Groom Tech in Training, Petsense

Petsense by Tractor Supply; Elizabethton (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking passionate individuals for a grooming training program. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn essential skills in pet grooming and care while working in a supportive environment. As a Groom Technician in Training, you will engage in hands-on practice, receive guidance through a structured training program, and develop your customer service skills. The company values its team members and offers a comprehensive benefits package that promotes well-being and growth. If you love animals and want to start a rewarding career in grooming, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical Coverage

Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Paid Parental Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Life and Disability Insurance

Qualifications

• Must provide own grooming tools or be willing to purchase them.
• Comfortable working with dogs and cats, demonstrating patience and compassion.

Responsibilities

• Complete the Paragon training for Level 1 (Groom Tech) within five weeks.
• Perform grooming duties including bathing, drying, and nail trimming.
• Maintain records of pet clients and ensure safety protocols.

Skills

Customer Service Skills

Safe Pet Handling

Grooming Techniques

Compassion for Animals

Attention to Detail

Basic Computer Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Grooming Tools (clippers, blades, shears)

Job description

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 (Min 5%)

As a Team Member, it is essential that you be available, flexible, adaptable and service-oriented, as you must be able to fulfill all of the following requirements:

• 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):
  • Thank the Customer
  • Engage with the customer and/or pet
  • Advise products or services
  • Make it Memorable
• Groom Technicians in Training are required to learn & perform a combination of the following duties throughout their training program. Although daily tasks may vary day to day, our business and staffing model makes it essential every Groom Technicians in Training should be able to perform all of the following duties accurately, efficiently, and safely on a regular basis and without advance notice:
  • Successfully enroll & complete the Paragon training for Level 1 (Groom Tech) by the required timeline of five weeks.
  • 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
  • Ensures the safety and well-being of animals
  • Inspects animals for external signs of parasites, disease or injury and reports findings to pet owners.
  • Practice Safety and Sanitization protocols
  • Sanitizes and maintains upkeep of all grooming tools and equipment to eliminate injury and spread of diseases to other pet clients.
  • Assists in generating business by calling existing and new customers, scheduling appointments, follow-up phone calls and reminders to customers, and verifying vaccinations.
  • Maintains records of all pet clients to include services provided and vaccination records.
  • Operate computer as needed.
  • Recovery of store, if needed.
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of live animals. Sanitize and maintain holding tanks and care for live animals as required.
  • Complete all documentation associated with any of the above job duties.
• May also be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Experience: 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 purchase required tools.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered. Regardless of education level, 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 to accurately 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 working 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, but generally are 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 are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) 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 for 4-8 hours per day around 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 utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with team members and customers.
• This position is non-sedentary.
• It is essential to operate all equipment related to your job duties effectively, safely, properly, and accurately; and to provide the highest level of customer service.
• It is essential that Team Members have the physical and mental stamina and ability 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. Their dedication, passion, and hard work drive everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible total reward package. We understand the evolving needs of our Team Members and their families, and we strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well-being today and in the future.

Our benefits extend beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, including company-paid life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and family planning resources such as adoption and surrogacy assistance, for eligible Team Members. While all Team Members have access to a broad range of rewards, eligibility and specific offerings may vary depending on the role, individual plan requirements and eligibility criteria.

ALREADY A TEAM MEMBER?

You must apply or refer a friend through our internal portal.

Our Mission and Values are more than just words on the wall - they’re the one constant in an ever-changing environment and the bedrock on which we build our culture. They're the core of who we are and the foundation of every decision we make. It’s not just what we do that sets us apart, but how we do it.

We believe in managing your time for business and personal success, which is why we empower our Team Members to lead balanced lives through our benefits total rewards offerings. for full-time and eligible part-time TSC and Petsense Team Members. We care about what you care about!

A lot of care goes into providing legendary service at Tractor Supply Company, which is why our Team Members are our top priority. Want a career with a clear path for growth? Your Opportunity is Out Here at Tractor Supply and Petsense.

Nearest Major Market: Asheville
Nearest Secondary Market: Knoxville