by Constance Keasler

Created on: March 29, 2010   Last Updated: April 10, 2010

It is the long awaited, much anticipated summer and those seeking an outdoor job have options in state parks like Sequoia, the new California Terranea Resort, The Fund for the Public, Summer Institute for the Gifted, the Painted Turtle Camp, and Aramark serviced parks. Opportunities of enrichment and experience are also available for volunteers at the Nyingma Buddhist Center and for the State of California. A summer job is a summer job . . . or is it? There are also job opportunities in the great outdoors with companies that offer invaluable experiences and excellent future references.

REI Outdoor School Instructor

REI is a cooperative of consumers with over three million members making them the world's largest cooperative. The REI motto is “ . . . inspire, educate and outfit for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship.” Stewardship involves nature conservation, fiscal responsibility and remaining a sought after employer. To this end REI has been named by Fortune magazine as one of the country's “100 Best” places to work. In 2009 the Great Place To Work Institute, which partners with Fortune for the award, published a five-page document entitled “REI – Working Together for a Better World, Best Company for 25 Years”. An employee quoted in that document said, “The family feeling at REI is excellent and makes working here fun and supportive. Its fun to work here. I appreciate the pro-deals . . . the health care is one main reason I chose to work here.”

REI offers employees a retirement plan with no individual contribution requirement, health care for full and part time workers, discounts on gear and free rental on gear and grants for gear used for personal outdoor excursions. Base pay for REI employees is determined by the geographic market and reviewed yearly so that the pay remains competitive. Employees are also paid for performance.

The REI Outdoor School offers beginning, intermediate and experienced students an opportunity to enhance their skills or learn new skills. School curriculum includes climbing, cycling, hiking, camping, navigation, and outdoor photography and snow sports.

Job responsibilities for the REI Outdoor School Instructor include leading programs for the customers, teaching classes and conducting field activities. They are responsible for delivering class content, field safety, equipment maintenance, outing logistic coordination and providing excellent customer experiences. Outdoor

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