Used Gear Advisor - Gear Swap Store in Kelowna, British Columbia at Mountain Equipment Company

ABOUT MEC

MEC is more than a store. We are a hub for the outdoor community, a leader in sustainability, and a place where people connect through shared passions and new adventures. For more than 50 years, MEC has helped people connect with the outdoors through quality gear, expert advice, and community. Today, that commitment includes finding better ways to reduce waste and keep gear in use longer. Our Gear Swap concept is part of that work, creating more access to affordable outdoor gear while supporting a more sustainable future. At MEC, you will work with people who care deeply about the outdoors, each other, and making a real difference for our members and communities.

THE ROLE

As a Used Gear Advisor, you will help bring MEC Reuse and Gear Swap to life by creating a welcoming experience for members buying and selling quality second hand outdoor gear. You will support the full gear swap journey, from intake and basic product assessment to merchandising, sales floor support, and day to day store operations. In this role, you will share trusted advice, product knowledge, and practical guidance that helps members make informed decisions based on condition, performance, and value. Every item that moves through the store helps reduce waste, extend product life, and make the outdoors more accessible for more people.

• Engage with members about used gear, their outdoor plans, and what they are looking for.
• Ask thoughtful questions to understand member needs, budget, experience level, and product preferences.
• Share trusted advice on gear condition, features, fit, and value, including your own outdoor experience where helpful.
• Support used gear intake by receiving items, completing basic condition checks, and preparing products for review.
• Help tag, merchandise, replenish, and organize gear so the store is easy to shop and visually appealing.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment for members and staffers.
• Support inventory accuracy, transactions, returns, and day to day store operations.
• Learn about new products, reuse standards, gear care, and sustainability practices.
• Help more people get outside by making quality gear more accessible and keeping it in use longer.

• You enjoy working with a diverse, inclusive, hands on, and collaborative team.
• You are passionate about the outdoors and excited by the idea of giving gear a second life.
• You believe in sustainability, reuse, and helping make the outdoors more accessible.
• You genuinely enjoy helping people and creating a welcoming member experience.
• You are curious about gear and want to keep learning about products, brands, condition standards, and outdoor activities.
• You take initiative, work with care, and pay attention to the details.
• You are comfortable in a fast paced retail environment and can balance member service with operational tasks.
• Previous retail or customer service experience is an asset, not a must.
• You can lift up to 50 pounds and are comfortable being active throughout the day.

• Competitive hourly rate and clear pay increase program.
• Discounts on gear for a wide range of outdoor activities, including bikes and more.
• Extended health and dental benefits for you and your eligible immediate family members, based on employment status.
• Paid time off each year to enjoy an outdoor activity of your choice.
• Opportunities to join outdoor excursions with other MEC staffers.
• Equipment Demonstration Program, a gear rental program for staffers.
• Support for the big expedition style adventure you have been dreaming about.
• Access to confidential mental health and work life support services at no cost to you.
• Training and product knowledge to build your confidence and skills.
• Growth opportunities.

Why this role matters: Every item repaired through MEC Reuse is one less piece of gear headed to landfill. This role sits at the heart of MEC’s commitment to a more circular and sustainable outdoor community by helping members extend the life of the gear they love, protecting access to quality equipment, and bringing our sustainability commitment to life in a practical, member focused way.

Compensation

This role ranges from $19.35 to $20.20 depending on experience and certifications.