Pet Grooming Apprentice — Paragon Training

Overall Job Summary This position is responsible for completing the training course 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 two levels of a training program (Level 1 5‑8 weeks, Level 2 10 weeks) 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. The program is achieved through a combination of hands‑on practice, book work, online exams, watching videos and submitting photos of practical application for grading. Successful on‑time completion of Levels 1 and 2 will earn a complete set of grooming tools. Store tools will be provided for use in the store while completing training. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Follow and demonstrate all Petsense by Tractor Supply Mission and Values 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 Work scheduled shifts for the duration of the fifteen‑week training program (Level 1 part‑time or full‑time and Level 2 required full‑time) Perform a combination of the following duties throughout the day. Daily tasks may vary, but every Paragon student must be able to perform all of the following duties accurately, efficiently, and safely on a regular basis and without advance notice: Successfully complete Level 1 training within the required timeline of five weeks, including: Nail trimming and ear plucking Heavy‑coated bath and brush Curly coat bath and brush Natural foot trimming Conduct a minimum of 10 hands‑on practice sessions in each training category Submit photos of experience by the required deadline Complete 40 breed‑specific bath dogs and submit a tracking journal by the required deadline Assist in generating business by calling existing and new customers, scheduling appointments, making follow‑up phone calls and reminders, and verifying vaccinations Promote a safe and productive work environment for all team members, customers, and vendors Greet customers and pets and thoroughly complete the 7‑point Check‑in Ensure the safety and well‑being of animals, including inspecting for parasites, disease or injury and reporting findings to owners Sanitize and maintain grooming tools and equipment to prevent injury and disease spread Maintain a safe and sanitary work area to reduce risk to human and animal clients Maintain records of all pet clients, including services provided and vaccination records Operate computer as needed Support store recovery, if needed Required Qualifications Experience: Must be comfortable working with dogs and cats and demonstrate patience and compassion for animals. Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Preferred Knowledge, Skills or Abilities Operate and use all grooming tools and equipment, including bathing tubs, brushes, combs, scissors, clippers, dryers, and perfumed shampoos and soaps Communicate effectively with associates and customers Display compassion toward animals and treat them accordingly Exhibit attention to detail Read, write and count accurately to complete all documentation Problem‑solving skills Basic computer skills Strong interpersonal skills and ability to resolve issues ethically and with minimal conflict Working Conditions Work 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 by store but are generally no less than four hours and may exceed eight 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 are generally hard surfaces with adequate lighting and temperature Physical Requirements Move and transfer live animals, equipment, and merchandise weighing up to 50 pounds Lift and carry pets up to 75 pounds; lift pets over 100 pounds with assistance Push and pull merchandise up to 2,000 pounds with proper material‑handling equipment Walk, stand, and maintain a stationary position while grooming animals for a full shift Move around the salon frequently to groom, bath, clean, and maintain the salon for a full shift Access all store areas, including selling floor, stock area, register area, and salon with bathing area Use grooming instruments such as shears and dryers Lift or reach overhead occasionally Stand, twist, bend, kneel, crouch, stoop, and squat frequently to position oneself for grooming, bathing, stocking, and other business needs Operate store equipment such as computer and cash register as required Read, write, and count accurately to complete documentation Use strong written and verbal communication skills with team members and customers Handle contact with live animals Complete all required training and certifications to care for live animals 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. Benefits 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 all full‑time and all part‑time team members. Part‑time new hires gain eligibility for TSC benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90‑day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15‑hour requirement was met, the benefits eligibility date will be the first day of the month following four months of continuous service. #J-18808-Ljbffr Petsense by Tractor Supply