Groom Tech in Training

Job summary

This role is designed for someone starting a grooming career and is centered on enrolling in and completing Petsense’s Level 1 training program, Paragon. The program is a 15-week virtual distance-learning course that teaches the basics of bathing and grooming, along with pet safety, first aid and CPR, handling techniques, and fundamentals of dog anatomy and physiology. Training combines practical hands-on work, study materials, online tests, video learning, and photo submissions for evaluation.

Key duties

• Complete the Paragon Level 1 Groom Tech training within the required five-week timeline.
• Learn and apply safe handling practices for pets.
• Carry out bathing, drying, brushing, and combing for different coat types.
• Perform nail trims, ear cleaning, and basic hair preparation.
• Use introductory clipper and finishing techniques.
• Deliver customer service while maintaining a professional approach.
• Care for grooming tools and equipment and keep them in working order.
• Protect animal safety and monitor pets for signs of parasites, illness, or injury, then report concerns to pet owners.
• Follow sanitation and safety procedures to reduce injury and prevent disease spread.
• Help grow business by contacting existing and potential customers, setting appointments, making follow-up calls and reminders, and confirming vaccinations.
• Keep accurate records of services and vaccination information.
• Use computer systems as needed.
• Support store recovery tasks when required.
• Maintain and sanitize holding tanks and provide care for live animals as needed.
• Complete all related paperwork and other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Must be comfortable working with both dogs and cats.
• Patience and compassion toward animals are essential.
• Applicant must bring their own grooming tools, including clippers, blades, and shears, or be prepared to buy the required tools.
• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Any acceptable mix of education and experience may be considered.
• Regardless of educational background, the person must be able to read, write, and count accurately.

Preferred skills

• Ability to use grooming tools and equipment such as tubs, brushes, combs, scissors, clippers, dryers, and bathing products.
• Clear communication with customers and team members.
• Compassionate treatment of animals.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Accurate reading, writing, and counting for documentation.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ethical conflict resolution.

Working conditions

The role is generally performed indoors in a moderate-noise environment. It involves regular exposure to sharp grooming tools, shampoos, soaps, pet waste, wet conditions, and animals of many sizes, breeds, and temperaments. Shifts may differ by store and usually run at least 4 hours, with some lasting more than 8 hours. A safe, productive work environment must be maintained in line with company safety training and guidelines. Floors and outdoor surfaces are typically hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt, with adequate lighting and temperature.

Physical requirements

• Move and transfer animals, equipment, and merchandise up to 50 pounds.
• Stand in one place for up to 8 hours while grooming.
• Move around the salon for 4 to 8 hours per day to groom, clean, and maintain the area.
• Use grooming tools such as shears and dryers.
• Lift or reach merchandise overhead occasionally.
• Bend, kneel, and squat frequently while grooming, cleaning, and stocking.
• Use store equipment such as computers and cash registers continuously.
• Read, write, and count accurately for documentation.
• Communicate effectively in writing and speaking with team members and customers.
• This is a non-sedentary position.
• Must operate all job-related equipment safely, properly, and effectively while providing excellent customer service.
• Must have the stamina to move through the store and outdoor areas quickly and safely.

Additional information

This posting is only a summary of the role and does not cover every possible responsibility. Team members may be asked to handle other duties assigned by a supervisor.

Company information

At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, team members are described as the core of the business. The company emphasizes dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work, and says it supports employees with a broad and accessible rewards package. Benefits 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 for all full-time team members and all part-time team members. Part-time new hires become eligible for TSC benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during the 90-day lookback period, starting on the first day of the month after hire. If that average is met, benefits begin on the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service.

Benefits note

More detailed information about benefits and leave policies for this position is available through the company’s official benefits resources.