Groom Student / Stylist in Training (Bather)

Pet Supplies Plus; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Pet Supplies Plus in Rock Hill, SC is hiring a Groom Student. This entry-level role combines hands-on bathing and grooming duties with online coursework to train toward a Groomer position.

You will learn to safely handle pets, follow service procedures, and support the grooming team while developing essential skills for advancement within the salon.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Willingness to learn grooming techniques and safety practices.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential.
• Ability to follow procedures and complete online coursework.

Responsibilities

• Provide approved grooming services including brushing and bathing.
• Follow procedures to ensure a safe and positive experience for every pet.
• Evaluate coat, skin, and overall condition and communicate concerns.
• Learn to use grooming tools safely and maintain equipment.
• Complete online coursework and practical skill assessments.
• Support Groomers and store team during downtime.
• Document service records accurately and on time.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Customer service

Time management

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Overview-

At Pet Supplies Plus, we believe in providing an exceptional, neighborly experience for pets and the people who love them. As a locally owned and operated Pet Supplies Plus franchise, MPM Retail Holdings depends on caring, dependable team members who provide safe bathing services, support our salons, and are interested in developing a career in professional pet grooming.

The Groom Student is an entry-level grooming position responsible for providing bathing and other approved services while learning the skills, tools, and safety practices needed to progress toward a Groomer role. This position combines hands-on salon responsibilities with assigned online coursework and practical skill development.

Key Responsibilities-

• Provide approved grooming services, including brushing, bathing, drying, conditioning, de-shedding, and trimming nails.
• Follow neighbor instructions and established service procedures while providing a safe and positive experience for every pet.
• Evaluate each pet's coat, skin, behavior, and overall condition before and during services and communicate concerns appropriately.
• Protect pet wellness and safety by following approved handling, restraint, sanitation, equipment, and incident-reporting procedures.
• Learn to safely use and maintain bathing, drying, brushing, nail-trimming, and other grooming tools and equipment.
• Complete assigned online grooming coursework, instructional videos, tests, and practical skill evaluations.
• Develop bathing, preparation, pet-handling, and introductory styling skills through training, coaching, and supervised practice.
• Consult with neighbors to understand service expectations and recommend appropriate products or services within the team member's training.
• Complete required service records, pet notes, and other assigned documentation accurately and on time.
• Successfully complete and maintain required safety training and certifications.
• Clean and sanitize grooming tables, tubs, kennels, tools, equipment, and surrounding salon areas throughout the workday.
• Support Groomers with appropriate pet preparation, salon organization, and other assigned responsibilities.
• Assist store team members with appropriate operational responsibilities during grooming downtime.
• Communicate pet health, safety, neighbor service, scheduling, or operational concerns to the Groomer or store leadership promptly.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned based on the needs of the business.

Role Expectations-

Groom Students are expected to take ownership of assigned services, pet safety, salon cleanliness, and their individual development. Dependability, attention to detail, comfort with constructive coaching, and consistent progress through assigned training are essential to success in this role.

Progression toward a Groomer position is based on successful completion of required coursework and practical evaluations, demonstrated technical and safety skills, work performance, and the needs of the business.

Qualifications-

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous retail, customer service, animal care, or pet-industry experience preferred but not required.
• Interest in developing a career in professional pet grooming.
• Ability to review instructional videos, complete online coursework and tests, and apply skills through supervised practice.
• Strong communication, teamwork, customer service, and time-management skills.
• Ability to safely handle pets of different sizes, temperaments, and physical conditions.
• Dependable with reliable transportation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and perform repetitive hand movements.
• Ability to safely move or lift merchandise, equipment, or pets weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to complete and maintain all required company training and safety certifications.

MPM Retail Holdings is an independently owned and operated Pet Supplies Plus franchisee

MPM Retail Holdings is a locally owned and operated Pet Supplies Plus franchise serving communities throughout North and South Carolina. As an independently owned franchise, we combine the resources and recognition of the Pet Supplies Plus brand with the culture, flexibility, and personal connection of a local business.
We believe great stores start with great teams. Our culture is built around taking care of our Neighbors, supporting one another, maintaining high standards, and creating an environment where team members can learn and grow. We value reliability, teamwork, a positive attitude, and a genuine desire to create great experiences for pets and the people who love them.
We are committed to developing talent from within and providing opportunities for team members to build their careers in retail leadership, store operations, and professional pet grooming. Whether you’re looking for your first job or your next leadership opportunity, MPM Retail Holdings offers the chance to grow with a local company while being part of the Pet Supplies Plus family.