Full Time - Used Gear Repair Specialist

MEC; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gear discounts

Health and dental benefits

Paid time off

Outdoor excursions

Gear rental program

Mental health support

Training & knowledge

Growth opportunities

Job summary

MEC is hiring a Used Gear Repair Specialist in Kelowna to support MEC Reuse and Gear Swap initiatives. You will welcome members, assess repairs, and perform textile and basic gear repairs to extend product life and reduce waste.

You will contribute to intake, condition assessments, merchandising, and day‑to‑day store operations while applying repair judgment to guide safe, value‑driven decisions for customers. This is a full‑time, in‑store role with weekend availability.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated sewing and textile repair skills.
• Experience with industrial or heavy‑duty machines is an asset.
• Familiarity with outdoor materials such as waterproof fabrics, ripstop nylon, down insulation, and other technical textiles.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stay active throughout the day.
• Retail, resale, consign­ment, or repair experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist members with gear questions, repair needs, and product selection.
• Assess needs, budget, experience, and preferences to guide choices.
• Provide guidance on gear condition, repair options, fit, features, and value.
• Support intake by receiving items, assessing condition, and identifying repairs within scope.
• Execute textile and basic gear repairs (patching, seam repair, reinforcement, zipper replacement).
• Prepare, tag, merchandise, and restock gear to keep the floor organized and accessible.

Skills

Sewing & textile repair

Repair skills

Attention to detail

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Job description

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 Repair Specialist, 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 while completing textile and basic gear repairs that extend product life. You will support the full gear swap journey, from intake and product assessment to repairs, merchandising, sales floor support, and day to day store operations. In this role, you will combine repair skill, product knowledge, and sound judgment to help members make informed decisions based on condition, performance, repair potential, and value. Every item assessed, repaired, and rehomed through the store helps reduce waste, extend product life, and make the outdoors more accessible.

What a day in the life looks like:

• Support members with gear questions, repair needs, and product selection.
• Assess member needs, budget, experience level, and product preferences.
• Provide trusted guidance on gear condition, repair options, fit, features, and value.
• Support used gear intake by receiving items, completing condition assessments, and identifying repairs within scope.
• Complete textile and basic gear repairs, including patching, seam repair, reinforcement, and zipper replacement.
• Prepare, tag, merchandise, and replenish gear to keep the sales floor organized and easy to shop.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized intake, repair, and sales floor areas.
• Support inventory accuracy, transactions, returns, repair documentation, and day-to-day store operations.
• Continue building knowledge of products, repair techniques, reuse standards, and sustainability practices.
• Help extend the life of quality gear and make the outdoors more accessible.

You might be who we’re looking for if

• 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 through repair and reuse.
• You bring demonstrated sewing and textile repair skills. Experience with industrial or heavy-duty machines is an asset.
• You are familiar with outdoor materials such as waterproof fabrics, ripstop nylon, down insulation, and other technical textiles.
• You have strong attention to detail and a high standard for quality workmanship.
• You can assess gear condition, identify repair opportunities within scope, and apply sound judgment to support quality and safety standards.
• You can manage repair work, documentation, and completing priorities effectively in a fast-paced retail environment.
• You genuinely enjoy helping people and creating a welcoming member experience.
• You communicate clearly, work well with others, and bring a collaborative approach to supporting members and teammates.
• Previous retail, resale, consignment, or repair experience is an asset.
• You can lift up to 50 pounds and are comfortable being active throughout the day.

Availability:

• Full, open availability five days a week, Monday to Saturday, including weekend day.

What do we offer

• Competitive hourly rate and a 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 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, our 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 assessed, repaired, and rehomed through MEC Reuse helps keep quality gear in use and out of landfill. This role supports a more circular and accessible outdoor community by extending product life, improving access to affordable gear, and bringing MEC’s sustainability commitment to life in a practical, everyday way.

Compensation:

• This role ranges from $21.40 to $22.20 depending on skills and experience.