Bather

BatherWe are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Bather to provide high quality, comprehensive bathing services for dogs. This role completes bathing and spa appointments and fully bathes and prepares dogs for groomers as directed. The ideal candidate is comfortable working hands-on with dogs of all sizes and temperaments, communicates confidently with pet parents, and takes pride in sending every dog home clean, dry, and comfortable.Key ResponsibilitiesBathe, dry, clip nails, express anal glands, clean ears, and fully brush and comb dogs, leaving each dog dry and free of dirt, mats, and tanglesPerform a needs assessment for each assigned dog, evaluating the condition of eyes, ears, nails, teeth, coat, and skinSuggest additional services and products to customers based on that assessment, as appropriateBathe dogs according to priority as communicated by the receptionist or salon designee, assuring dogs scheduled for additional grooming (haircut) services are completed firstRespond appropriately to changing priorities and conditions in the salon, and provide bathing services to walk-in customers in the order they arriveSanitize and vacuum the work area following completion of each bathGreet customers and their dogs by name and communicate a best-estimate pick-up timeExecute the GOTHEART strategy during every customer check-inCommunicate results of the needs assessment to customersDescribe benefits and options for all suggested add-ons, and communicate knowledgeably about all of Groombar's products and servicesClearly communicate fees associated with all servicesProvide friendly, relevant, timely, and professional communication to customers and co-workersAssure accuracy and completeness of each dog's kennel card, including pop-up notes and important details of the dog's overall health, age, level of aggression, allergies, and services requested by the customerEnsure kenneled pets are comfortable, safe, and have access to waterCheck dogs hourly for any signs of stressNote any health concerns discovered during the bathing process and inform the Store Manager, Lead Groomer, Groomer, Salon Services Coordinator, and pet owner, as appropriateAssure the salon environment is safe, clean, and free of hazardsComplete the daily cleaning listComplete the weekly cleaning listRespond appropriately to personnel or dog injuries, assuring both employees and dogs receive prompt and appropriate medical care as neededPerform other salon-related duties as assigned by the Store Manager or Lead Groomer, as neededRequirementsQualificationsPositions supervised (direct reports): NoneNo minimum education or formal training requiredNo prior professional bathing experience required; paid on-the-job training providedSkills and AbilitiesDemonstrated customer service skills; friendly, approachable, cooperative, flexible, and able to shift focus as neededAble to professionally and effectively interact and communicate, verbally and in writing, with staff, customers, and the public from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgroundsAble to work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, prioritize and accurately perform multiple tasks, and efficiently meet deadlines and changing prioritiesAble to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skillsAble to appropriately interpret and apply policies and proceduresCompensation and BenefitsPaid training with a clear advancement path into Lead Bather and/or Grooming Apprentice programExclusive Professional Development Opportunity:Learn directly from a team of salon leaders. Bathers who show initiative are developed intentionally, not left to figure it out on their own.Work Environment and Physical RequirementsFast-paced grooming salon environmentFrequent interaction with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperamentsApproximate percent per 8-hour workday:Constant visual stimulation, including close vision (up to 100%)Constant standing (up to 100%)Constant contact with water, shampoos and other bathing products, and hair (up to 100%)Frequent grasping, including power-gripping, of hoses, brushes, and other tools with hands (up to 80%)Frequent squatting, bending, reaching, pulling, and twisting (up to 60%)Frequent lifting of dogs up to 30 pounds without assistance (up to 60%)Occasional lifting of dogs above 30 pounds with assistance (up to 30%)Occasional walking around building (up to 30%)This is more than an entry-level job; it is the first step into a grooming career with paid training, real mentorship, and a defined path forward.Benefits401(k)Dental insuranceEmployee discountHealth insurancePaid time offPaid trainingVision insurance