Academy Sports and Outdoors Jobs & Application Online

A Texas-based company, Academy Sports + Outdoors operates as a privately owned retailer with over 185 stores, most of which remain situated in the American South. Sports enthusiasts and retail specialists may find steady jobs with the sports and outdoor retailer as the company expands.

Job Opportunities with Academy Sports + Outdoors

Aside from genuine interests in sporting goods and active lifestyles, applicants with affable and authentic personalities typically make effective employees for the sports and outdoor retail company. Candidates desiring to move up the company ladder may wish to apply for store management opportunities. Managerial jobs generally require years of supervisory experience. Previous work in retail and hospitality usually proves beneficial in obtaining such employment. Academy Sports + Outdoors frequently promotes from within and elevates entry-level associates to team leader positions by department. The position of team leader often serves as a steppingstone to store management careers, as well.

Offering a broad assortment of quality fishing, camping, and hunting equipment and gear, as well as active sports products, such as footwear and apparel, Academy Sports + Outdoors appeals to a wide variety of shoppers. With a philosophy of delivering a broad selection of quality products and convenience coupled with exceptional customer service, the sporting goods chain offers candidates ample opportunities to join a growing team. The company typically offers part-time, full-time, and seasonal work, which appeals to workers searching for various types of employment. Most entry-level employees fill jobs involving work directly with customers, taking payments, or working behind the scenes unloading shipments and stocking merchandise.

Academy Sports + Outdoors Positions and Salary Information

The sporting goods retailer requires candidates to stand at least 18 years of age in order to apply for available positions. For certain opportunities, job seekers may need additional trainings and certifications beyond possession of a high school diploma or GED, though experience in similar industries may prove sufficient. The most popular positions available sit listed below:

Sales Associate

• A sales associate generally works within an assigned department to assist customers in finding selections, restock merchandise, and provide enthusiastic and prompt customer service.
• Employees may also perform other duties, such as unloading deliveries, restocking merchandise, executing daily cleaning, and assisting with loss prevention techniques.
• Generally expected to maintain flexible availability, associates must show the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, affinity for working with others, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Over time, sales associates may receive promotion to team lead positions.
• Most sales associates earn between minimum wage and $9.00 an hour.

Team Lead

• Viewed as a middle-management position by the sporting goods and outdoor merchandise retailer, the job of team lead generally centers on training and developing associates within the department and ensuring high levels of customer service.
• Team leads also act as liaisons between subordinate employees and store management.
• Duties include providing feedback on employee performance, offering direction, and making suggestions on methods to improve department operations.
• Team leads organize and display merchandise, implement storewide sales strategies and promotions, and coordinate with other departments, as well.
• A team lead employee may earn around $11.00 an hour in addition to eventual advancement to store management positions.

Management

• Academy Sports + Outdoors utilizes a managerial system of department managers working directly under a store director and an assistant manager in order to divide responsibilities and supervise subordinate employees.
• Managers ensure smooth and efficient daily operations, oversee entry-level employees, and interview and hire new associates.
• A department manager oversees departmental zoning within the store, including signage, price maintenance, and cleanliness.
• Assistant store managers act as the primary leaders in the absence of store directors and may assume all duties necessary for successful day-to-day operations, as well.
• Prospective managers must possess between three and seven years of previous retail experience, depending on the position desired, and may also need to meet additional education requirements ranging up to a bachelor’s degree in certain instances.
• Managers may earn between $40,000 and $70,000 in annual salary options, depending on position, experience, tenure, and location.

Tips For Applying

Academy Sports + Outdoors offers interested candidates the opportunity to apply online through a convenient job portal attached to the company website. After searching for applicable positions, job seekers may create online profiles and apply for available jobs. Candidates should gather hiring materials before creating profiles and set aside a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes in order to complete each portion of the form. Applicants may choose to build profiles from scratch or by utilizing social media accounts, and may wish to upload a resume, as well. To ensure proper completion, use current information, check for spelling when appropriate, and verify all the correct display of contact information. Upon completing profiles, applicants may use the saved information to apply for future jobs, as well.

Application Status

Candidates receive confirmation emails after applying for positions. If the company wishes to go further in the application process, job seekers may receive additional emails or phone calls to set up interviews for a desired position. Applicants not receiving either form of contact within a timely period may wish to contact the company directly to check on the status of available positions. Remain polite and aware of the time and duties of managers by calling or visiting stores at off-peak hours. Dress accordingly to show genuine interest in working for the sporting goods retailer, as on-the-spot interviews may occur.

Benefits of Working at Academy Sports + Outdoors

Academy Sports + Outdoors consistently communicates with associates in order to maintain family atmospheres and desirable workplace environments. In addition to tendering excellent pay, training and development, and opportunities for advancement, the company offers additional work benefits to qualifying associates. Eligible employees receive medical, dental, and vision insurance options as well as tuition assistance, bonus programs, and relocation assistance, if necessary. Qualified workers also enjoy paid time off and holidays, excellent merchandise discounts, and employee recognition programs. Many full-time associates also qualify for retirement benefits, including 401(k) retirement plans with company-match.

Further Information about Academy Sports + Outdoors

As an outdoor equipment and sporting goods retailer, the company encounters various customer bases seeking services outside of standard products and in-store merchandise. Depending on the location, Academy Sports + Outdoors offers a one-stop shop for customers to acquire appropriate hunting and fishing licenses, exchange empty propane tanks safely, and complete the stringing and line spooling process for fishing rods. In addition, at select stores, customers may utilize built-in archery lanes, putting greens, and hunter education programs to test out products before purchase and learn about proper outdoor safety. Certain locations also deliver and assemble oversized products, such as treadmills, outdoor grills, and gun safes.