Department: Activities
Reports To: Recreation Manager
Employment Type: Seasonal (Typically May – October), with potential for extension
PRIMARY PURPOSE
The Bike Mechanic & Fleet Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional performance in their role, embodying Ranch core values, and upholding the standards set for Forbes Five-Star Properties and members of Relais & Chateaux. This role is responsible for managing and servicing a diverse fleet of over 250 bicycles. The ideal candidate is an organized self-starter who can maintain complex full suspension eMTBs to factory standards while simultaneously managing the daily logistics of a large-scale comfort and kids' bike program. The Bike Mechanic ensures every guest – whether a toddler on their first pedal bike or an experienced rider on a guided tour – has a safe, perfectly tuned, and clean machine. Situated in the rugged beauty of Western Montana, this role combines high-level technical mechanical work with luxury guest service.
The Bike Mechanic is responsible for the health safety, and aesthetic presentation of a fleet of approximately 252 bicycles:
- 30 Full-Suspension eMTBs: (High-end specialized maintenance, electronics, suspension tuning)
- 12 Performance Gravel Bikes: (Guided activity fleet)
- 150 Comfort/Cruiser Bikes: (Daily guest distribution)
- 60 Kids’ Bikes: (Daily guest distribution, safety-critical)
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform advanced maintenance on full-suspension eMTBs and gravel bikes, including hydraulic brake bleeds, suspension service (seals/wipers/air cans), drivetrain overhauls, and tubeless tire setups.
- Manage firmware updates, battery health, and motor diagnostics for eMTB systems (e.g., Bosch, Shimano, Specialized, Fazua).
- Conduct rigorous daily safety inspections on the high-volume fleet (comfort and kids' bikes), focusing on "bolt checks," tire pressure, and brake functionality.
- Implement a preventative maintenance schedule to ensure equal wear across the fleet, preventing downtime during peak season.
- Oversee the morning staging of comfort and kids' bikes for general guest use, ensuring appropriate sizes are available at accommodations and visually pristine.
- Maintain a stocked, organized, and tour-ready workshop with necessary spare parts (pads, chains, tubes, derailleur hangers) while adhering to the department budget.
- Manage the check-in process for returned bikes, performing a detailed wash and lubing drivetrains immediately to prepare for the next day's adventure.
- Log all major repairs and parts usage to track the service history of individual high-value assets.
- Act as an ambassador for the ranch; maintain a groomed appearance and a friendly, helpful demeanor when interacting with guests. Engage with guests using Forbes Five-Star communication standards including using guest names whenever possible and offering personalized trail or equipment recommendations.
- Assist guests with bike sizing, suspension sag setup, and cockpit adjustments prior to guided activities; anticipate guest needs, such as adjusting saddle height or providing hydration tips, before they are requested.
- Be available for on-call field support or rescue for mechanical failures during guided tours on property, prioritizing guest comfort and safety during recovery.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 3+ years of professional shop experience or fleet management.
- Technical skills:
- Proficiency with hydraulic disc brakes (SRAM/Shimano).
- Suspension service experience (Fox/RockShox).
- E-bike system certification (Bosch/Shimano STEPs, Fazua) is highly preferred.
- Wheel truing and building skills.
- Ability to maintain composure and precision while multitasking in a high-demand environment.
- Strong work ethic, impeccable attention to detail, and a passion for delivering a world-class outdoor experience.
- Ability to lift and mount e-bikes (50+ lbs.) into repair stands and onto vehicle racks repeatedly; ability to stand, reach, and perform repetitive manual tasks for 8–10 hours per shift.
- Ability to work in a workshop environment that may be semi-outdoors (barn/shop), subject to Montana temperature fluctuations.
- Ability to test ride bikes on variable terrain to verify repairs.
This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position; it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
The Ranch at Rock Creek is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
