REI Jobs 2025 | Apply at Recreational Equipment Company

When you think about the ultimate place to work for people who love the outdoors, REI Jobs usually comes to mind. Whether you’re hunting for your first store associate role or exploring options like REI remote jobs or even corporate gigs, this is the kind of company where you feel like you are part of a mission. It’s not just about selling gear. It’s about being part of a culture that values community, environmental impact, and making outdoor adventure more accessible to everyone. If you’ve ever searched for jobs near me during a walk or considered applying while standing in one of their stores, you’re definitely not the only one.

One of the things that makes REI unique is that it hires people who care about more than just the outdoors but also about people, teamwork, and the bigger picture. The REI job application process is pretty straightforward, and there’s a good variety of openings across different departments, whether you’re in a big city or somewhere close to home, like Coffeyville or Independence, Kansas. The company’s commitment to sustainability, diversity, and employee well-being makes it one of those rare places where you’re not just clocking in but showing up with a purpose. So, whether you’re eyeing a warehouse position, a seasonal retail job, or a role with their call center team, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

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Recreational Equipment, Inc. – A Company Overview

REI, which stands for Recreational Equipment, Inc., is a well-known outdoor retail co-op that was founded back in 1938. Started by a group of climbers in Seattle, Washington, the company has grown into one of the largest consumer cooperatives in the United States. Today, it operates over 180 stores across the country, supported by a robust online presence and thousands of team members who share a passion for outdoor living. While it’s most recognized for its premium outdoor gear and clothing, the company also offers expert advice, gear rentals, repair services, and even curated classes and events through its stores and online platforms.

What really sets REI apart is its strong commitment to sustainability, ethical business practices, and giving back to the community. The company doesn’t just sell outdoor products. It actively invests in environmental stewardship, donating millions annually to local and national non-profits that support access to nature and conservation efforts. REI is a co-op, which means that every customer who becomes a member gets a stake in the business through annual dividends and voting rights. That same sense of shared purpose runs through the employee culture. With over 15,000 employees and consistent recognition as one of the Best Places to Work by Fortune magazine, REI continues to build its brand around values, experience, and a real passion for the outdoors.

Types of Jobs

Working at REI isn’t your average retail experience. Whether you’re folding clothes at the front of a store, packing orders in a distribution center, guiding customers through a call, or building digital marketing campaigns, every role plays a part in something bigger. The company runs on passion, teamwork, and a love of the outdoors, so no matter where you fit in, you are part of a community that values environmental responsibility and equality. From weekend shifts at your local shop to long-term growth at the corporate level, REI has job paths that make room for all kinds of talent. Below, you’ll find the most common departments and roles that keep REI moving every day.

Retail Store Roles

Retail is the heart of REI. When most people think about working here, they picture walking into their favorite store, chatting with friendly staff who know everything about bikes, hiking boots, and backpacking gear. Store jobs are perfect for people who love being around others, enjoy learning about outdoor products, and want to help customers find the right gear for their next adventure. This is the kind of work where your personality shines, and your conversations actually make a difference in someone’s day. Popular roles in REI stores include:

• Sales Specialist
  These are the folks you meet on the sales floor. They help customers choose the right gear, offer advice based on their own outdoor experiences, and keep the shelves stocked. Being approachable, curious, and helpful is key in this role.
• Cashier
  Cashiers do more than ring up purchases. They welcome customers, answer quick questions, and often leave the last impression someone has of the store. Being quick, friendly, and focused is what makes a great cashier.
• Visual Merchandiser
  This role is for the creative types. Merchandisers keep displays looking sharp, update seasonal layouts, and make sure the store’s vibe reflects the REI brand. If you’re someone who notices when things look “off” or has a talent for presentation, you’ll succeed here.
• Bike and Ski Technician
  If you’re skilled with tools and love tuning gear, this job puts you right in the action. You’ll repair bikes, mount skis, and make sure every piece of equipment is safe and ready to use. It’s hands-on and super rewarding, especially when a customer comes back happy after a great ride.
• Store Manager
  Store managers are the ones making sure everything runs smoothly. They lead the team, set goals, handle schedules, and jump in wherever needed. If you’ve worked in retail and know how to bring people together, this is a role where leadership meets passion.

