Lead Groomer
Pet Pros dba EarthWise Pet · earthwisepet.com
WheatonLead / Manager2+ yrs
Straight from the company’s own careers site.
The job in short
Compliance
Details
- Found
- 35 d ago · posted 2026-09-25
- Location
- Wheaton, IL, US
- Pay (as listed)
- $20–$30 an hour
Full description
Description
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Dog Groomer to provide high-quality grooming services and to offer leadership, coaching, and technical direction to a team of groomers and bathers. This role combines hands-on grooming expertise with team development, quality control, and customer service excellence.
The ideal candidate is a skilled groomer with strong leadership abilities, a passion for pet care, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service and results.
Compensation: $20-30 per hour + up to 45% commission
Key Responsibilities
Grooming Services & Client Experience
• Perform full-service grooming, including bathing, brushing, clipping, trimming, and breed-specific styling
• Conduct thorough assessments of each dog’s coat, skin, ears, nails, and overall condition
• Recommend appropriate services, add-ons, and products based on pet needs
• Clearly communicate grooming plans, pricing, and service expectations to pet parents
• Maintain detailed records of grooming instructions and customer preferences
• Notify pet owners when services are completed and provide ongoing communication as needed
• Deliver exceptional customer service and ensure a positive salon experience
Leadership & Team Development
• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and technical guidance to groomers and bathers
• Train and support skill development for bathers, and maintain grooming and bathing quality standards across the team
• Perform regular quality checks on groomers and bathers
• Participate in bi-weekly performance meetings and support team performance improvement
• Address and resolve customer concerns, including making service corrections when needed
Operations & Performance
• Maintain strong customer service standards and meet or exceed established goals
• Adapt to changing priorities, including assisting with walk-in grooming services.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with customers and team members
Pet Safety & Care
• Ensure accuracy of release forms, kennel cards, and service documentation
• Monitor pets for stress, health concerns, or behavioral changes and report as needed
• Ensure kenneled pets are comfortable, have access to water, and are walked regularly
• Communicate any health or safety concerns to management and pet owners
Salon Maintenance & Compliance
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized grooming environment.
• Complete daily and weekly cleaning and sanitation tasks
• Respond appropriately to any pet or employee incidents, ensuring proper care and reporting
• Support additional salon duties as assigned by management
Qualifications
• Minimum of 2 years of professional dog grooming experience required
• Minimum of 2 years of professional bathing experience required
• Associate’s degree preferred
Skills and Abilities
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Proficiency in a variety of grooming techniques, including clipping, trimming, hand-stripping, and breed-standard styling
• Knowledge of grooming tools and equipment
• Familiarity with dog breeds and grooming standards
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to complete a grooming skills assessment
Compensation & Benefits
• Pay: Up to $20.00-30 per hour + up to 45% commission.
• Strong earning potential with a competitive commission structure
• Exclusive Professional Development Opportunity:
Participate in bi-weekly, hands-on mentorship and leadership development sessions with a multi-award-winning international competition groomer. With over 20 years of experience in advanced grooming techniques, salon leadership, and professional instruction, this mentorship offers a rare opportunity to elevate your craft, refine advanced skills, and grow as a leader in the grooming industry.
Work Environment
• Fast-paced grooming salon environment
• Frequent interaction with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments
• Requires standing, bending, and lifting throughout the workday
This is more than just a grooming role; it’s an opportunity to advance your career, maximize your earning potential, and learn from one of the best in the industry.
All Pet Pros dba EarthWise Pet jobs · Senior and manager-level jobs in Wheaton, Illinois