Groom Tech in Training, Petsense

This position is responsible for enrolling & completing the training course Level 1 provided by Petsense, “Paragon,” in preparation for a career in grooming and/or bathing. Paragon is a virtual distant learning program where students are guided through a 15‑week training program designed to educate students on the fundamentals in bathing and grooming, while also providing the necessary basic skills in safety, pet first aid and CPR, pet handling skills, dog anatomy and dog physiology. This is achieved through a combination of hands‑on practice, book work, online exams, watching videos and submitting photos of practical application for grading.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Work scheduled shifts and have the ability to work varied hours, days, nights, weekends and overtime as dictated by business needs.
• Take the initiative to support selling initiatives (TEAM).
• Successfully enroll & complete the Paragon training for Level 1 (Groom Tech) by the required five‑week timeline.
• Safe Pet Handling.
• Bathing, Drying, Brushing and Combing all coat types.
• Nail Trimming.
• Ear Cleaning.
• Preparatory Hair Trimming.
• Basic Clipper Techniques.
• Basic Finishing Techniques.
• Customer Service Skills.
• Demonstrating Professionalism.
• Equipment Handling and Maintenance.
• Ensuring the safety and well‑being of animals.
• Inspecting animals for external signs of parasites, disease or injury and reporting findings to pet owners.
• Practicing Safety and Sanitization protocols.
• Sanitizing and maintaining grooming tools and equipment to eliminate injury and spread of disease.
• Assisting in generating business by calling existing and new customers, scheduling appointments, following up with phone calls and reminders, and verifying vaccinations.
• Maintaining records of all pet clients to include services provided and vaccination records.
• Operating computer as needed.
• Recovery of store, if needed.
• Sanitizing and maintaining holding tanks and caring for live animals as required.
• Completing all documentation associated with any of the above job duties.
• May also be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats.
• Ability to demonstrate patience and compassion for animals.
• Must provide own tools (clippers, blades, shears) or be willing to purchase required tools.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Associates must be able to read, write and count accurately.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills or Abilities

• Operate and use all grooming tools and equipment including bathing tubs, brushes, combs, scissors, clippers, dryers, and bathing products such as perfumed shampoo and soaps.
• Communicate effectively with associates and customers.
• Display compassion with animals and treat them accordingly.
• Exhibit attention to detail.
• Read, write and count accurately to complete all documentation.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to resolve issues ethically and with minimal conflict.

Working Conditions

• Working environment is favorable, generally inside with moderate noise.
• Exposure to sharp grooming instruments, perfumed shampoos and soaps, pets, and pet waste.
• Exposure to wet conditions, particularly when bathing dogs.
• Exposure to cats and dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
• Work shifts vary from one store to another, generally no less than 4 hours and may exceed 8 hours.
• Promote a safe and productive work environment for team members and customers and adhere to company safety training and guidelines.
• Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally have hard surfaces; lighting and temperature are adequate.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to move and transfer live animals, equipment, and merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and maintain a stationary position for up to 8 hours while grooming animals.
• Ability to frequently move throughout the salon to groom animals, clean, and maintain the salon.
• Ability to utilize grooming instruments including shears and dryers.
• Ability to occasionally lift or reach merchandise overhead.
• Ability to bend, kneel, and squat frequently to position oneself to groom animals, clean shelves, and stock merchandise and equipment.
• Ability to constantly operate store equipment such as computer, cash register, and other store equipment.
• Ability to read, write, and count accurately to complete all documentation.
• Ability to use strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with team members and customers.
• Position is non‑sedentary.
• Essential to operate all equipment related to your job duties effectively, safely, and properly, and to provide the highest level of customer service.
• Essential to have the physical and mental stamina to move throughout the store and outdoor areas quickly and safely.

Disclaimer

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.

Company Info

At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, our team members are the heart of our success. They are dedicated, passionate, and hardworking. We are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible total rewards package. We understand the evolving needs of our team members and their families and strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well‑being today and in the future.