Call Center Jobs

REI’s customer service crew is the support system behind their online and membership services. These roles are best for people who enjoy helping others but prefer to do it from a headset and keyboard rather than face-to-face. Most call center jobs are now fully remote or hybrid, which is ideal if you’re looking for a role with flexibility but still want to be part of a team. Key jobs in the call center include:

• Customer Service Representative
  You’ll handle calls, emails, and live chats, helping customers with orders, returns, and product questions. It’s all about staying patient, keeping a calm tone, and knowing how to find solutions quickly.
• Order Support Agent
  These reps focus on order tracking, payments, and shipping issues. You don’t need to be a tech genius, but you do need to be detail-oriented and ready to learn a few systems.
• Call Center Team Lead
  Team leads coach other reps, handle escalations, and work closely with supervisors to make sure everyone stays on target. If you’ve got a few years of customer service under your belt and like guiding others, this is a natural next step.
• Remote Chat Agent
  Live chat roles are great for fast typists who can juggle multiple conversations at once. You’ll need good grammar, a helpful tone, and quick fingers to succeed in this space.

Warehouse and Distribution Center Jobs

If you like being physically active and working behind the scenes, REI’s distribution centers are where a lot of the hard work happens. These jobs are all about organization, speed, and teamwork. Whether you’re preparing shipments for customers or replenishing stores across the country, you’ll play a crucial role in the day-to-day success of the company. Roles in REI distribution centers include:

• Warehouse Associate
  This job involves picking, packing, and sorting products for shipment. You’ll be walking, lifting, and moving a lot, so it helps if you’re physically fit and ready to hustle during your shift.
• Inventory Control Clerk
  Inventory roles are for people who notice the little things. You’ll count stock, double-check inventory records, and keep everything organized. It’s a great fit for someone who’s methodical and focused.
• Forklift Operator
  If you’re certified and confident in operating heavy equipment, this job involves moving bulk products and managing pallet loads safely and efficiently. Safety training and attention to the surroundings are a must.
• Maintenance Technician
  The warehouse machinery doesn’t fix itself, and that’s where you come in. From conveyor belts to scanners, you’ll troubleshoot, repair, and maintain equipment across the facility.
• Distribution Supervisor
  Supervisors run the shift, assign tasks, track team performance, and make sure shipments are hitting deadlines. If you’re a natural organizer and know how to lead by example, this is where your skills come to life.

Corporate and Remote Roles

Behind every store and every shipment is a team of professionals working hard to keep the brand strong, the finances steady, and the digital tools sharp. Corporate jobs at REI are spread across departments like marketing, finance, product development, HR, and IT. Many of these roles offer hybrid or fully remote setups, making them perfect for people who want structure but need flexibility. Some standout roles in this department include:

• Marketing Specialist
  You’ll work on digital campaigns, social content, and product launches. You’ll need creativity, strong writing skills, and a keen eye on what customers’ care about.
• Financial Analyst
  This is for the number crunchers. You’ll help forecast sales, manage budgets, and prepare reports that shape future business decisions.
• Product Designer
  If you’ve got a background in design or engineering, this role lets you create new gear, test prototypes, and help develop REI’s next best-selling product.
• HR Partner or Recruiter
  You’ll help hire new talent, improve employee experience, and support internal teams. It’s people-focused work that helps build a stronger company culture.
• Sustainability Program Lead
  If you care deeply about climate issues and social responsibility, this job involves planning and leading REI’s sustainability efforts and partnerships.

