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Groomer Apprentice Jobs in Reno, NV (NOW HIRING)

Terrain Park Groomer I

CA · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

This is an entry-level, apprentice-style position - no prior park-building or snowcat experience ... grooming of all terrain parks and park features • Learn reshaping and rebuilding trails, and ...

This is an entry-level, apprentice-style position - no prior park-building or snowcat experience ... Grooming Supervisor Assist with nightly grooming of all terrain parks and park features Learn ...

Service Dog Trainer

Reno, NV · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

The Trainer collaborates across departments, mentors apprentice trainers, and serves as a visible ... assist with grooming, husbandry, and veterinary coordination. * Advise the Director of Canine ...

Service Dog Trainer

Reno, NV · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

The Trainer collaborates across departments, mentors apprentice trainers, and serves as a visible ... assist with grooming, husbandry, and veterinary coordination. * Advise the Director of Canine ...

Service Dog Trainer

Reno, NV · On-site

$32 - $42/hr

The Trainer collaborates across departments, mentors apprentice trainers, and serves as a visible ... assist with grooming, husbandry, and veterinary coordination. * Advise the Director of Canine ...

Groomer Apprentice information

See Reno, NV salary details

$10

$16

$24

How much do groomer apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for groomer apprentice in Reno, NV is $16.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.38 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a groomer apprentice?

Groomer Apprentices are individuals who are training to become professional pet groomers. They work under the supervision of experienced groomers to learn essential skills such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, and handling animals safely. Groomer Apprentices gain hands-on experience with various breeds and coat types, as well as knowledge of customer service and grooming equipment. This role is typically an entry-level position and serves as a stepping stone to becoming a certified or full-fledged groomer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a groomer apprentice?

To thrive as a Groomer Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of animal care, grooming techniques, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, shears, brushes, and bathing systems is typically required, and some employers may prefer certification from grooming programs. Patience, attention to detail, strong communication, and a gentle demeanor with animals help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for ensuring animal safety, client satisfaction, and building a successful career in pet grooming.

What are some common challenges faced by groomer apprentices during their training period?

Groomer Apprentices often encounter challenges such as learning to handle anxious or uncooperative animals, mastering safe grooming techniques, and adapting to a fast-paced work environment. Building trust with pets while ensuring their safety requires patience and strong observation skills. Additionally, apprentices must quickly become familiar with various grooming tools and breed-specific styles, all while maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Support from experienced groomers and ongoing practice help apprentices overcome these hurdles and grow in confidence.

What is the difference between Groomer Apprentice vs Groomer?

AspectGroomer ApprenticeGroomer
CredentialsOn-the-job training, sometimes certification programsState licensing or certification often required
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised by experienced groomersIndependent work, performing grooming services
Job RoleAssists and learns grooming techniquesPerforms grooming services independently

The Groomer Apprentice is in a training phase, gaining skills under supervision, while the Groomer is a fully qualified professional providing grooming services independently. The apprentice role focuses on learning, whereas the groomer role emphasizes experience and certification.

What are popular job titles related to Groomer Apprentice jobs in Reno, NV?

For Groomer Apprentice jobs in Reno, NV, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Groomer Apprentice jobs in Reno, NV look for?

The top searched job categories for Groomer Apprentice jobs in Reno, NV are:

What cities near Reno, NV are hiring for Groomer Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Reno, NV with the most Groomer Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Groomer Apprentice job openings in Reno, NV as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,567 per year, or $16.6 per hour.

Terrain Park Groomer I

CA • On-site

Sugar Bowl Resort
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 11 - 50 employees

$21 - $24/hr

Full-time

Vision, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description
Sugar Bowl Resort is looking for a Terrain Park Groomer I to help with the nightly grooming and maintenance of all terrain parks and features, in coordination with the department's daily plan and day-crew communications. This is an entry-level, apprentice-style position - no prior park-building or snowcat experience required. We'll train you on snowcat operation and terrain park maintenance fundamentals from the ground up. This role plays a key part in keeping every element of the terrain park in great shape, so our guests get the best possible park experience, every day.
Why Sugar Bowl?
Sugar Bowl Resort has been proudly independent for over 80 years and is one of the oldest ski resorts in California. Situated atop beautiful Donner Summit, Sugar Bowl has a storied past with ties to Austrian ski culture, Hollywood and Walt Disney. This special community helped bring skiing to "sunny California" since December 1939. Since then, it continues to attract adventurous winter sports enthusiasts alike.
Who You Are:
  • Prior cat experience, terrain park building, or heavy equipment experience is a plus
  • A self-starter and hard worker, comfortable learning to work on steep mountain terrain under guidance
  • Comfortable following direction and building sound judgment over time
  • A genuine interest in learning risk management basics as they apply to terrain park operations
  • Comfortable in a guest service environment, professional at all times
  • A positive, friendly attitude in all internal and external interactions
  • Open to learning new skills and supporting other departments as needed; a versatile, team-first mindset

What You'll do:
• Learn to construct and maintain terrain park features using a snowcat, under the direction of the Terrain Park Grooming Supervisor
• Assist with nightly grooming of all terrain parks and park features
• Learn reshaping and rebuilding trails, and pushing snow from fences and snow drifts
• Learn to remove excess snow from around lift stations, cover creeks/rocks/obstacles, spread man-made snow, and pack fresh powder
• Become familiar with natural terrain and snow depth indicators
• Learn safe snowcat operation across varied terrain and conditions, including steep uphill and downhill sections
• Assist with digging out and moving jibbing elements alongside nighttime Park Rangers
• Communicate nightly grooming results to the AM day crew
• Work outside of the snowcat in inclement and adverse weather conditions as needed
• Complete grooming forms and company equipment/vehicle forms nightly
• Attend snowmobile training
• Participate in safety meetings and accept diverse assignments as part of the team
• Maintain a positive, friendly, professional demeanor in all guest and team interactions
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations
• Cross-train and lend a hand in other departments as needed, building a broader understanding of resort operations.
• Take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills across the resort, supporting a well-rounded, team-first approach to the guest experience.
Physical Requirements:
• Comfortable sitting for extended periods while operating a snowcat, with frequent climbing on and off the machine
• Capable of working outdoors in extreme, cold winter weather conditions, often during late evening and early morning hours
• Able to shovel and clear snow, including heavy, wet snow, as needed
• Steady footing and balance for navigating steep, icy, or uneven terrain on and off equipment
• Comfortable working in proximity to moving mechanical parts and heavy machinery
• Manual dexterity for equipment inspection, basic maintenance checks, and machinery operation
• Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to safely operate machinery and monitor changing weather and trail conditions
Winter Benefits:
• Employer sponsored 401k plan after 1,000 worked hours and one (1) year of service
• Paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development opportunities
• Free ski and tubing passes for employees
• Free ski passes for dependents
• 50% off food at our restaurants
• Free group ski and snowboard lessons for employees
• Employee discounted lift tickets for family and friends
• Lift ticket discounts at multiple resorts including 24 Mountain Collective destinations
• Hotel discounts
• Employee ski reciprocal programs
Sugar Bowl Resort believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against its employees or applicants because of race, color, hair, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender orientation, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship, veteran status, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, upgrading, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.