Entry Level Animals Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As a Grooming Salon Leader at Petco, you will lead salon operations and salon team members, while delivering expert grooming services to our valued customers' pets. Your passion for people and for pets will ensure a positive experience for our partners and exceptional care for every pet, leaving them looking and feeling their best.

In addition to the opportunity to lead with purpose and showcase your grooming skills, creativity and passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including:

• Competitive Pay + Incentive based on salon performance + Tips (Payment in accordance to the Grooming Salon Leader Incentive Plan details)
• Medical, dental, vision and more
• 401k and more
• Paid Time Off
• Petco Discounts
• All the supplies & equipment you need, including, brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
• State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers
• Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor

The Grooming Salon Leaders primary purpose is to lead and manage grooming salon operations and grooming salon team members. The Grooming Salon Leader is responsible for delivering a high level of customer satisfaction, fostering a positive work environment, driving salon performance, and developing and coaching both entry-level and seasoned groomers. In addition, the Grooming Salon Leader is responsible for performing expert-level grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, while also prioritizing the safety, comfort, and well-being of the pets in our care. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced groomers with proven technical expertise and leadership skills who are interested in growing and developing a team.

The incumbent must be able to consistently perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the grooming salon, ensure smooth and efficient workflows, optimize scheduling and grooming capacity, manage inventory levels in the salon, and execute staffing plans
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level grooming staff, provide coaching, feedback, training, and performance evaluations, while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork, professional growth, and continuous learning and development
• Create and manage efficient grooming schedules that optimize salon capacity, maximize productivity, and accommodate customer demand, balance team availability with business needs, ensuring coverage during peak hours
• Monitor salon performance metrics such as revenue, customer satisfaction, and partner productivity, analyze data to identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans

• Collaborate with store management to achieve sales targets and salon objectives, implementing strategies to drive growth, expand the customer base, and boost profitability
• Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide exceptional customer service, address grooming related inquiries, offer grooming recommendations, and provide timely and proactive resolution to questions or concerns
• Stay abreast of grooming industry trends and best practices to enhance your grooming skills and your teams' skills
• Independently perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, according to pet parent's instructions and adhering to breed standards and company policies and procedures
• Operate and maintain various grooming instruments, including clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers
• Evaluate individual needs of each pet, taking into consideration coat, type, skin conditions, temperament
• Educate and provide custom recommendations to pet parents on grooming maintenance and home care practices & products to promote the overall well-being of the pet
• Always ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon, monitor pets for any signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report any concerns to pet owners and store management
• Perform quality checks to maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in the salon and in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains
• Utilize expert knowledge and understanding of Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business, ensuring standards are maintained in grooming salon, holding salon team members accountable for safety and quality standards

• 2 or more years' experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program
• Strong leadership skills, with the desire to lead, train, and develop people, with 1-2 years previous experience of salon management, or related field, preferred
• High-school diploma or GED preferred, though not required
• Very strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
• Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues and behaviors
• Expert-level proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards
• Genuine passion for animals with a desire to continue a career in pet grooming