If you are an adventurous person working at REI should seem to be an interesting thing to pursue. If you want to work in a different kind of retail organization with good career prospects, you are on the right page. REI gives its employees the career boost they desire, and they can eventually become the best at what they do. Here is the topic- How To Get A Job At Rei?
The business offers a different and unique culture where shared values are considered when it comes to your career progression. The REI career is suitable for any individual craving for dynamic culture and working in an environment that helps balance the work-life of each of its employees.
As far back as 1938, REI (the full meaning of Recreational Equipment Inc.) has existed. The retail store solely deals with camping equipment, hiking tools, and other recreational equipment. It is a renowned store for quality outdoor camping and has always been the industry leader in the United States. The good thing is that everything sold at REI has 100 percent guarantees.
Meanwhile, customers love to shop at REI because they are certain about their shopping experience and certain that the equipment would serve its purposes. REI is a co-op, which means that all its members collectively own it and share the profits. The mode of business they have adopted has allowed it to stand the test of time and become the giant outdoor and camping equipment store.
Jobs and career opportunities at REI
To apply for a job at REI, you can visit one of its over 150 stores or their career website for a full list of the jobs roles available for recruitment. The opportunities and roles you can apply for at REI can either be retail positions or corporate positions such as;
Cahier/Retails Sales Specialist
At REI, the retail sales specialist individual provides customer service to customers visiting the store to either buy or inquire about the price of any equipment. They are also involved in selling to the customers and answering questions about the product they intend to buy. This is always an entry-level position reserved for people passionate about selling and convincing customers to go for recreation equipment. More so, if you are keen on REI’s outdoors and values, then working as a retail sales specialist can be a starting point for your desired career.
You are expected to have good communication skills and set goals, and achieve them while collaborating with the team to meet the target and achieve the business mission and vision. As you learn about the products sold at REI, you would also be responsible for the cleanliness of the store, moving the products into the sales floor also.
As a retail specialist at REI, you would have to work different shifts, including evenings and weekends. But, in return, you would be paid a competitive and generous salary by the organizations.
Sales Lead
As a sales lead at REI, you are considered the organization’s face as you would continuously interact with the customers and members of REI daily. You must acquire the large store knowledge about outdoor equipment and services that are provided at REI.
As sales, you would be expected to drive sales and execute promotional events day in day out. You would be the go-to person when it comes to the products that are sold at the store. You must develop innovative ways to sell the items in the REI store and prepare store stock. You are also in charge of training the new staff and assisting the managers with the scheduling.
As a sales lead, you must have previous retail customer service experience, good communication skills, and good knowledge about outdoor activity that would position you to sell the items to customers easily.
Outdoor School Instructor
As an instructor for REI, you help teach people the basics of what outdoor activities are about. You should be vast in activities like climbing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, backpacking, and more. Whenever there is an REI’s outdoor activity, you would lead the events in school and each in-store educational class. You must be highly skilled in safety practice at any of the designated events you are anchoring. Aside from the outdoor event activity knowledge you possess, you must be a good leader and comfortable coaching a large group of people and assisting your teammates. The minimum years of experience you must have before applying for this role are at least three or more, while you are expected to be certified in First Aid and CPR.
Outdoor Program and Outreach (OPO) Market Coordinators
This is a unique position for individuals interested in the outdoor lifestyle and who prefer to spend more time in the outdoor space. This is one of the areas where REI seeks to have its employees as many considerations as possible. Therefore, the opportunity in this role is endless. The market coordinators work with the other local outdoor program coordinator to align with the organization’s national plan.
Your primary role also involves building relationships with other local outdoor event organizers and working with the REI sort team members to promote participation in the events. Before applying for this role, you are expected to have at least three years of experience coordinating outdoor events and a wide experience in planning, social media campaign, and budget management. Strong customer service skills are also essential for this role.
Technical Specialist
As a technical specialist at REI, your job is to assemble bikes and snow sports equipment at REI stores. Your job description includes meeting the relevant customers’ demands regarding the services rendered at the retail store. More so, you are responsible for the builder and safety expert in the retail shop. All the equipment at the retail store must be in good condition and presentable.
Managerial roles
Some managerial roles are available at the REI. For example, the managers reach sales and membership agreements, and they also execute promotional events and motivate members and customers through executing outdoor programs and outreach. As a manager at REI, you must possess at least three years of minimum experience before covering the position.
What Is the REI Salary range?
Working at REI means you would have access to good benefits and enjoy nice pay. The staff of REI is offered competitive pay that makes working at REI a converted opportunity. If you work at least 20 hours a week with REI, you are automatically eligible for the health care plan offered by REI to its employees. There is a 50 percent discount for employees on the REI Gear and Apparel, and occasionally other discounts. In addition, you stand to enjoy professional development, public transit subsidies and relocation assistance, paid time off, among other benefits that come up within the organization.
As retail sales assistants, your pay is about $11.40 per hour, which is somewhat higher than many other retail stores such as Backcountry and others. here is the pay breakdown for REI employees are available on glassdoor Retail Sales Specialist: $9 – 18/hour, $11.40 average Sales Lead: $12 – 17/hour, $14 average Outdoor School Instructor: $12 – 15/hour OPO Market Coordinator: $44,000 – 64,000/year; $53,000 average Technical Specialist: $34,416 – 43,946/year; $38,224 average Retail Sales Manager: $15 – 22/hour; $19/hr average; $39,572/year Marketing Manager: $92,000 – 117,000/year; $106,287 average. The minimum age you can before you can work at any of the REI stores is 16. More so, if you are 16 years old, you can only apply for the following roles: Cashier/Retail Sales Specialist Warehouse Associate Stocking Specialist Operations Specialist.
Does REI Do Drug Tests?
REI does not do drug tests on its interested candidates; however, after being hired, you are not to work under the influence of drinks. In addition, the REI employee code of conduct indicates that REI is a drug-free workplace, and all the employees must follow the rules outlined in the handbook.
Conclusion
As a potential employee, you must be ready to undergo the recruitment process laid down by the REI Company. Besides, you have seen some positions that might not be posted on the company website. Therefore, you can approach the recruiting manager for the branch you are willing to work with to learn about job openings available for you as a candidate. More so, you can check out their website and look out for new roles that are posted there, and you can apply for the jobs available that suit your background.
FAQs
What is REI looking out for in an employee?
The major quality REI seeks in an employee is creating chemistry and personality with the customers. Good communications skills are also one of the greatest assets you must possess as a candidate seeking employment at REI. In addition, applicants who maintain friendly and energetic attitudes and express genuine interest in outdoor sporting activities are considered for employment at REI.
IS REI a good company to work for?
Yes, REI is a fantastic company you can work for; Glassdoor is listed as one of the best places to work and ranked number two among the 50 companies for two years.
