Pet Trainer, Petsense

About the Role

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

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular and predictable attendance, working scheduled shifts with the ability to work varied hours, days, nights, weekends, and overtime as dictated by business needs.
• 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 associates, customers, and pets served.
• Answer phones and schedule obedience classes.
• Be present in the store and available to discuss our obedience program with all customers.
• Advise obedience customers on purchasing appropriate and necessary products for attending obedience classes and at-home positive reinforcement training.
• Follow Petsense obedience training procedures as outlined in training documents and videos.
• Train customers and their dogs with patience, consistency, and sensitivity to their 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 (e.g., talking to the dog) to keep the dog calm and under control.
• Report all accidents and injuries to the Store Manager promptly.
• Properly and completely fill out required obedience training forms.
• Observe all safety rules and procedures and adhere to safety standards.
• Maintain cleanliness standards, including sweeping, vacuuming, and cleaning training areas.
• Perform a combination of the following duties during 95% of the workday:
  • Operate cash register/computer following cash handling procedures.
  • Recovery of merchandise.
  • Participate in mandatory freight processes.
  • 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 job duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 1-year experience training pets; must be comfortable working with dogs.
• Retail experience and/or pet/live animal knowledge is strongly preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent; any suitable combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Must be able to read, write, and count accurately.

Preferred Skills

• Pet/live animal, pet food, and pet product knowledge.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to resolve issues ethically and with minimal conflict.
• Compassion for animals and attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Favorable working environment, generally indoors with moderate noise.
• Indoor floors and outdoor lots are typically hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt); lighting and temperature are adequate.
• Exposure to sharp grooming instruments, perfumed shampoos and soaps, pets, and pet waste.
• Work shifts vary by store but are generally no less than 4 hours and may exceed 10 hours.
• Promote a safe and productive work environment; adhere to company safety training and guidelines.

Physical Requirements

• Non-sedentary position requiring 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.
• Ability to operate all equipment related to job duties efficiently, safely, and accurately.
• 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 training or grooming animals.
• Ability to frequently move for 4-8 hours per day around the store to train, clean, and maintain the area.
• 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 constantly operate store equipment such as computers and cash registers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with team members and customers.
• Ability to successfully complete all required training.

Benefits

At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, we offer a comprehensive and accessible total reward package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Family planning resources, including adoption and surrogacy assistance.

Part-time new hires gain eligibility for benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90-day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15-hour requirement is met, benefits eligibility begins the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service.