Best Job Ever? Get Paid to Travel and Test Gear with Columbia

Columbia Sportswear

 The company is searching for their next Directors of Toughness—here's how to apply.

What if your job involved traveling the world—from the summit of the Cayambe volcano
in Ecuador to the artic coast of Manitoba—to test awesome gear and show it all off on
social media? That’s the gist of the job responsibilities of Columbia’s "Directors of
Toughness." Last year, Lauren Steele and Zach Doleac were appointed to the roles and
had a six-month long adventure of a lifetime (check out highlights from their travels in the
video below). This year, the co-Directors will be employed (yes, actually paid a full-time 
salary plus benefits!) for nine full months of awesomeness.

“The Directors of Toughness have become integral employees, not only testing our products
but also sharing compelling stories,” said Columbia Sportswear Company’s Senior Vice
President and Chief Human Resources Officer Richelle Luther in a press release. “We are
excited to identify and hire two new outdoor enthusiasts, and to put a spotlight on the effort
our employees go through to ensure our products keep people comfortable, regardless of
the conditions.”

So, if you’re on the job market—or just looking to take a nine-month hiatus from your current
gig—you should consider applying. But, be warned the interview process is far from a walk in
the park—in fact, it takes place in Mount Hood wilderness. It’s actually called “The Toughest
Interview,” and per Columbia, applicants should be willing to go outside their comfort zone and
“have their determination, endurance and enthusiasm (and wit) tested in some of the most
challenging landscapes.”
Apply at Columbia.com/ToughJob for interviews taking place in Portland, OR (followed by
other locations to be revealed).