Now Hiring: Shop Manager & Lead Mechanic

bike works by p:ear is a community bike shop managed by the nonprofit p:ear. In addition to providing high-quality bike repair, bike works builds pathways for youth ages 15–25 through our bike mechanic school and paid internship program.

We promote the bicycle as a vehicle for social change, leveraging opportunity for East Portland residents and youth experiencing homelessness to build resilient, diverse communities. bike works is committed to making bicycling accessible and affordable to everyone. Our full-service shop offers everything from minor adjustments and tune-ups to full overhauls of refurbished bicycles and parts.

Location: 14127 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97233

Position: Shop Manager & Head Mechanic

FTE: 1.0 (Tuesday–Saturday; occasional evenings and Sundays required) Reports to: p:ear Works Director
Compensation: $57,000 annually ($60k for Spanish fluency)

Benefits:

• 3 weeks paid vacation
• Health and dental insurance
• 3% SIMPLE IRA match
• Short-term disability
• 8 paid sick days

Position Description

The Shop Manager & Head Mechanic is a dynamic leader and highly skilled bicycle mechanic who helps guide and sustain bike works’ community-centered mission. This role supports the p:ear Works Director, oversees shop mechanics, manages daily shop operations, and mentors youth bike mechanic interns.bike works serves Portland’s Eastside communities by providing low-cost, low-barrier access to bike repair, refurbished bike sales, and hands-on education. This position plays a key role in balancing operational excellence, financial sustainability, and meaningful youth and community impact.

Essential Job Functions

As Shop Manager & Head Mechanic, you will provide leadership and oversight to a small, diverse team of mechanics and youth interns. You will build strong relationships with staff, youth, customers, and community partners while helping ensure a welcoming, efficient, and financially sustainable shop environment.

Required Qualifications & Competencies Values, Leadership & Community

• Commitment to personal growth, humor, and emotional intelligence
• Strong collaborative leadership style with strategic and problem-solving skills
• Commitment to non-violence, trauma-informed care, and compassionate responses
• Awareness of one’s own identity and enthusiasm for cross-cultural relationship-building
• Strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and creating welcoming environments for all
• Ability to learn from and adapt to the cultural and community norms of p:ear youth
• Self-directed, highly motivated, and able to work effectively in fast-paced, sometimes chaotic environments

Professional Mechanic Competencies

• Minimum 5 years of professional bicycle mechanic experience in a retail or nonprofit shop setting
• Advanced proficiency in diagnosing, repairing, and rebuilding a wide range of bicycles, with particular experience working on used and older bikes
• Strong understanding of drivetrain, brake, wheel, headset, bottom bracket, and suspension systems
• Ability to efficiently assess repairs, clearly communicate options, and prioritize safety and quality
• Experience setting and maintaining shop repair standards and quality control processes
• Comfortable training, mentoring, and supervising mechanics with varying skill levels
• Strong organizational skills related to parts tracking, work orders, and inventory management
• Excellent customer service and communication skills; bilingual abilities a plus
• Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and complete tasks with minimal oversight

Essential Duties & Responsibilities Shop Management & Leadership

• Oversee daily shop operations, including repair flow, inventory, ordering, and forecasting
• Support and mentor shop mechanics and youth interns
• Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment
• Identify barriers to service and recommend solutions to better serve the community
• Represent bike works and p:ear positively and professionally in all settings
• Attend p:ear fundraisers and community-building activities as required

Mechanical & Technical Work

• Execute high-quality assembly, repair, and maintenance for all types of bicycles
• Assess repair needs and recommend clear, appropriate options to customers
• Refurbish bicycles for retail sale and donation
• Track all new and used parts associated with repairs and builds
• Perform quality control checks on all repaired or built bicycles

Shop Operations

• Assist mechanics with inventory management and distributor ordering
• Maintain shop tools and ensure proper restocking of supplies
• Provide customer service during retail sales and repair intake
• Conduct full shop inventory twice annuallyCommunity Programming

• Safety-check all Everybody Bikes! bicycles prior to distribution
• Build and sustain relationships with the Rosewood Initiative and other community partners
• Participate in Sunday Parkways, Free Bikes 4 Kids monthly wrenching events, and occasional community rides

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout scheduled shifts
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 75 lbs

To Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and references as PDFs via email or mail. No phone calls, please. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an initial screening.

Email:

nathan@bikeworkspdx.org

Mail:

p:ear

Attn: Nathan Engkjer

338 NW 6th Ave. Portland, OR 97209