Job Overview
The Pet Parlor of Racine is looking to add a dog groomer apprentice to our quickly growing grooming salon. We offer a friendly work environment with our top priority being the health, safety, and happiness of every dog in our care.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Grooming Apprentice to join our dynamic pet care team! This paid apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals passionate about animal care and grooming to develop their skills in a professional environment. As a Grooming Apprentice, you will work closely with experienced groomers to learn the art of pet grooming.
Grooming Apprentice will perform the following duties:
- Assist senior groomers with pet bathing, brushing, trimming, and styling to ensure high-quality grooming services.
- Will collaborate with fellow team members and understand the true meaning of teamwork.
- Handle animals safely and confidently during grooming procedures, including restraint and pet handling techniques.
- Maintain a clean and organized grooming area, ensuring all tools and equipment are sanitized and ready for use.
- Communicate effectively with pet owners regarding grooming preferences, pet behavior, and aftercare instructions.
- Learn proper animal restraint techniques to ensure safety for both pets and staff during grooming sessions.
- Committed to grow with the business.
- Learn how to groom full styling haircuts on all breeds of dogs.
- The grooming apprentice should have patience with the dogs.
Requirements
- Prior experience in animal handling or pet care is advantageous but not required; eagerness to learn is essential.
- Strong communication skills to interact effectively with pet owners and team members.
- Physical ability to perform heavy lifting and stand for extended periods during grooming sessions.
- Excellent customer service skills to ensure a positive experience for clients and their pets.
- Is committed to grow with the business
- Is punctual, reliable, have a great attitude, articulate and able to communicate well with clients and coworkers.
- Must be willing to conform to The Pet Parlor of Racine’s grooming standards.
- Ability to work a varied schedule including days, evenings, and weekends.
- You must want to become a dog groomer for this position!
The Apprentice Groomer position is an interim position comprised of three phases:
Assessment Phase: an initial 1-2 week period working with the Senior Groomer to assess specific areas for training and development. This initial phase will set the expected time frame for training, the scope of training as defined by grooming skill areas, and the structure of training in terms of skill sequencing.
Training Phase: a period of 6-12 months or more in duration in which you will work alongside the Senior Groomer to master the grooming skills indicated during the Assessment Phase. The Training Phase will consist of a defined critical path with sequential milestones as indicated by the Assessment Phase.
Evaluation Phase: a phase that will run concurrently with the Training Phase and be measured against the critical milestone path. At each skill milestone, the Senior Groomer will document an evaluation of the skill mastery and the critical milestone path will be updated. Promotion to Groomer will occur when all skills have been mastered and the critical milestone path completed. It is expected that the time required for each person will be different.
Promotion to Groomer: it is expected that approximately 75% of Apprentice Groomers will be promoted to Groomer within 6-18 months of being made an Apprentice Groomer.
Supplies and Equipment: you are responsible for providing all of the equipment necessary to perform your job at your sole expense (e.g., scissors, clippers, brushes, etc.). PPR will provide tables, dryers, cages and shampoos.
Performance Metrics:
- Rate at which you learn how to groom
- Frequency of client communication
- Number of incidents
- Customer loyalty
- Cleanliness of grooming room
Join us as a Grooming Apprentice and take your first step toward a rewarding career in animal care! We are committed to supporting your growth through hands-on training, mentorship from industry professionals, and opportunities to develop essential skills in pet grooming, handling, and customer communication—all within a lively and supportive team environment.
Pay: $15.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person