Pet Trainer, Petsense

This position is responsible for leading our Obedience Training Programs. This includes hands-on training with both customers and their pets to teach basic obedience commands in a class environment.

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Work scheduled shifts and have the ability to work varied hours, days, nights, weekends and overtime as dictated by business needs.
• Take the initiative to support selling initiatives (TEAM):
  • Thank the Customer
  • Engage with the customer and/or pet
  • Advise products or services
  • Make it Memorable
• Create a positive, professional, and trusting environment for all valued associates and the customers and pets served.
• Answer phone and schedule obedience classes. Be present in the store and available to discuss our obedience program with all customers.
• Advise obedience customers on the purchase of products necessary to attend obedience classes and at-home positive reinforcement training.
• Follow the Petsense obedience training procedures as outlined in the obedience training documents and videos.
• Train the customer and their dogs with patience, consistency, and sensitivity to the customers’ needs and the role they play in training their dog.
• Adhere to customer-specific needs and desires in training their dog.
• Use non-physical techniques to keep the dog calm and under control.
• Report all accidents and injuries to the Store Manager promptly.
• Properly fill out required obedience training forms as applicable to the program.
• Observe all safety rules and procedures and adhere to safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness standards, including sweeping, vacuuming, and cleaning the training area.
• Perform a combination of the following duties during 95 percent of their day:
  • Operate cash register/computer following cash handling procedures.
  • Recover merchandise.
  • Participate in mandatory freight process.
  • Complete Plan-o-gram procedures (merchandising, sets, and resets).
  • Assemble merchandise.
  • Perform janitorial duties.
  • Execute price changes/markdowns.
  • Assist customers with loading purchases.
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of live animals. Sanitize and maintain holding tanks and care for live animals as required.
  • Complete all documentation associated with any of the above job duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Experience:

Minimum of 1-year experience training pets. Must be comfortable working with dogs. Retail experience and/or pet/live animal knowledge is strongly preferred.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent. Any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered. Associates must be able to read, write, and count accurately.

• Pet/live animal, pet food, and pet product knowledge is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to resolve issues ethically and with minimal conflict.
• Display compassion for animals and treat them accordingly.
• Exhibit attention to detail.

• Working environment is generally favorable, with moderate noise.
• Indoor floors and outdoor lots generally are hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, etc.) with adequate lighting and temperature.
• Exposure to sharp grooming instruments, perfumed shampoos and soaps, pets, and pet waste.
• Work shifts vary, but generally are no less than 4 hours and may exceed 8 hours.
• Promote a safe and productive work environment for Team Members and customers, adhering to Company safety training and guidelines.

• This position is non-sedentary.
• Team Members must have the physical and mental stamina to move throughout the store and outdoor areas quickly and safely.
• Ability to read, write, and count accurately to complete all documentation.
• Essential to operate all equipment related to job duties efficiently, safely, and accurately, providing the highest level of customer service.
• Ability to move and transfer merchandise weighing up to 50-75 pounds.
• Ability to stand and maintain a stationary position for up to 8 hours while grooming animals.
• Ability to frequently move for 4-8 hours per day around the salon to groom animals, clean, and maintain the salon.
• Ability to utilize grooming instruments including shears and dryers.
• Ability to occasionally lift overhead.
• Ability to bend, kneel, and squat frequently to groom animals, clean shelves, and stock merchandise.
• Ability to operate store equipment such as computer, cash register, and other equipment.
• Ability to utilize strong written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively with team members and customers.
• Ability to successfully complete all required training.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above-referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. An associate should perform all duties as assigned by his/her supervisor.