REI Seasonal Hiring Application — How to Apply Online
To apply for seasonal work at REI, visit rei.com/careers and search for seasonal positions. REI is a consumer cooperative with over 180 stores nationwide. Starting pay is $17–$22/hr for seasonal sales associates, among the highest in retail. Minimum age is 16. REI seasonal positions are popular due to strong pay, outdoor culture, and generous employee perks.
How to Apply at REI Seasonal Hiring
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) is the largest consumer cooperative in the United States, operating over 180 retail stores across 40 states and Washington D.C. As a co-op rather than a traditional corporation, REI focuses on outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. REI seasonal positions are among the most sought-after in retail due to industry-leading pay, an outdoor-focused work culture, and one of the best employee discount programs in the industry.
Step 1: Visit REI Careers
Go to rei.com/careers and search for seasonal openings by location. REI labels seasonal positions clearly. You can also set up job alerts to be notified when seasonal postings go live for your preferred store.
Step 2: Select a Seasonal Position
Choose from seasonal sales specialist, seasonal cashier, seasonal stock specialist, and seasonal bike or ski shop technician. REI’s specialty departments (cycling, climbing, snow sports) hire seasonal technical staff with relevant outdoor skills.
Step 3: Submit the Online Application
Complete the application with your personal details, outdoor recreation experience, and availability. REI places high value on genuine outdoor interests, so describe your personal outdoor activities and any relevant certifications (Wilderness First Responder, bike mechanic, avalanche safety, etc.).
Step 4: Interview at the Store
REI interviews are conversational and focus on your passion for outdoor recreation, customer service philosophy, and how you help others discover the outdoors. Be prepared to discuss your favorite outdoor activities and how you would help a customer choose the right gear for their adventure.
Step 5: Complete Onboarding
After a background check, attend REI’s paid orientation covering co-op values, product knowledge, outdoor stewardship, and store operations. REI invests significantly in seasonal employee training, including product clinics and outdoor skills sessions.
REI Seasonal Hiring Job Positions & Pay Rates
REI seasonal pay starts at $17 or higher at all locations, significantly above the retail industry average. The co-op structure means REI prioritizes fair compensation and employee wellbeing over maximizing shareholder returns. Specialty technician roles in the bike shop and ski shop command premium pay for candidates with technical expertise.
| Position | Hourly Rate | Key Qualifications |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Sales Specialist | $17–$22/hr | Outdoor recreation interest, customer service skills, 16+ |
| Seasonal Cashier | $17–$20/hr | Basic register skills, friendly demeanor, co-op values alignment |
| Seasonal Stock Specialist | $17–$20/hr | Physical stamina, early morning availability, organizational skills |
| Seasonal Bike/Ski Technician | $18–$24/hr | Technical knowledge of bikes or ski equipment, 18+, hands-on skills |
REI also hires seasonal outdoor program coordinators at select locations to lead in-store events, workshops, and community outreach activities. These roles combine retail with outdoor education and are ideal for candidates with guiding, teaching, or naturalist experience. Peak hiring occurs before the holiday gift season and before summer outdoor recreation season.
REI Seasonal Hiring Application Requirements
REI hires seasonal employees as young as 16 for sales and cashier roles. Bike and ski shop technician positions require applicants to be 18 or older. No formal education is required, but genuine participation in outdoor recreation (hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, skiing, paddling, running, or similar activities) is strongly preferred.
Physical requirements include standing for full shifts, lifting gear and merchandise up to 50 pounds, and demonstrating product features to customers. REI seasonal employees should be comfortable discussing outdoor equipment and activities with a wide range of experience levels, from beginners to experts. The ability to share personal outdoor experiences authentically is a key differentiator in the hiring process.
REI Seasonal Hiring Interview Process
REI seasonal interviews are unique in retail because they emphasize outdoor lifestyle and values alignment as much as customer service skills. The hiring manager wants to know what you do outdoors, how you would help a novice camper choose their first tent, and whether you connect with REI’s mission of getting everyone outside.
Questions often include describing your favorite outdoor adventure, how you would explain the difference between two similar products to a customer, and what REI’s co-op model means to you. REI also values environmental stewardship, so mentioning any involvement in trail maintenance, Leave No Trace practices, or conservation efforts resonates strongly with interviewers.
REI Seasonal Hiring Employee Benefits
REI seasonal employees receive one of the best employee discount programs in retail: 30% off REI Co-op brand gear and apparel, plus significant discounts (typically 15–30%) on partner brand products. Given that outdoor gear is expensive, this discount can easily be worth thousands of dollars in annual savings for active outdoor enthusiasts.
Additional perks include free gear rentals from REI stores, complimentary enrollment in REI outdoor classes and events, Yay Day (a paid day off to enjoy an outdoor activity), and access to pro deals from outdoor industry brands at up to 50% off retail. REI’s seasonal perks package is widely considered the best in the outdoor retail industry and is a major draw for applicants.
REI Seasonal Hiring Career Development
REI converts many seasonal employees to permanent positions, particularly those with strong product knowledge and customer service skills. The co-op’s promote-from-within culture means seasonal work can lead to a long-term career in outdoor retail. Career paths include department lead, assistant store manager, store manager, and regional leadership roles.
REI also offers career opportunities in outdoor education, sustainability programs, and corporate roles at its Kent, Washington headquarters. Employees with specialized outdoor skills (certified guides, bike mechanics, avalanche professionals) can advance into REI’s outdoor programs and experiences division, which runs classes, trips, and community events nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the most common questions job seekers ask about applying at REI Seasonal Hiring.
When does REI start seasonal hiring?
REI seasonal hiring typically begins in September for the holiday season and in March for summer season. Holiday seasonal positions start in October or November. Apply early since REI seasonal positions are highly competitive and fill quickly due to the strong pay and discount benefits.
What is the REI employee discount?
REI seasonal employees receive 30 percent off REI Co-op brand products and 15 to 30 percent off partner brand products. Employees also get access to pro deals from outdoor industry brands at significant additional discounts. The discount is available from your first day and applies in-store and online.
Does REI pay well for seasonal work?
Yes. REI seasonal positions start at $17 per hour or above, which is among the highest in retail. Specialty technician roles start even higher. REI’s co-op structure prioritizes fair wages, and the company has consistently raised its minimum hourly rate above industry averages.
How competitive are REI seasonal positions?
REI seasonal positions are more competitive than typical retail seasonal jobs due to above-average pay, generous discounts on outdoor gear, and the appeal of working for a values-driven co-op. Applying early and demonstrating genuine outdoor recreation experience gives you the best chance of being selected.
Can REI seasonal jobs become permanent?
Yes. REI regularly converts strong seasonal performers to permanent positions. The co-op values employee retention and invests in developing seasonal hires who demonstrate product knowledge, customer service excellence, and alignment with REI’s outdoor mission.
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