Different by nature, not business as usual
The co-op was built by people pursuing honest ideas with spirit and ingenuity. They set out in search of a better way, and weren’t afraid to break with convention to find it.
What it means to work at REI Co-op
We believe in finding better ways of working in this world for our people and our planet. What is better? It’s doing your best work while living your best life. It’s a feeling of belonging. It’s driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you’re backed with benefits for a more fulfilled life. In short, it’s always seeking and striving to do your best in a way that’s better for you.
Leading the way
Co-op Executive Leadership
Eric Artz
Cameron Janes
Minnie Alexander
Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
(she/her)
Where it all began
Our Story: Access and Ice Axes
The co-op's founders, Lloyd and Mary Anderson loved to climb.
But for every summit scaled and every peak reached, they realized there were barriers to the natural wonder they loved. So they arrived at the enduring ethos that guides the co-op to this day: If enough folks with a shared love of the outdoors band together as members, they will have the power to make the outdoors for all who want to experience it.
What was once simply a shared shelf in a Puget Sound co-op retail store has expanded into a nationwide community.
As we continue to grow and evolve, and even as the world around us continues to do the same, we remember how far we’ve come since our first ice axe, our first shelf, and our first members.
We remain committed to doing right by Lloyd and Mary’s vision of a co-op that puts members first—so that the outdoors can be for everyone.
1939
REI opened its first retail location by displaying its equipment on three shelves in a Seattle food co-op.
REI creates a gear rental business which still thrives today.
1971
The Magnuson Lab is established, leading the way in creating better outdoor gear test standards by innovating new ways of testing products.
1973
REI hosts its first stewardship project, a clean up of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in WA that brought in 120 volunteers.
1980
Half Dome, REI's iconic tent, is released for the first time.
Since 2015, we’ve closed our doors on Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, to #optoutside.
Carving your pathway to success
How we hireAt REI, we believe we go further together. We know it takes a lot of time and energy to apply for a new role, so we outlined the process to make it as easy as possible for you to navigate. We also added some tips along the way that we hope you find helpful!
From application to your first day: a step-by-step guide to our hiring process.
- Find a role that you meet the job qualifications and have a passion for.
- If you don’t see a current opening, you can set up a job alert to be emailed when it becomes available.
- They can be made for specific locations or departments.
- We are excited to share a wide range of benefits that support you being your best!
- Update your resume to the job you’re applying for to ensure the job qualifications for that specific role are highlighted.
- Make sure your address and contact information are up to date, as it will be how we communicate with you throughout the process.
- Some roles may have additional application questions to fill out in advance about your past experience.
- Your application will be saved for the next role you apply to.
- You can upload an updated resume at any time to ensure you are showcasing your most current skills and experiences.
- Log into your candidate portal at any time to see the status of your application.
- Preparing for an Interview
- We recommend learning more about
and the latest to get a good sense of our mission and values as a co-op. - Prepare any notes on key experiences you want to highlight and any questions you have about what you researched or the specific role.
- If you are attending an in-person or virtual interview, our dress is casual regardless of the position.
- Please reach out to the team if you need to request any accommodation throughout the process.
- Resume Review
- Your resume will be reviewed by our dedicated team of individuals.
- If you are the right fit for a role and meet the qualifications, a member of our team will reach out, usually via email.
- Screening
- You may be invited to participate in a video screening that will ask a few more questions about your background.
- We love being able to offer these as you can complete at your convenience in a relaxed setting.
- For some roles, there may also be a virtual or phone conversation with a recruiter.
- Hiring Manager Interview
- If you’re selected to move forward, your next step will include connecting with the hiring manager.
- This would be your new manager, so it’s a great opportunity to learn more and ask questions about the day-to-day of the job.
- You’ll find some of these interviews will be a combination of in person or virtual.
- As a final step, you’ll usually meet with another member or two of the team.
- For most Headquarters roles, you’ll also connect individually or in a group interview setting with more partners who the role would support.
- We aim to inform all candidates as soon as possible about updates along the way, though the time varies as each role is unique.
- The interview process may take longer than expected, especially if there are many candidates applying for the role. We thank you for your patience in advance.
- If you do not move forward in the process, do not feel discouraged from applying again as we have new roles that may be a better match.
Create better with us
Who we hireSimply put, we hire people who want to shape the future of the outdoors for everyone. REI is a community made up of individuals with diverse abilities, gender identities and expressions, irrespective of their race, religion, color, sexual orientation, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as mandated by the law. Our unwavering commitment is to make the co-op a place where everyone can feel safe and be themselves.
Join our team.
Find your place with us
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