Central Bark Fort Walton Beach is currently seeking an EXPERIENCED groomer with exceptional scissors skills to join our team.  Responsible for the grooming of daycare dogs as well as outside clientele. We operate 365 days a year; Groomers are expected to work their agreed upon shifts. Approximately 80% of your time will be standing on your feet bathing, brushing, drying, clipping and generally grooming dogs, 10% will be scheduling grooms, communicating with owners, and receiving and releasing dogs, 10% is spent on general cleaning of the grooming area, doing grooming associated laundry, database follow up etc. We have brand new modern facilities with electric tubs and tables, low impact flooring, and will provide quarterly sharpening of tools and access to our special pricing for grooming tools through Andis and other major brands. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

Discussing grooming requests with customers.

Scheduling and confirming groom appointments.

Receiving and releasing dogs to and from owners.

Bathing, trimming nails, cleaning ears, brushing, blow-drying, clipping, shaving, and expressing anal glands.

Maintaining grooming records and establishing a relationship with customers.

Promoting grooming at Central Bark.

Attending seminars and trade shows to promote Central Bark and stay current on your knowledge and industry standards.

Database follow up when there is downtime

Keeping grooming room clean, organized and stocked

Wash, dry, and put away grooming laundry

Clean any dirty grooming kennels from the day.

Empty grooming trash cans

Vacuum and mop grooming space

Keep tubs, tables, and tools clean

Maintain grooming equipment and tools including sanitization

Assess each animal's coat condition and recommend appropriate grooming techniques and products.

Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We strive to provide top-notch grooming services. 

Education and/or Experience: Dog handling skills. Skills may be in the form of pet ownership, previous pet ownership, working with animals and attending dog training and/or behavior seminars. Training sessions and seminars may be scheduled during non-working hours where your attendance may be required. Grooming experience required. This experience may be in the form of a formal Grooming Degree or of gained working experience as an apprentice to an established groomer. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1 years of professional grooming experience and must possess a work portfolio demonstrating their expertise.

Physical Skills: Ability to perform a variety of demanding physical activities, including lifting a minimum of 50 pounds (whether it is a bag of dog food, a crate, or a dog), and standing for long periods of time. Grasping, pinching and pulling skills are also needed to leash and collar dogs as well as control them as well as the repeated motions associated with grooming dogs.

Health: It is required that all Groomers are current on their Tetanus vaccination.

Language Skills: Ability to read dog information including names, medication and feeding instructions, and grooming instructions.  Be able to communicate dog issues with management either via written or oral communication. Be able to maintain a clear record of grooms performed along with any important notes or communications.  Provide exceptional customer service by listening to clients' grooming requests and addressing any concerns or questions.

Mathematical Skills: Basic measuring and counting abilities as related to cleaning, medications, feedings or counting change back to customers.

Computer Skills: A basic understanding of Windows based applications is helpful. 

Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, analyze emergencies and think on your feet. Ability to deal rationally with irrational customers. Observe all safety rules and procedures and adhere to safety standards.