We are psyched to announce that we have moved into Artisan’s Asylum HQ. Now we can supplement our seasonal outdoor programming with year-round, indoor options to engage with you in the dynamic, creative community space that is A2!

Planning for 2025 is underway now and we need your help to turn the ideas and the passion of our staff and volunteers into butts on bikes in Allston-Brighton. Make a recurring or one-time donation now to support our work this year, and beyond.

2025 Position Announcement

Hiring Immediately✨ 

CommonWheels is a nonprofit based in Allston. Our mission is to use the bicycle as a means to empower all people to be more self reliant, healthy, and connected to their community. We aim to encourage bike riders of all experience levels and backgrounds to learn to maintain and repair their own bikes, to become confident and safe urban cyclists, and to discover new people and experiences on two wheels. We provide free skill-sharing workshops, creative group rides, access to tools and peer instruction, and community building.

Our flagship program is Open Shop, which takes place weekly at The Grove in Lower Allston, where we provide free access to tools and peer instruction on bicycle repair and maintenance. We flag people down as they ride by and offer free air and bike checks. Most people who stop to pump up their tires find that they could also use a brake adjustment, chain lube, or other repairs, maintenance, or fit adjustment. In addition to the ride-by participants, people seek us out for help with repair issues, to work on building a bike, or to purchase a discounted helmet or light. We do not keep a wide breadth of parts in stock; we are focused on simple repairs and diagnosis of major issues. Unlike a bike shop, CommonWheels helps people learn how to repair and maintain their bike themselves.

Mechanic/Bike Educator:

CommonWheels is seeking a passionate and self-directed person with demonstrated mechanics experience to staff Open Shops and other events in conjunction with other mechanics and additional volunteers. Another key criteria is strong empathy and teaching skills, and a willingness to engage and problem-solve with members of the community of all skill levels. This is a part-time, seasonal position.

This year, we are looking for candidates with an especial aptitude for handling simple admin and advertising tasks, such as running our newsletter and social media. 

Responsibilities:

  • Greet participants, make sure they sign our waiver

  • Diagnose major repair issues and make recommendations (everything from “go buy this part and come back and we’ll fix it together” to “you’re really better off with a new bike”)

  • Guide participants through repair process by instructing them on how to do the repairs themselves and demystifying bicycle maintenance of minor and moderate intensity (e.g. fix flat tires, adjust/replace brakes and cables, true wheels, adjust/replace chains, repack hubs and bottom brackets, adjust derailleurs, adjust bike fit), particularly related to safety check

  • Manage logistics of event setup and equipment: Transport bike trailer of equipment (about 100 pounds) from storage to events; keep tools organized and accounted for; manage inventory of materials/parts used; prepare orders for resupply.

  • Willingness to collaborate on simple advertising, social media, newsletter, and administrative tasks. (Paid)

  • Design and run workshops on bicycle repair topics such as fixing a flat, cleaning and lubing drivetrain, and occasionally more advanced topics (Optional, but a great opportunity to create your own paid programming!)

Requirements:

  • Must have at least 1 year mechanics experience, either in a bike shop or with their personal bike(s), including patching tubes, changing tires, adjusting derailleurs, adjusting brakes, recabling. 

  • Must be comfortable working with a wide range of bicycles of all styles, ages, and levels of disrepair

  • Comfortable working outdoors from April through October (events canceled in cases of severe weather)

  • Conversational proficiency in Spanish is strongly desired. Knowledge of Portuguese, Russian, Chinese or Korean also a plus

  • Must be organized, highly responsible, and able to work independently with little to no supervision

  • Must be friendly, patient, and excited to empower others to learn bicycle mechanics

  • Comfortable working with the general public of Allston/Brighton

Time Commitment:

April through October

Monday and Thursday evenings, 3:30pm-8:30pm

Please note: the exact schedule will not be set until staffing is complete.

Hours range from 5-12 per week

Location: Various locations in Allston and Brighton 

Compensation: $18 - $22/hr, commensurate with experience

How to apply:
Please send a resume and brief (one page) cover letter to info@commonwheels.org with the subject line “Mechanic 2025.”

CommonWheels is an equal employment opportunity employer. Women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ persons, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.