1

Grooming Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

Perform routine cleaning to keep the grooming environment fun and inviting * Assist store team members during grooming downtime * Successful completion of Safety, Bather/Brusher and Grooming Academy ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Grooming Assistant information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$18

$53

How much do grooming assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for grooming assistant in Iowa is $18.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $19.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grooming assistant?

A grooming assistant helps with various administrative and clerical tasks related to grooming services for pet animals. As a grooming assistant, your job duties include preparing workstations, washing and prepping animals for grooming, cleaning kennels, stocking inventory, and providing assistance to dog owners and other pet owners. The qualifications for this career include a high school diploma and, preferably, some experience or training, which you can gain through an apprenticeship or grooming school. You should be comfortable around all sorts of animals and have excellent attention to detail and customer service skills.

What are some common challenges faced by grooming assistants and how can they be managed?

Grooming Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling anxious or uncooperative animals, managing time effectively during busy periods, and maintaining a clean, safe workspace. Building patience and strong animal-handling skills are essential for minimizing stress for both pets and staff. Effective communication with groomers and pet owners also helps ensure a smooth workflow and clear expectations. Over time, experience and support from the grooming team can help new assistants become more confident and efficient in their role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grooming assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Grooming Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of animal care, basic grooming techniques, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming tools (such as clippers, brushes, and dryers), pet restraint systems, and safety protocols is important. Patience, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills help you work effectively with animals and communicate with pet owners. These skills are crucial to ensure animal safety, customer satisfaction, and efficient operation in a pet grooming environment.

What is the difference between Grooming Assistant vs Pet Groomer?

AspectGrooming AssistantPet Groomer
CredentialsBasic animal handling, grooming support skillsCertification or licensing often required, specialized grooming training
Work EnvironmentAssist grooming professionals in salons or pet storesPerform grooming services directly on pets in salons or mobile units
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in pet grooming salons, pet stores, veterinary clinicsPrimarily employed in grooming salons, pet spas, or mobile grooming services

The main difference is that a Grooming Assistant supports and assists pet groomers, focusing on preparation and handling, while a Pet Groomer performs the actual grooming services. Grooming Assistants typically require less certification and work under supervision, whereas Pet Groomers often need specialized training and certification to perform grooming independently.

What are popular job titles related to Grooming Assistant jobs in Iowa? For Grooming Assistant jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grooming Assistant jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Grooming Assistant jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Grooming Assistant jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Grooming Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Grooming Assistant job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,879 per year, or $18.7 per hour.

Assistant Signal Person - Des Moines, IA (Constant Travel Required)

Union Pacific

Des Moines, IA

$32.87/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Union Pacific rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 64 rated delivery companies


Job description

Reference Number: 2346
Department: Engineering
Closing Date: Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.
Most communications will be done electronically. Please check email, including spam folders, daily.

Pay: $32.87/per hour

Travel Requirements: Travel 95-100% of the time - 8 days on (Tuesday to Tuesday) - 6 days off (Wednesday to Monday); 10 hour shift w/30 minute lunch.

If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application.

Description

Become a valuable member of our Assistant Signal Workers team! As part of this team, you will play a crucial role in assisting with the installation, repair, and upkeep of railroad signals and grade crossing warning systems. You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of equipment, contributing to the safe and efficient transportation of goods by Union Pacific across North America. We are powered by our people, will you join our team?

Accountabilities
  • Conduct thorough inspections and testing of signal circuitry, equipment, and systems to identify and resolve issues and defects
  • Assemble and disassemble signal crossing warning device equipment, troubleshoot problems, and carry out necessary repairs
  • Construct, install, maintain, repair, and replace signal communication circuitry, systems, and components
  • Utilize various machines, tools, vehicles, and equipment in a responsible manner while ensuring cleanliness of work areas
  • Operate company vehicles and travel across the designated geographic territory
  • Embrace change, demonstrate proactive behavior, actively contribute, and take ownership of tasks to ensure high-quality and timely completion
  • Foster positive working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, contractors, and customers, effectively managing conflicts when they arise
  • Adhere to all safety, operational, and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations and guidelines
  • Perform any additional assigned duties as required
Qualifications - Required
  • Possess a valid driver's license.
  • Demonstrate basic computer skills.
  • Capable of providing assistance and effectively supervising others.
  • Proficient in planning, organizing, and maintaining information and activities.
  • Committed to understanding and adhering to safety rules, while promoting safe work habits and identifying potential risks.
  • Skilled in performing basic arithmetic operations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and conversion of fractions and decimals.
  • Competent in extracting relevant information from tables, charts, graphs, and text to solve practical problems.
  • Familiar with applying fundamental mechanical principles to resolve mechanical issues.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration both independently and within a team.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to colleagues and supervisors.
  • To be considered for this position, candidates are required to successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage. For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.
Qualifications - Preferred
  • Valid Commercial Drivers License (CDL) - Class A or Class B.
  • Completion of a recognized electrical training program (e.g., community college, trade/vocational school, military training) with a certificate.
  • Associate's degree or higher in electrical engineering or electronic technology.
  • Proficiency in operating heavy equipment, such as construction or farm machinery, demonstrated through professional, personal, or volunteer experience.
  • Experience working outdoors in diverse weather conditions, proven through professional, personal, or volunteer work.
  • Familiarity with adhering to safety protocols and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
  • Knowledge of installation and maintenance of railroad signaling devices.
  • Prior experience in a construction-oriented setting, whether professional, personal, or volunteer-based.
  • Ability to travel extensively, approximately 95-100% of the time.
  • Willingness to work in confined and/or small spaces.
  • Flexibility to work on-call, overtime, various shifts, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
Physical and Mental Job Requirements
  • To be eligible for employment, candidates are required to successfully complete a Physical Ability Test (PAT). Please note that this test is separate from the medical examination. For additional information, please consult the FAQs on UP.jobs.
  • Visual Ability: Candidates must have normal color vision.
  • Standing: Candidates should be capable of standing for extended periods during the workday. Additionally, they should be able to change positions periodically for comfort.
  • Physically Demanding Tasks: Candidates must possess the ability to engage in physically demanding tasks, which may include occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling.
  • Lifting and Carrying: Candidates should have the capacity to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 65 lbs. They should also be able to push and pull objects weighing up to 119 lbs.
  • Mobility on Uneven Surfaces: Candidates must be able to safely walk and maintain balance on uneven surfaces.
  • Coordinated Hand Movements: Candidates must be capable of making frequent coordinated hand movements to grasp, place, or move objects.
  • Walking to Work Site: Candidates should be able to frequently walk to access the work site.
Work Conditions
  • Minimum age requirement is 18 years or older.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
  • Willingness and ability to work at heights of 20 feet or more.
  • Commitment to consistently practicing safe work habits.
  • Flexibility to potentially relocate during the course of employment.
  • Agreement to wear mandatory personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection as required by the company.
  • Application should be limited to locations where you are ready to reside and work.

What we offer:

  • A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
  • Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 40% match up to 5% (contribute 5% and UP will contribute 2%)
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
  • Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

What Union Pacific employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom