Lead Dog Groomer & Team Mentor

EarthWise Pet; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

Professional development

Job summary

EarthWise Pet in Wheaton, IL is seeking an experienced Lead Dog Groomer to provide high-quality grooming and to lead a team of groomers and bathers. You will coach staff, set grooming standards, and ensure exceptional customer service.

This on-site role combines hands-on grooming with leadership duties, offering a compensation plan of $20.00-$30.00 per hour plus up to 45% commission and opportunities for professional development through mentorship with an award-winning practitioner.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional dog grooming experience
• Minimum of 2 years of professional bathing experience
• Associate’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Perform full-service grooming, including bathing, brushing, clipping, trimming, and breed-specific styling
• Conduct thorough assessments of each dog’s coat, skin, ears, nails, and overall condition
• Recommend appropriate services, add-ons, and products based on pet needs
• Clearly communicate grooming plans, pricing, and service expectations to pet parents
• Maintain detailed records of grooming instructions and customer preferences
• Notify pet owners when services are completed and provide ongoing communication as needed
• Deliver exceptional customer service and ensure a positive salon experience
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to groomers and bathers
• Train and support skill development for bathers, and maintain grooming and bathing quality standards across the team
• Perform regular quality checks on groomers and bathers
• Participate in bi-weekly performance meetings and support team performance improvement
• Address and resolve customer concerns, including making service corrections when needed
• Maintain strong customer service standards and meet or exceed established goals
• Adapt to changing priorities, including assisting with walk-in grooming services
• Communicate effectively and professionally with customers and team members
• Ensure accuracy of release forms, kennel cards, and service documentation
• Monitor pets for stress, health concerns, or behavioral changes and report as needed
• Ensure kenneled pets are comfortable, have access to water, and are walked regularly
• Communicate any health or safety concerns to management and pet owners
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized grooming environment
• Complete daily and weekly cleaning and sanitation tasks
• Respond appropriately to any pet or employee incidents, ensuring proper care and reporting
• Support additional salon duties as assigned by management

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Team development

Grooming techniques

Clipping

Trimming

Breed styling

Dog breeds knowledge

Customer service

Communication

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Education

Associate’s degree

Job description

EarthWise Pet in Wheaton, IL is seeking an experienced Lead Dog Groomer to provide high-quality grooming and to lead a team of groomers and bathers. You will coach staff, set grooming standards, and ensure exceptional customer service.

This on-site role combines hands-on grooming with leadership duties, offering a compensation plan of $20.00-$30.00 per hour plus up to 45% commission and opportunities for professional development through mentorship with an award-winning practitioner.