Lead Dog Trimmer / Groomer

Scenthound Chicago Old Town, IL; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 29,549 - 42,085; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive hourly base pay, plus tips

Medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits

Paid Vacation

Career growth path to other leadership positions

Complimentary service membership

No Sundays

Job summary

A local grooming service is seeking an experienced Lead Groomer to oversee a team and ensure high grooming standards. This role involves teaching and mentoring new groomers, ensuring safety and quality in service. Ideal candidates are dog lovers with leadership abilities, strong communication skills, and at least 1 year of grooming experience. The position offers an inclusive workplace with benefits such as health insurance and competitive pay.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of grooming experience or graduation from a grooming school.
• Knowledge of dog breeds, care standards, and tools of the trade.
• Reliable transportation.
• Willingness to work in a smoke‑free environment.

Responsibilities

• Groom to Scenthound standards while providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship.
• Teach new groomers the Scenthound standards; provide ongoing coaching.
• Ensure the safety of dogs and team members at all times.
• Adhere to Scenthound sanitary and cleaning practices.

Skills

Effective communication with team members and dog parents

Leadership, coaching, mentorship

Problem‑solving

Attention to detail

Time‑management

Ability to self‑critique

Education

Graduation from a grooming school

Job description

Benefits

• A welcoming and inclusive workplace
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Free food & snacks

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive hourly base pay, plus tips (Up to 26.00 per hour)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits
• Merit-based pay increases
• Paid Vacation
• Career growth path to other leadership positions
• Complimentary service membership
• No Sundays

About the Position

The Lead Groomer is an integral position at Scenthound, offering expert grooming knowledge, providing leadership to a team of groomers and bathers, and facilitating training to new groomers.

This Position Requires

• At least 1 year of grooming experience or graduation from a grooming school
• Knowledge of dog breeds, care standards, and tools of the trade
• Strength to lift up to 70 pounds; stamina to stand for long periods of time
• Reliable transportation
• Willingness to work in a smoke‑free environment

Who We Are Looking For

We are searching for a confident dog groomer who loves teaching their passion to others! A successful Lead Groomer is knowledgeable, perceptive, patient, adaptable, and a compassionate dog lover! We are looking for a motivating leader who can assess the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of their team members to provide effective learning opportunities.

Tasks

• Groom to Scenthound standards while providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the grooming and bathing teams
• All we do are puppy cuts; one length all‑over with a neat face
• Create an environment conducive to learning, open communication, and teamwork
• Teach new groomers the Scenthound standards; provide ongoing coaching and mentorship
• Identify when/ where help is needed and provide assistance to keep Scenter on schedule
• Ensure the safety of dogs and team members at all times
• Adhere to Scenthound sanitary and cleaning practices
• Perform other tasks and duties as assigned by the Scenter Manager

Skills and Abilities

• Effective communication with team members and dog parents
• Leadership, coaching, mentorship
• Problem‑solving
• Attention to detail
• Time‑management
• Ability to self‑critique; hold oneself and others to high standards of grooming