equipment and apparel budget for assigned teams, including Nike allotments and other equipment and uniform provider budgets. Designs team uniforms and practice apparel while adhering to AWPAA brand standards, NCAA and applicable conference requirements. Maintains the ethics and high standards of the United States Military Academy (“USMA”) and AWPAA.

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 third party providers (e.g., Nike, Bauer, etc.) in managing a successful equipment program.

Scope of Influence: High: The employee has direct oversight of the assigned sport programs’ equipment and apparel.

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 Deputy Athletics Director, Chief Operating Officer.

 If Primary Role is not maintained, the possible outcomes include:

• Player injuries
• Spread of infection
• Lack of preparation for practices and/or game days
• Loss of games

 Candidate must be able to:

• Assess and respond to anticipated or re-occurring problems;
• Demonstrate a solutions-oriented attitude to solve problems;
• Correct possible problems to the best of ability with what is available;
• Provide reliable and safe methods for solving problems;
• Maintain a professionalism when problems arise; and
• Display flexibility within the department and/or scheduling.

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 

30% Operations

• Independently manage equipment room and operations for the hockey program and other assigned sports.
• Monitor maintenance needs of equipment room machinery and schedule repairs.
• Establish and implement department protocols for managing an accurate inventory system.
• Manage practice and game day operational needs for assigned sports.
• Recruit, train, and supervise Cadet-Managers (if applicable).

25% Procurement and Finance

• Perform all team ordering with AWPAA apparel and equipment partners.
• Manage equipment/apparel budget and credit card.
• Design team uniforms and practice apparel while adhering to brand standards, NCAA, and conference requirements.

20% Inventory Control

• Manage an accurate inventory system for equipment and apparel.
• Coordinate with Head Coach and Sport Administrator regarding budget and inventory needs.

15% Health Safety & Standards

• Ensure all equipment meets USMA, league, NCAA, or other applicable health and safety standards.
• Perform routine and emergent maintenance to maintain health and safety standards.
• Ensure proper sanitation of all apparel and equipment, including coordinating team laundry operations.
• Provide athletes with appropriate playing apparel and properly fitting protective equipment. 

10% Administration

• Apply knowledge of the organization's policies and regulations to carry out administrative functions.
• Coordinate with internal and external constituents regarding equipment operations.
• Ensure all operations comply with USMA, NCAA, and Conference regulations.
• Adhere to department-wide management controls and participate in training programs.
• Handle special projects and other assigned duties.
• Keep up to date on health and safety regulations and best practices.

 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.
• Ability to move self and supplies from various locations to support equipment operations in support of cadet-athletes in various facilities.
• Consistently operate computer and other productivity machinery, such as calculator, copy machine, computer printer and inventory systems.
• 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.
• Consistently works in outdoor weather conditions when providing direct support and training at outdoor practice and competition facilities.
• Must have ability operate a motor vehicle to include Gator or Cushman.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

 Travel 

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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 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.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Athletic Equipment Manager’s Association (AEMA) certification.
• Repair equipment with proper tools such as sewing machines (household and industrial) and other ways that are necessary. 
• 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

$50,000 to $55,000

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 educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, Country and prepared for a career of professional excellence and service to the Nation as an officer in the United States Army." 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 values of Duty, Honor, Country 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.

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (“BIPOC”), women, and members of the LGBTQIA communities are encouraged to apply. 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.