Job Title
Shop Manager & Lead Mechanic
Company / Organization
bike works by p:ear
Job Description
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
How 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