Product and Merchandising Careers

At the center of every shopping trip is the product you walk out with, and REI’s merchandising team is the brain behind all of it. These jobs focus on what gets stocked, when it launches, and how it performs in stores and online. It’s a great area for those with a balance of creativity, data sense, and market awareness. You’ll be tracking customer trends, deciding which new backpacks will hit shelves next fall, and coordinating with vendors and design teams. Key merchandising jobs are:

• Product Line Manager
  Oversees the development of a category, like camping gear or trail running, and works with teams to plan launches.
• Merchandise Planner
  Builds inventory strategies by analyzing what’s selling, what’s not, and where product levels need to shift.
• Buyer
  Works directly with outside brands to select items, negotiate prices, and decide what’s featured in stores or online.
• Pricing Analyst
  Ensures products are priced competitively based on performance, margin goals, and seasonality.
• Allocation Analyst
  Makes sure products are shipped to the right stores in the right quantities at the right time.

Outdoor Programs and Experiences

REI isn’t just about selling gear. It’s also about helping people use it. That’s why they offer experiences like hiking classes, guided adventures, cycling workshops, and more. These roles are perfect for natural-born leaders who love teaching, guiding, and introducing others to new outdoor passions. If you’ve got a CPR card and know how to handle a trail map, this department could be your dream job. Awesome roles include:

• Outdoor School Instructor
  Leads classes in local parks or stores on things like backpacking, climbing basics, or navigation.
• Adventure Travel Guide
  Takes groups on multi-day trips for hiking, kayaking, or camping excursions across the US or abroad.
• Program Scheduler
  Organizes local event calendars, manages instructor schedules, and makes sure sign-ups and logistics are smooth.
• Customer Experience Host
  Works in-store to promote upcoming classes and help customers register for events that match their skill level.
• Training and Safety Lead
  Ensures all instructors and guides are properly certified and following safety procedures on every outing.

Eligibility Criteria

Thinking about applying to REI? That’s awesome. Before you send off your application, let’s go over what they’re typically looking for. Whether you’re applying to the store down the street, checking out warehouse gigs, or browsing remote job listings online, knowing what’s expected can help you feel way more prepared. The best part is that REI keeps things pretty beginner-friendly in most roles and puts a lot of value on personality, enthusiasm, and your ability to work well with others. Here’s what you should know.

Minimum Age Requirement

If you’re wondering how old you need to be, most store jobs are open to people who are at least sixteen years old. This includes roles like cashier or sales associate. Some positions might require you to be eighteen, especially if the job involves early morning or late-night shifts, using equipment, or handling store keys. Over at the distribution centers, you’ll usually need to be eighteen or older, too, because of safety rules and the physical nature of the work. So if you’re still in high school and looking for a part-time weekend job, or maybe just graduated and want to earn while staying active, it is a great place to check out.

Education Requirements

Here’s the deal. Most retail and warehouse roles here don’t require a fancy degree. A high school diploma or GED is usually all you need, and even then, some store jobs are flexible if you’re reliable and eager to learn. These roles are all about how you interact with others, your attitude, and whether you can show up and be a part of a team.

If you’re aiming for something in the corporate world, like product development or sustainability programs, then yes, some level of formal education or prior experience is usually expected. But even there, the company tends to value hands-on knowledge and passion just as much as academic credentials. So, whether you’re a recent grad or someone who’s been freelancing for years, there’s room for you to make a move.

Work Authorization

REI follows the usual legal steps when hiring. That means you’ll need to be authorized to work in the United States and bring along the right paperwork when it’s time for onboarding. If you’re applying for a retail, warehouse, or part-time role, you’ll need valid documentation like a work permit, a green card, or citizenship papers.

They typically don’t offer visa sponsorship for most positions, especially at the store level. Corporate jobs may vary, but generally you’ll need to already have permission to work in the US without additional support.

Experience Level

Here’s the good news. The company is very welcoming to first-time job seekers. Most store and warehouse jobs don’t require any previous experience. They’ll teach you everything you need to know on the job. So, if this is your first ever application or you’re getting back into the workforce after a break, you’re not out of the running.

Of course, if you have past experience in retail, customer service, logistics, or anything similar, that’s a bonus. And for roles like visual merchandiser, bike tech, or something corporate, a little background knowledge or training can definitely make your application stand out. But don’t let a lack of experience hold you back. Attitude and flexibility often matter just as much.

