Hey everyone,
If you aren’t at our Open House today and are interested in working here, then the internet is the second best place to be – good job on being here. If you want to work here, you fall into one of two groups:
– Age 14-18
– Age 18 and up
If you are younger than that, it is not legal for you to work here. Sorry. If you fall into one of those two groups…read on:
For youth aged 14-18
You want to apply for our Mechanic-in-Training program. Hopefully you are also already a youth volunteer here as that is the best way to get your foot in the door, but if you are not – don’t worry, it isn’t a requirement.
You could read this info sheet right here to get a better idea of what types of folks we are looking for in the Mechanic-in-Training Program.
After that, if you feel like this is the job for you – fill out this application and get us your answers before May 26th.
For folks aged 18 and older
You still want to work here but are too old to be a Mechanic-in-Training? Cool, we need older folks to work here too. Hopefully you are already and Adult Volunteer as that is the best way to get your foot in the door, but if you are not – don’t worry, it isn’t a requirement.
For the older crowd, we are looking for program leaders. We don’t have a cool looking application like the Mechanic-in-Training students do, so instead I’ve just got this job description:
Job Posting for Back Alley Bikes
Title: Program Leader
Reports to: Program Director & Volunteer Coordinator
Organization & Job Summary
Back Alley Bikes is a non-profit community bike shop with a focus on youth development, sustainable practices and community access. Bicycles are used as a tool to engage and empower youth in a hands-on educational space. Operating in the Cass Corridor since 2000, we have a strong neighborhood reputation that expands out across the Metro Area. Each year we reuse over 1,000 donated bicycles, engage over 200 youth in mechanic education and provide over 2,000 hours worth of volunteer experience (among other activities).
The Program Leader will have various responsibilities in regards to different programs. Primarily this position will act as an assistant to the Program Director & Volunteer Coordinator during Youth Earn-a-Bike and Volunteer Times. The Program Leader will also act as the main staff during the Adult Mechanic Class and Youth Ride Club.
Back Alley Bikes is looking to hire part-time program leaders for the summer season (June-August).
Program Leaders will…
Engage youth in conversations about bicycle culture and advocacy
Teach youth and adults bike tool and part names
Teach youth and adults the basics of bicycle repair
Teach youth the ABC safety check and safe riding techniques
Diagnose and assess bicycles to be fit for riding or repair
Oversee and assist volunteers working on various tasks
Share and support Back Alley Bikes mission with others in programming
Skills/Experience Desired…
Experience working with youth (17 years old and younger)
Comfort working with diverse populations
The ability to trust youth and treat them as equals
Interest in bicycles
Mechanical skills are not required but very helpful
Good communication skills
Familiarity with our Adult Mechanic Class
Requirements…
Must be able to lift 50 lbs
Must be able to ride a bicycle
Must be at least 18 years of age
Have a Central Registry Clearance from the Department of Human Services to work with youth
(we can assist you in obtaining a clearance if you get hired – it is free)
Schedules will vary, but weekend availability is required. Positions will work up to 15 hours a week depending on individuals availability. This is a seasonable position. Pay will be $10/hour.
Back Alley Bikes is located on the second floor of a building with no elevator and is unfortunately inaccessible to those with certain mobility impairments. Outside of this limitation, Back Alley Bikes encourages folks of all kinds to apply for this position, especially those that have volunteered or gone through our programming here.
Please apply by May 19th!!
Please address resumes and/or any questions to:
email: Jason @ thehubofdetroit.org
phone: 313.879.5630
mail: Back Alley Bikes c/o Jason
3611 Cass Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201
Feel free to spread the word if you know others interested in working here.