Pet Groomer Trainee

Job Description

Pet Groomer Trainee

At Pet Smart, we’re more than just a company obsessed with pets; we’re obsessed with our people too. Our values are rooted in unconditional love and staying united together. We believe when our associates are happy and healthy, they can provide the best possible care for our furry, scaled, and feathery friends while enjoying a work experience that celebrates them as their authentic selves.

• Sterling, Illinois
• Pos:
  Pet Groomer Trainee
• Pay: $15.08-$25.85 per hour

• Paid weekly
• Health benefits:
  
  medical, dental, vision
• 401k
• Tuition assistance
• Associate discounts and perks
• Paid time off for full-time associates
• Career pathing
• Development opportunities

Pet Smart’s Pet Stylist in Training is responsible for engaging with pet parents and their pets while providing positive experiences and best-in-class salon services. This position will receive training and guidance from our experienced Professional Styling teams, learning proper grooming techniques. This role upholds the company’s vision, mission, values, and strategy and shares responsibility for store cleanliness, recommending solutions for pet parents, and pet safety standards.

The Pet Stylist in Training role is obtained after completing the Pet Smart Grooming Academy.

• Under supervision, perform full menu of bath, brush and grooming services and standalone services (nail trims, teeth brushing, sanitary services) per Pet Smart bathing standards.
• Develop and display safe technical skills meeting or exceeding company expectations.
• Recommend additional health and wellness solutions to Pet Parents based on pet’s needs.
• Ensure positive pet parent experience and outcomes in person, over the phone, and at the sales register.
• Greet pet parents, answer questions, assist with salon reservations.
• Make salon appointment reminder calls, maintain client records, and consult with pet parents on services offered.
• Handle check-in/check-out for grooming appointments, including paperwork and rebooking.
• Promote opportunities to grow salon sales and contribute to salon metrics.
• Recommend, inform, and sell merchandise and services.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the grooming area; follow maintenance checklists.
• Take immediate action if a sick/injured pet is identified; arrange veterinary transport as needed.
• Assist in other departments as required. May perform additional duties.
• Participate in our culture of Belonging and Recognition and follow all Company Policies and Procedures.

• Successful completion of Pet Smart’s Salon Academy training and safety certification program.
• Prior grooming experience preferred; may be asked to complete a technical exam.
• Proficiency in computer applications.
• Ability to react under pressure and maintain composure.
• Flexibility in schedule; able to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and safety.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Stand, walk, climb a ladder; use hands to handle, feel, hold, write; reach with hands and arms; may stoop, kneel, crouch; depth perception required.
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds frequently; may lift more than 100 pounds with assistance.
• Exposure to moving parts, wet environments, pet hair; moderate to high noise levels; exposure to live animals.

Pet Smart is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants must be over the age of 18 (except where required by local or state law).

Pay base rate will be the greater of the local minimum wage or groom pay (a percentage of grooming sales). This position is eligible for benefits as described at