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This position contributes to the REI Co-op’s success by heading, teaching, and inspiring guests on REI’s multi-day trips and adventures. Multi-day Guides operate autonomously or under limited supervision; they head multi-day trips in iconic destinations, and are responsible for program preparation, delivery and reporting, managing program logistics, assessing and mitigating risks, and providing on-site incident management.
REI Guides ensure guests take part in an inclusive, enjoyable, and interactive environment, and serve as subject matter experts and inspirational teachers, drawing from natural, historic, and cultural understanding; they give exceptional customer service and a high-level of hospitality and personalization, while exercising sound judgement and maintaining group safety to exceed guest expectations. REI Guides model and act under the co-op’s guiding values and mission. Guide qualifications vary depending on the type of program being led and the location of the activity.
- Give inclusive outdoor experiences, sharing cultural, historical, and natural understanding to equip and inspire members and customers, nurturing a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards
- Demonstrate in-depth technical understanding in relevant activity area to ensure a quality experience.
- Prepare for programs, including learning/developing content, preparing equipment and materials, and coordinating program logistics.
- Collaborate with other guides and REI staff to cultivate and maintain an enjoyable, social and engaging group dynamic through proven interpersonal and relational skills.
- Transport participants and/or gear to/from designated in-field activity locations and various storage locations.
- Use sound judgement to mitigate risks, assess participant’s activity experience, and evaluate subjective and objective hazards alone or in conjunction with other guides.
- Adhere to land agency permit requirements, approved trip logistics, and other compliance requirements.
- Adhere to the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace.
- Facilitate and maintain group dynamics to support positive outcomes and a sense of belonging
- Seek out opportunities that will improve our guests’ experience.
- Maintain equipment and supplies during and after programs.
- Manage communications with site managers and other patrons and visitors as needed.
- Promote REI membership and share information about the co-op’s products, services, and community programs
- Give a high level of service and hospitality to all participants.
- Give first aid response to participants and follow emergency procedures.
- Submit all program feedback, paperwork, and incident reports as applicable under established standards.
- Support program operations and delivery through other duties as assigned. Other duties may include gear/vehicle preparation and maintenance, customer service, paperwork management, event support, transportation, training/mentorship for other guides, and general logistics coordination/support.
- Represent REI to guests, vendors, National Park Service ,other land agencies, and the general public.
Bring your passion and expertise
- Experience in guiding outdoor tours, outdoor educational skills/programs, or transferrable teaching experiences in a group setting.
- Proven interpersonal communication, presentation, and teaching skills, addressing variety of learning styles and communication techniques.
- Personal and/or professional experience in at least one of these activities: Climbing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddle-boarding, Hiking, Backpacking, Mountain Biking, Snowshoeing, Cross-Country Skiing, Outdoor Skills
- Ability to gain local and regional understanding of cultural, historical, and natural context as it relates to the places where we operate
- First Aid and CPR certification. (Must have or obtain current certifications within 3 months of hire date; in some locations, based on performance, a scholarship may be considered)
- Wilderness First Aid or Responder certification preferred (May be a job requirement in some locations. If required, must have or obtain current certifications within 3 months of hire date; in some locations, based on performance, a scholarship may be considered)
- Ability to obtain valid in-state drivers’ license with an acceptable driving background and ability to obtain a medical examiner’s certificate which includes a physical and drug screen.
- Ability to travel to various regional work locations, as scheduled
- Experience driving larger vans or trucks with a trailer
- Ability to secure and maintain local food service permit.
- Commitment to extraordinary customer service with ability to resolve difficult customer issues.
- Ability to identify and mitigate field hazards and respond to field incidents using sound judgment.
- Understanding of legal and risk management issues related to outdoor guiding.
- Proven planning and organizational skills
- Relevant certification in specific activity areas by industry-standard certifying body (e.g., American Mountain Guides Association, American Canoe Association, etc.)
- Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite programs (Teams, Outlook, SharePoint) and other computer skills and internet technology.
- Participates and collaborates with others on one’s own team and across REI for the achievement of business goals.
- Flexible in one’s viewpoints and positions to support the direction taken by others at REI.
- Uses business understanding, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities.
- Consolidates information from various sources including feedback from others to reach sound choices.
- Considers the ultimate impact of choices and actions on internal and external customers.
- Works smart by setting effective work goals, establishing priorities, and planning to produce quality work.
- Uses resources to meet deadlines, and keeps others informed of work plans and progress toward goals.
- Conveys and receives information by a variety of methods and in various situations.
- Builds rapport with all kinds of people inside and outside the organization.
- Acts on opportunities and involves and influences others in the accomplishment of worthwhile organizational goals.
- Challenges the status quo, champions change and influences others to change.
At REI we offer an enviable work environment that Fortune Magazine has recognized on the “100 Best Places to Work” list since the award’s inception – 23 years in a row! Sure, we work hard, but it’s balanced with time off to play—a strategy that works for us as we continue to grow and thrive. Want to enjoy a workplace where you can be yourself, be heard and be respected while having a job that challenges you? This is the place.
With more than 160 retail locations (and growing), REI offers unique competitive benefits to its more than 15,000 employees, including healthcare, gear and apparel discounts, free equipment rentals and challenge grants to help employees reach personal outdoor goals, generous retirement plan contributions, public transit subsidy, adoptions assistance, paid sabbaticals, and more.
REI is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Posting Range
$19.69 – $24.33 per hour
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