Active Mobility Mechanic

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

The Active Mobility Mechanic at University of Minnesota leads the Bike Center’s bike maintenance programs and DIY shop, mentoring students and coordinating fleet upkeep. The role combines technical repair expertise with education outreach to campus communities.

Responsibilities include teaching maintenance classes, managing repairs, and ensuring a welcoming, organized shop environment while supporting university bike infrastructure and sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Requires BA/BS degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• At least 2 years of professional bicycle mechanic experience in a shop, co-op, or university program.
• Professional mechanical certification (PBMA, Barnett, UBI) preferred.
• Experience teaching or facilitating group workshops.
• Familiarity with digital inventory and fleet management software.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on the shop floor during DIY and Earn-A-Bike hours.
• Oversee fleet maintenance, safety inspections, and logging.
• Maintain campus bike infrastructure and Fix-it Stations.
• Teach maintenance classes and safety clinics; mentor student staff.
• Greet patrons, manage shop check-ins, and process transactions with POS.
• Ensure tools and spaces are clean, organized, and stocked.

Skills

Bicycle mechanics

Teaching workshops

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Inventory management

Education

BA/BS degree or equivalent

Tools

POS system

Fleet management software

Inventory software

Job description

About the Job

The Active Mobility Mechanic is a core operational and educational leader within the University Bike Center. This role balances high-level bicycle mechanics with community education, student mentorship, and program administration. This position reports to the Bike Center Shop Manager.

The Staff Mechanic serves as the primary technical authority on the shop floor, overseeing the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) open shop hours, leading educational workshops, managing the maintenance of the university's bicycle fleet and maintaining campus bike infrastructure. Additionally, this role provides operational support and ensures a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and highly organized environment for all campus patrons.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership & DIY Shop Management (35%)
• Act as the primary technical floor manager during public DIY and Earn-A-Bike hours.
• Supervise and assist patrons with repairs using a "hands-off" teaching approach
• Partner with the Shop Manager as the definitive on-site authority for complex mechanical questions and specialized diagnostic challenges.
• Fleet Maintenance & Asset Management (20%)
• Lead the mechanical overhaul, scheduled servicing, and safety inspections of the university's fleet bicycles
• Maintain detailed logs of fleet maintenance
• Oversee the stripping of unusable bicycles for viable recycling parts, properly sorting and storing components to minimize waste and promote sustainability.
• Campus Bike Infrastructure (15%)
• Respond to request for bike rack addition/removal/relocation as needed
• Maintain Fix-it Stations, Air Pumps and other field equipment supporting active mobility
• Assist in tagging and reporting of abandoned bikes
• Respond to emergency request from bike commuters including lock cutting, and locker/shelter access assistance
• Troubleshoot bike program counters and coordinate repair with other program staff
• Education, Instruction & Outreach (15%)
• Teach bicycle maintenance classes, safety clinics, and educational workshops.
• Execute Student Intern duties as needed, serving as a role model and technical mentor for student staff members.
• Represent the Bike Center at University outreach events and orientation fairs.
• Daily Operations & Shop Upkeep (15%)
• Greet patrons, manage shop check-ins, process emergency retail transactions via the Point of Sale (POS) system, and handle general inquiries.
• Keep the DIY stations, benches, and communal spaces exceptionally clean, organized, and safe. Ensure tools are returned to their proper locations and maintain inventory tracking.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or a combination of related education and work experience to equal at least four years.
• A valid Class D drivers license is required

• At least 2 years of professional bicycle mechanic experience in a commercial bike shop, co-op, or university bike program.
• Proficient in a wide array of mechanical repairs including drivetrain indexing, wheel truing, brake systems (hydraulic and mechanical), and bearing overhauls.
• Strong interpersonal and instructional skills with a demonstrated ability to explain complex mechanical concepts to beginners.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of college students, faculty, staff, and community members.
• Prior experience working in a university setting or youth/community bike co-op.
• Professional mechanical certification (e.g., PBMA, Barnett Bicycle Institute, United Bicycle Institute).
• Experience teaching or facilitating group workshops.
• Familiarity with digital inventory and fleet management software.

• Must be able to stand, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs. for extended periods.
• Frequent exposure to bike-related lubricants, cleaners, and solvents.
• Evening and weekend hours are required occasionally.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $20.49 - $25.49 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100 % Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.