Benefits:

Paid time off

Blackstone Bicycle Works Part Time Bicycle Mechanic

Program Mission

Blackstone Bicycle Works (BBW) is a youth education program of the Experimental Station, a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Blackstone Bicycle Works is a bicycle-centered program dedicated to empowering youths from Chicago's South Side, teaching mechanical, job, and life skills to youths ages 9-18, while engaging and educating the local community, advocating for safer pedestrian infrastructure, and promoting ecological practices.

BBW Part-Time Bicycle Mechanic

Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Part Time Bicycle Mechanic builds, repairs, and maintains bicycles for our BBW program. In addition the Part Time Bicycle Mechanic will support the Bicycle Mechanic Instructor, Youth Services Coordinator, and Program Manager in all areas of summer and after-school youth (ages 9-18) programming and community Open Shop to support basic to advanced mechanic skills achievement, safe riding of bikes, and a healthy bicycling culture. The Part Time Bicycle Mechanic will also help to maintain the shop as a safe and supportive environment and strongly represent and advocate for the program and organization.

The Part-Time Bicycle Mechanic is directed and supported by Blackstone Bicycle Works Bicycle Mechanic Instructor, Program Manager, and Experimental Station’s Deputy Director of Operations.

The ideal candidate should possess a diverse range of experiences that equips them for

effectively engaging with youth aged 9-18 from disadvantaged backgrounds and a diverse array of community members. Essential skills for this role include patience, empathy, and a supportive and guiding spirit. A genuine interest in bicycles and a thorough understanding of bicycle mechanical skills are prerequisites, including advanced knowledge of bicycle mechanics and pre-existing connections within the cycling community or industry.

The Bicycle Mechanic Instructor duties include:

Repairing and maintaining bicycles for program use.

Mentoring youths and providing an example of positive and responsible adult behavior.

Providing bicycle mechanic instruction to youths and adults.

Provide expertise and guidance with repairs during Open Shop working with youths and adults.

Help to maintain a safe and positive learning environment at BBW.

Support daily youth bike repair instruction.

Support special bike instruction based programing (Earn-A-Bike, open shop, race team, fitness, group rides, spring, summer, afterschool, and in school).

Assist with tracking of program data and other documentation (participation rosters, skill sheets, apron system, activity summaries, photo/video documentation).

Maintain program spaces, equipment and supplies used for youth education and engagement.

Support and contribute to program initiatives to address needs and opportunities that arise, especially those that involve engaging youth.

Communicate program needs related to acquiring supplies and equipment. Be an excellent steward of our resources.

Assist BBW staff as needed.

Be a positive representative and advocate of the program and organization.

Criteria and qualifications of preferred candidates:

Education:

High School graduate or equivalent.

Experience:

Experience leading youth or adult bike repair instruction. Program and staff/volunteer coordination experience preferred.

Able to rebuild and fully repair road bikes, mountain bikes, and kids bikes.

Skills and Abilities:

Organized.

Moderate to advanced bike repair skills.

Bicycle repair instruction experience preferred.

Able to communicate and relate with a diversity of youth, adults, staff, and groups; work as part of a team; work independently; take initiative and solve problems; remain calm under pressure; repair and refurbish bicycles; organize and execute plans; and effectively use email, google apps (sheets, forms, drive, and docs).

Physical and Mental Demands:

Must be physically and mentally able to perform essential functions, possessing sufficient physical strength and energies to effectively engage in activities with youth, and manage and maintain the program's supplies, equipment, and facilities.

This is a part-time role (20 hours per week) with an hourly salary of $18 - $20 per hour commensurate with experience. You will earn 1 hour of PTO and 1 hour of sick leave for every 35 hours worked.

Final candidates are subject to a background check.

We welcome people with a wide range of skills and experience to apply, and will reach out to those with the greatest potential to successfully fulfill this role. To apply, visit experimentalstation.org/jobshttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ihKjeTVsn4ejfvwrtxH0fcSZyl8-cCK6yvvU7dJVsTE/viewform?edit_requested=true

It is the policy of Experimental Station to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.