The Porter-Apprentice is responsible for performing all service department support duties while developing the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to advance into a motorcycle technician position. This role combines dealership and facility maintenance, motorcycle handling and preparation, and general service department assistance with structured, hands-on learning opportunities.
The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, reliability, attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and a genuine interest in learning motorcycle repair and maintenance. Advancement toward a technician position will depend on demonstrated ability, progress in training, performance, and available opportunities.
Responsibilities
Porter and Dealership Support
- Move motorcycles safely and confidently throughout the dealership, including moving bikes out before the shop opens and in after closing, or as directed.
- Wash and prepare motorcycles for dealer inventory, service customers, and delivery.
- Keep the gas buggy filled and ensure motorcycles are fueled prior to delivery.
- Uncrate motorcycles to rolling chassis or for inspection and storage. Operate a forklift as directed and when authorized.
- Wipe down and maintain tire pressure on motorcycles displayed on the sales floor.
- Maintain battery chargers on motorcycles in storage.
- Maintain the loaner fleet, including checking tire pressure and oil levels and cleaning motorcycles as needed.
- Maintain motorcycle cleaning supplies, including rags, waxes, soaps, and related materials.
- Run dealership errands, including picking up sublet work.
- Assist with loading and unloading motorcycles for service or sales.
- Assist with special events and dealership event days as requested.
Service Department and Facility Maintenance
- Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and safety of the dealership, service department, and surrounding areas.
- Clean the service shop, service lane, office, customer waiting area, machine shop, and other areas as assigned.
- Vacuum carpeted areas; sweep and mop non-carpeted floors; clean glass and doorframes; and dust and clean other areas as directed.
- Collect and remove trash and recyclables too the appropriate dumpsters and empty smoker stations.
- Restock supplies and maintain cleaning and maintenance materials.
- Perform basic facility maintenance, including changing lightbulbs, minor repairs, and paint touchups, as appropriate.
- Conserve supplies, minimize waste, and identify opportunities to improve facility cleanliness and efficiency.
Technician Apprenticeship and Development
- Learn motorcycle systems, components, maintenance procedures, and basic diagnostic principles through observation, instruction, and supervised hands-on experience.
- Assist technicians with routine maintenance and repair tasks as assigned and within the limits of demonstrated ability and supervision.
- Learn to use hand tools, shop equipment, and diagnostic tools safely and properly.
- Develop familiarity with service repair orders, manufacturer service information, parts identification, and dealership repair procedures.
- Assist with basic motorcycle inspections and maintenance tasks as training and proficiency permit.
- Learn dealership and manufacturer standards for workmanship, motorcycle care, safety, and service documentation.
- Attend and successfully complete required dealership, manufacturer, and other relevant training.
- Maintain an organized work area and properly care for tools, equipment, and customer motorcycles.
- Seek feedback, demonstrate initiative, and progressively assume additional technical responsibilities as skills and proficiency develop.
- Perform technical work only when authorized and appropriately supervised, consistent with dealership policies, manufacturer requirements, and applicable laws.
- Work toward meeting the performance, training, and competency expectations established for a motorcycle technician.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain a professional appearance and demonstrate courteous, helpful behavior toward customers and coworkers.
- Follow dealership policies and all applicable safety and environmental requirements.
- Communicate effectively with the Service Manager, technicians, and other dealership personnel.
- Identify and address potential safety hazards and promptly report issues requiring additional attention.
- Perform other duties as requested.
Requirements
- Ability to confidently and safely maneuver motorcycles of various sizes.
- Genuine interest in motorcycles and a desire to develop a career as a motorcycle technician.
- Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn motorcycle maintenance and repair.
- Self-motivated, energetic, dependable, and willing to take initiative.
- Positive attitude toward customer service, teamwork, and working in a fast-paced dealership environment.
- Professional appearance and effective communication skills.
- Ability to follow instructions, accept constructive feedback, and work effectively under supervision.
- Ability to perform physical duties associated with motorcycle handling, cleaning, facility maintenance, and shop assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
- Ability to satisfy applicable background and drug-screening requirements.
- Valid motorcycle license or previous motorcycle experience is a plus.
- Previous mechanical, automotive, powersports, or technical training experience is a plus, but not required.
Career Development
This position is intended for an individual who wants to build a career as a motorcycle technician. The employee will initially perform the full range of porter and service support duties while receiving opportunities to learn and practice technical skills under appropriate supervision. As the employee demonstrates proficiency, reliability, and readiness, additional technical responsibilities may be assigned.
Progression to a technician position is based on demonstrated competencies, successful completion of applicable training, job performance, and dealership staffing needs. The timing of advancement will vary according to individual progress and business requirements.
Compensation & Benefits:
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and include the following information:
- Describe your motorcycling knowledge and experience.
- Describe your experience working on motorcycles.
- Can you work a Tuesday-Saturday schedule?
- Do you have your own reliable transportation?
Bob’s Motorcycles is a highly regarded motorcycle dealership with a long-standing reputation for quality service and passionate riders. We offer a fun, fast-paced environment where team members are encouraged to share ideas, grow their skills, and ride along with some of the industry’s most exciting brands. Apply today to become part of the Bob’s Motorcycles family!
Bob’s is conveniently located halfway between Baltimore and Washington, DC in southeast Howard County. Learn more about Bob’s Motorcycles at
www.bobsmotorcycles.com.