Columbia searching for ‘Directors of Toughness’

Outdoor clothing brand Columbia is looking for ‘Directors of Toughness’ to travel the globe testing their new clothing on mountains, glacier, and lakes.

Columbia is searching for two ‘Directors of Toughness’, which is a real position with the company, to work full-time as beta testers of its clothing and equipment, as well as be a brand ambassador and a “social media guru”.

In the job posting on its blog, Columbia states that the ideal person is “expected to venture out in ridiculous conditions, push themselves to the limit, and record their adventures in print and on camera”.

For the chance to test sports gear across four continents with adventures in the US, Costa Rica, Uganda, Ecuador, Chile and Japan, the ‘directors’ will receive a salary of 39,000 dollars for nine months work. However, the challenge will be to find the remote interview location, which is part of the interview process.

The job is open to anyone eligible for employment in the UK, US and Canada, and there will be interviews held in four remote locations, two in the US, one in Canada, and one in the UK, with Columbia stating that it will be the “toughest interview to get to”.

“The Directors of Toughness have become integral employees, not only testing our products but also sharing compelling stories,” said Columbia senior vice president and chief human resources officer Richelle Luther. “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.”

The company’s first ‘Directors of Toughness’, Lauren Steele and Zach Doleac, were selected from thousands of applicants and spent six months traveling the globe.

Commenting on his experience, Doleac, said: “At times travelling can be isolating. We had to drop everything and leave our jobs, friends, and family for 6-months.

“At the time, it was difficult to appreciate the opportunities we were getting because of how fast we were moving around. But going back, and watching the culminating video. Who wouldn’t want that job? I’m definitely applying again under a pseudonym!”

Image: Columbia website