Communication and Soft Skills

REI puts a lot of value on how you show up as a person. This company is big on teamwork, respect, and creating a positive environment. So even if your resume isn’t long, your vibe and how you treat people carry weight. Some things they really look for include:

• A friendly and helpful attitude
• Good communication skills
• Patience, especially with customers
• Ability to work well with teammates
• Staying calm under pressure
• Curiosity and willingness to learn

If you’re fluent in more than one language, that can be a big plus, too, especially in customer-facing roles or areas with diverse communities.

Salary and Perks

It’s time to talk about money and benefits. REI pays competitive wages for the retail and outdoor industry, and they also back it up with some solid employee perks. Your exact pay will depend on your role, experience level, and location, but here’s a rough breakdown to give you an idea.

• Entry-level store roles like sales specialist or cashier typically earn between $15 to $18 per hour
• Warehouse associates usually start at around $17 to $20 per hour
• Bike techs, visual merchandisers, and other skilled in-store roles may earn slightly more
• Supervisors and team leads often make $20 to $25 per hour
• Corporate roles are salaried and vary by department and seniority

Now, onto the perks. REI is famous for its employee discount, which gives you up to 50 percent off gear and apparel. That alone is a huge win if you love outdoor brands. But there is more. Here are some additional benefits that the company offers:

• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Annual “Yay Days” which are paid days off to enjoy the outdoors
• Parental leave, wellness programs, and mental health resources
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education

They’re also known for promoting from within and offering plenty of leadership training if you’re looking to turn your job into a long-term career.

How to Find REI Jobs Near Me?

Looking for REI jobs near you? There are a few easy ways to find local openings without scrolling endlessly.

• Use the job search tool and type in your city or zip code to get tailored listings
• Filter your search on Indeed or LinkedIn using “REI” and your location
• Visit your local store and check their hiring signs or ask a manager if they’re currently recruiting
• Apply to nearby distribution centers or customer service hubs if retail isn’t your thing
• Set alerts on the careers site so you’re the first to know when something pops up in your area

During the holiday seasons, spring hikes, or big product launches, the company is more likely to hire more staff. So, these are great times to keep an eye out for open roles.

Application Process for REI Jobs

The good news is that the company has made its application process super easy to follow, even if you’re applying for REI jobs for the very first time. Everything starts at the Apply Here, where you can search for job openings by location, department, or keyword. Whether you’re interested in full-time warehouse work, part-time retail shifts, or remote opportunities, this site is where it all begins.

Once you find the job that interests you, click on it and hit the apply button. You’ll be prompted to either log in or create an account on the jobs login page. From there, you’ll fill out the online application, which usually includes your contact info, work history, availability, and a few questions related to the role. If you’re applying for a corporate or remote job, you’ll definitely want to attach a resume and maybe even a cover letter. For retail and warehouse positions, the process is a little quicker and more focused on availability and soft skills.

The company also gives you the option to save jobs or track your application status through your profile, which is great if you’re applying to multiple locations. Just make sure all your info is updated, your resume (if needed) is polished, and your availability is accurate so the hiring manager knows when you’re ready to work.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you submit your application, you’ll get a confirmation email from REI. From there, the waiting game begins, but they’re usually pretty efficient at getting back to you. If you’re applying for a store or warehouse job, expect a response within one to two weeks. Corporate roles may take a little longer, depending on the number of applicants and the hiring manager’s schedule.

If your application stands out, you’ll likely get a call or email to schedule an interview. For most entry-level jobs, the interview is casual and lasts about thirty minutes. It might be in person, over the phone, or via video call. Questions usually focus on your experience (if any), how you handle teamwork and customer situations, and why you want to work at REI. They want to know if you’ll vibe with their mission and culture as much as you can handle the actual job.

After the interview, they’ll contact you with the next steps, which could include an offer, a reference check, or a background screening. Once hired, you’ll go through onboarding and receive all the training needed to feel confident from day one.

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