Gear Technician

Reports to:  Executive Director

Classification: Hourly

Compensation: $18-$20/Hour, plus access to gear library inventory and repair shop for personal use

Schedule:  May-September: 35-40 hours per week

October-April: 15-30 hours per week (additional hours may be possible)

Location:  In-Person Position: 657 Old Portland Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011

Hours: 9-4 Monday-Friday. This position includes a few evenings/weekends

Position Summary

Incorporated in 2021, Maine GearShare is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to promote equitable access to outdoor recreation with a collaborative economy system that acquires, maintains, and lends gear to trip leaders and nature-based educators. Our unique business-to-business design works to reduce the gear burden for trip-leading organizations so that they can spend less time and money on managing gear, and more on their own mission-driven programs. Through this capacity-building work, Maine GearShare strives to expand equitable access to the gear needed for outdoor recreation and help inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, and leaders. Maine GearShare launched a full-service gear repair shop in the summer of 2023. The repair shop provides supplemental revenue to support our mission work, as well as supports our goals around more sustainability in the outdoor gear sector. Learn more at ------------. 

The Gear Technician is responsible for staffing day-to-day operations of the Maine GearShare Library and completing a significant amount of gear repairs. We are looking for a team member who is dedicated to Maine GearShare’s mission, takes pride in their work, and is ready to take on big and small tasks as we grow and adjust our programs. The ideal candidate has some experience with hiking and camping as well as retail software and systems and will demonstrate a flexible, proactive attitude to help contribute to the overall success of Maine GearShare. The ideal candidate will also have experience and passion for outdoor gear repair and maintenance. 

Primary Responsibilities

Gear Library:

• Manage the reservation, pick up, and return process for group members. This includes managing reservation data using our myTurn platform.
• Manage inventory and maintenance of all outdoor gear and equipment
• Staff Maine GearShare public open hours 
• Provide basic orientation and instruction on gear to members 
• Track and invoice for lost and damaged gear 
• Provide professional, friendly support and communications to members
• Maintain the aesthetic, condition, and cleanliness of the facility

Repair Shop:

• Complete up to 20 repairs per week
• Maintain tracking on repairs using our database
• Communicate with customers about cost, timeline, and pick-up of repairs
• Maintain repair shop inventory and organization

Preferred Experience and Skills:

• Experience in outdoor recreation and knowledge of outdoor gear and apparel. 
• Attention to detail in filling out forms, assessing the condition of returned gear, and counting items checked out and returned.
• Experience with sewing on industrial and home sewing machines.
• Experience with gear repairs such as zipper replacements and sew-on patching. 
• Flexible and positive attitude and the ability to carry yourself in a professional manner with a desire to provide great customer service.
• Ability to manage through change, pivot quickly, and problem-solve.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently, and also contribute to a team effort.
• Ability to effectively communicate and problem-solve.
• Ability to work inclusively with people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly.
• Familiarity with gear inventory systems and point-of-sale systems is a plus.