Job Title
Professional Bicycle Mechanic
Company / Organization
Rat City Bikes
Job Description
We are looking for 2 employees (experienced mechanic and an apprentice) to work at our amazing shop.
https://www.rideyourbike.com/helpwanted.shtml
Professional Bicycle Mechanic:
A career mechanic who loves to work on all types of bicycles.
Excellent pay, starting at $25-$35 per hour DOE
Full Time position with 2 weeks paid vacation
About You: 2 years full-time experience (not necessarily all paid, examples: you have volunteered at a non-profit bike shop, or you have been a home mechanic). You know how to build wheels, but if not, then we will teach you. You know a lot about bikes but still enjoy learning something new every day. You are not a know it all and are not afraid to say, “I don’t know, let me find out.” Must not be afraid to look it up or read the instructions! You must be familiar with the parts of a bike (or at least know where to look for info). You must be comfortable wrenching on department store bikes or Campagnolo dream machines as well as everything in between. You must work well with people and not mind if the customer watches you work. You are not introverted. We have an open-air shop and the customers can watch (from 6 feet away). You must be extremely organized, efficient and clean. Must be friendly and a good listener. Must be open to our way of bike repair, but we recognize there are often many ways to the same result.
About our shop: Rat City Bikes is extremely professional, organized and clean shop. We have 3 fully equipped workbenches. We have nearly every tool currently available (and for the last 60-70 years!). If we do not have the tool, we will purchase it or manufacture it! We have a Southbend 9” Lathe. We use a sister fabrication shop for welding and machining beyond what can be done in the shop and work with several paint shops. We specialize in internally geared hubs. We service several per day. You will learn how to service them! We also work on many kids bikes.
Apprentice Bicycle Mechanic
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Mechanical aptitude is a must.
Full Time. Year-Round. $18.50 per hour (Higher pay as skills increase.)*
You must be highly motivated, mechanically inclined and career minded.
Apprentice Bicycle Mechanic NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
Here is your chance to learn from the best mechanics in the region! This is a career position for the right person and even has the possibility of shop ownership when the owner retires in 10-ish years.
You will learn every aspect of bicycle repair and how to build wheels. You must not have an elitist attitude about bicycles, meaning: if you only want to work on the expensive fancy bikes, look elsewhere. You must work well with people and not mind if the customer watches you work (you will understand this better when you see our shop in person). You need to be organized and clean. You are friendly and a good listener. Being out-going is a plus!
You WILL read a lot about bicycle mechanics! Hands on plus reading assignments are the best way to learn.
After your 2 year apprenticeship you will move to Journeyman status with a boost in pay. This is a career position and the candidate will be responsible for their own continuing education** and advancement. The main drive must come from your own desire to learn bike mechanics through study and reading. We have an extensive professional library at the shop for you to select books from. Testing, lots of reading, study and peer review will be included in your regimen. Goals will be set, and when met, higher pay will accompany your advancement. You have been Journeyman Mechanic for 5 years Master Mechanic status will be earned with another boost in pay! Experienced Professional Bicycle Mechanics earn $25 to $35 per hour or more! If you are just looking for a 9-5 job this probably isn’t for you.
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to: interacting with all types of people, general bike repair, housekeeping duties, opening and closing procedures. We expect all employees to be environmental stewards. You should ride your bike to work! You work at a bike shop after all! But you don’t have to, we just encourage it. That is what “should” means! People ask for advice on all sorts of bicycle topics at a bike shop. The best way to know is to ride!
Job requires standing for long periods of time and lifting bicycles. Rat City Bikes is a friendly, safe space for all people.
*First trial week will be at the minimum wage which is currently $15.75 Higher pay will accompany your skill progression. Mechanics that apply themselves can earn $35 per hour! This will be determined by quarterly pay & performance reviews. The faster you advance, the more you get paid!
Must be highly motivated, mechanically inclined and career minded. This will be determined in the first test week.
**You will attend (with pay, of course) periodic bicycle industry events, seminars and courses.
Other Benefits:
Factory training and continuing education
Online training while at work in the slow season (e.g. Shimano S-Tec)
Attend Trade Shows like CABDA
Wholesale prices on parts and accessories for you and gifts for your immediate family.
Shop pays for lunch on Fridays.
We pay real living wages that allow you to purchase your own insurance thru Obamacare.
Email cover letter and resume to aaron@rideyourbike.com
How to Apply
Email cover letter and resume to aaron@rideyourbike.com