Groom Tech in Training

Role overview

This full-time, on-site role is designed for someone preparing for a future career in pet grooming and bathing. The selected candidate will enroll in and complete Petsense’s Level 1 virtual training program, Paragon, which is intended to build foundational skills in bathing, grooming, pet safety, first aid and CPR, handling animals, and understanding dog anatomy and physiology.

The Paragon program spans 15 weeks and combines hands-on practice, reading assignments, online tests, video-based learning, and photo submissions that are reviewed for grading.

Key duties

• Stay dependable and available for scheduled shifts, with flexibility to work different hours, days, nights, weekends, and overtime based on store needs.
• Support the store’s selling approach by greeting customers, engaging with pets and pet parents, suggesting products or services, and creating a positive experience.
• Complete the Level 1 Groom Tech training program within the required five-week timeline.
• Carry out basic grooming and bathing tasks, including safe pet handling, bathing, drying, brushing, combing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, prep trimming, clipper use, and finishing work.
• Deliver courteous customer service and demonstrate professional behavior throughout the workday.
• Use and care for grooming tools and equipment properly, including cleaning and maintaining them to reduce the risk of injury or disease spread.
• Protect the health and safety of animals by observing them for signs of parasites, illness, or injury and reporting concerns to pet owners.
• Follow sanitation and safety procedures at all times.
• Help generate business through customer calls, appointment scheduling, follow-up reminders, and vaccination verification.
• Maintain accurate pet records, including services completed and vaccination details.
• Use the computer when needed and complete all required documentation.
• Assist with store recovery tasks when necessary.
• Support the care and sanitation of live animals and holding tanks as required.
• Take on additional duties as assigned.

Required qualifications

• Must be comfortable working with both dogs and cats.
• Patience and compassion toward animals are essential.
• Applicants must provide their own grooming tools, such as clippers, blades, and shears, or be willing to purchase them.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Any equivalent mix of education and experience may be considered.
• Ability to read, write, and count accurately is required regardless of education level.

Preferred skills and abilities

• Hands-on knowledge of grooming tools and equipment such as tubs, brushes, combs, scissors, clippers, dryers, shampoos, and soaps.
• Clear communication with coworkers and customers.
• Strong empathy and respectful treatment of animals.
• Attention to detail.
• Solid reading, writing, and basic numeracy skills for documentation.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to resolve issues ethically with minimal conflict.

Working conditions

The work is primarily indoors in a moderately noisy environment. The role involves exposure to sharp grooming tools, perfumed shampoos and soaps, wet conditions, pet waste, and animals of different sizes, breeds, and temperaments. Shifts can vary by store, are usually at least 4 hours, and may run beyond 8 hours. The role also requires following company safety training and keeping a safe, productive environment for both team members and customers. Floors and outdoor surfaces are typically hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, with generally adequate lighting and temperature.

Physical requirements

• Ability to move and lift live animals, equipment, and merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand in one place for up to 8 hours while grooming.
• Ability to move around the salon frequently for 4 to 8 hours per day to groom, clean, and maintain the area.
• Ability to use grooming tools such as shears and dryers.
• Ability to occasionally lift items overhead or reach upward.
• Ability to bend, kneel, and squat often while grooming, cleaning shelves, and stocking supplies.
• Ability to operate store equipment, including a computer and cash register, on a constant basis.
• Ability to read, write, and count accurately for documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with team members and customers.
• This is a non-sedentary role that requires stamina, mobility, and the ability to move safely and quickly throughout the store and outdoor areas.

Company and benefits

Petsense by Tractor Supply emphasizes a team-focused culture and offers a benefits package for eligible full-time and part-time team members. Benefits mentioned include medical, dental, and vision coverage; company-paid life and disability insurance; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; and family planning support such as adoption and surrogacy assistance.

Part-time new hires become eligible for TSC benefits after averaging at least 15 hours per week during the 90-day lookback period. The lookback period begins on the first day of the month after hire, and if the 15-hour requirement is met, benefits eligibility starts on the first day of the month after 4 months of continuous service.

Disclaimer

This summary is intended to provide an overview of the position and is not a complete list of responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned by a supervisor as needed.