Pet Trainer, Petsense

Petsense by Tractor Supply; Pittsburg (KS); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Petsense by Tractor Supply seeks an experienced trainer for its Obedience Training Programs. The role involves hands-on training for customers and their pets, focusing on basic obedience commands in a class setting.

The ideal candidate has at least 1-year pet training experience and is comfortable working with dogs. They must maintain a positive environment for both customers and pets, adhering to Petsense's training procedures and customer service standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-year experience training pets.
• Retail experience and/or pet/live animal knowledge preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills to resolve issues ethically.

Responsibilities

• Lead obedience training programs for customers and pets.
• Ensure safety and cleanliness in training areas.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Skills

Pet training experience

Customer service skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Grooming instruments

Cash register/computer

Job description

Overall Job Summary

This position is responsible for leading our Obedience Training Programs. This includes hands‑on training with both customers and their pets to teach basic obedience commands in a class environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%)

• 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
• Create a positive, professional, and trusting environment for all valued associates and the customers and pets served.
• Answer phone and schedule obedience classes. Be present in the store and available to discuss our obedience program to all customers.
• Advise obedience customers in the purchase of product appropriate, necessary to attend obedience classes and at‑home positive reinforcement training.
• Follow the Petsense obedience training procedures as outlined in the Obedience training documents and videos.
• Train the customer and their dogs with patience, consistency and sensitivity to the customers’ needs and the role they play in training their dog.
• Adhere to customer specific needs and desires in training their dog.
• Talk to dog or use other non‑physical techniques to keep the dog calm and in the trainer and customer’s control.
• Report all accidents and injuries to the Store Manager promptly.
• Properly and completely fill out required obedience training forms as applies to the program.
• Observe all safety rules and procedures and adhere to safety standards.
• Adhere to cleanliness standards, to include sweeping, vacuuming, cleaning of the area(s) the customers and their pets are trained.
• Team members are required to perform a combination of the following duties during 95 percent of their day. Although the mix may vary from one day to another, our business and staffing model makes it essential that every associate be able to perform all of the following duties accurately, efficiently and safely on a regular basis and without advance notice:
  • Operate cash register/computer following cash handling procedures as established by Tractor Supply/Petsense Company.
  • Recovery of merchandise.
  • Participate in mandatory freight process.
  • Complete Plan‑o‑gram procedures (merchandising, sets, and resets).
  • Assemble merchandise.
  • Perform janitorial duties.
  • Execute price changes/markdowns.
  • Assist customers with loading purchases.
  • 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.
• Team members also may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Experience: Minimum of 1‑year experience training pets. Must be comfortable working with dogs. Retail experience and/or pet/live animal knowledge is strongly preferred.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. 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

• Pet/Live Animal, pet food, pet product knowledge is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to resolve issues ethically and with minimal conflict.
• Display compassion with animals and treat them accordingly.
• Exhibit attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Working environment is favorable, generally working inside with moderate noise.
• Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) lighting and temperature are adequate.
• Exposure to sharp grooming instruments, perfumed shampoos and soaps, pets, and pet waste.
• 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.

Physical Requirements

• This position is non‑sedentary.
• 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.
• Ability to read, write, and count accurately to complete all documentation.
• It is essential to operate all equipment related to their job duties efficiently, safely, properly and accurately; and to provide the highest level of customer service.
• Ability to move and transfer merchandise, weighing up to 50‑75 pounds, throughout the distribution center.
• 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 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 utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with team members and customers.
• Ability to successfully complete all required training.

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. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.