Job: Bike Club Instructor – Community Cycling Center

Job Title

Bike Club Instructor

Company / Organization

Community Cycling Center

Job Description

Organizational Overview

We love Portland and bikes. So we put our two loves together over 20 years ago, creating a nonprofit organization on a mission to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits.

Our vision is to help build a vibrant community where people of all backgrounds use bicycles to stay healthy and connected. We believe that all Portlanders—regardless of income or background—should have the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom and health benefits of bicycling. This is the motivation behind everything we do.

In addition to delivering dynamic programs that benefit underserved communities, we operate a
full-service bike shop in NE Portland that is staffed by highly experienced mechanics from diverse cycling backgrounds. Our programs and shop services combined help riders build their skills and confidence; empower young people to ride to school and adults to ride to work; offer educational opportunities for teens to earn school credit; and support everyone in riding for health and recreation. We also collaborate with numerous community partners to generate pathways to employment and engagement within the growing bicycle movement by training new educators, leaders, advocates and mechanics.

Our goal is to help create a healthy, sustainable Portland for all community members.

The Community Cycling Center is an equal opportunity employer and strongly values diversity, equity and inclusion. Individuals with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and experiences are encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

Bike Club is an after-school program for youth in grades 3-8 to develop their cycling skills in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Students experience riding on the road, navigating safe routes with maps, and instruction in basic bicycle maintenance. In addition, youth develop self-confidence, independence, and social and communication skills while learning in a team environment.

Bike Club Instructors work in pairs to guide groups of 10-12 students on rides around school communities in North and East Portland while implementing cycling lessons, activities, and games. Instructors have the flexibility to tailor rides and activities according to their instructional style and the group’s needs and ability. This role involves effective communication with co-instructors, students, parents, and supervisors. This includes group management, active listening, and conflict resolution. Successful candidates will have enthusiasm and experience working with youth and an interest in riding bicycles.
Bike club seasons run from October-December in the fall and April-June in the spring, typically for about 8-12 weeks. Instructors have the opportunity to work a full-time schedule (32-40 hrs/wk) during the summer months (June-August) to support our bike camp program. During the winter months, instructors may take on a lighter workload (10 hrs/wk) if desired.

Essential Functions

Please note that the percentage indicators below represent an estimate of how much time each week will be spent fulfilling these functions. In terms of importance, all areas are valued equally.

Program Development (20%)

● Work closely with SRTS Coordinator(s) and supervisor(s) to adapt existing programming and support new program development to meet the needs of bike club families
● Assist co-instructors and partners in identifying appropriate curriculum, activities, and encouragement events for Cycling and Walking programming

Program Facilitation: Bicycle, Walking, and Transit Programming (80%)

● Instruct and maintain safe riding protocols and emergency procedures
● Respond effectively and compassionately to student behavior and conflict management
● Along with a co-instructor, plan and facilitate games, activities, and routes with desirable destinations that meet the needs and desires of each group
● Provide a consistent, positive, inclusive experience to all students regardless of race, class, gender identity, or background
● Attend and contribute to weekly check-ins and staff meetings, including planning and debriefs with co-instructors before and after each club
● Assist with supply set-up and tear-down
● Professionally represent the Community Cycling Center when interacting with parents and community members
● Support with tracking outcomes and learning objectives in real time
● Participate in quarterly grant reporting
● Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Characteristics

Required

● 1-2 years of experience working with school age youth up to 16 years old from Immigrant and/or BIPOC communities
• Lived experience as an Immigrant and/or BIPOC individual fulfills this requirement
● 1-2 years of experience in group management and facilitation
● Experience engaging school communities beyond the student
● Effective verbal and written communication with co-instructors, students, families, and supervisors
● Highly motivated and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances while engaging youth
● Oriented towards teamwork and community building
● Love of bikes and active transportation
● Demonstrated commitment to the progress of diversity, equity, and inclusion
● Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office programs and G Suite
● Ability to ride a bicycle 5-10 miles per day*
● Ability to lift up to 20 pounds*
o *Reasonable accommodation will be made for staff with a disability
● Valid CPR/First Aid certification required prior to facilitating in-person instruction

Preferred

● Fluency in English and one or more additional languages spoken in the schools (e.g. Spanish, Somali, Russian, or Vietnamese)
● Experience working with youth in Title I schools, mixed income housing, communities of color and/or immigrant communities
● Existing relationships with North, Northeast, and/or East Portland school communities
● Experience leading group bike rides with youth and/or adults
● Basic knowledge of bicycles and their components
● Familiarity with Portland roads, bikeways, parks, and navigation by bike in an urban setting

Hours

● Bike club hours are flexible throughout a typical school year, but tend to be 3-5 afternoons per week between Monday and Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends for special events.
● Bike Club Instructors also have the opportunity to support our summer bike camp program throughout the months of June-August. Working hours during camp are 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday (full-time, 40-hour weeks, non-exempt).

Start Date: October 2021
Reports to: Youth Programs Supervisor – SRTS
Status: Part-time (15-20 hours per week), Seasonal, Non-exempt
Location: Portland, Oregon
Salary: $19.00 per hour
Benefits: Labor credit, used parts allowance and discounts on new items

How to Apply

How to Apply

Please submit cover letter, resume, and three references by email with “Bike Club Instructor” as the subject line to jobs@communitycyclingcenter.org.
One-page cover letter should include:
• Why would you like to be a Bike Club instructor?
• Your experience working with youth and your approach to creating an inclusive and safe environment.
• What will you contribute to Bike Club if hired?
This announcement was originally posted on September 22, 2021.
Position(s) open until filled. Interviews will be scheduled in early October on a rolling basis.

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