Bather

Description

Full job description

• Job Title: Bather
• Job Type: Full-Time / Part-Time, Non-Exempt
• Reports To: Store Manager; Lead Groomer
• Revised: July 2026

Job Summary

We are seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Bather to provide high quality, comprehensive bathing services for dogs. This role completes bathing and spa appointments and fully bathes and prepares dogs for groomers as directed.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working hands-on with dogs of all sizes and temperaments, communicates confidently with pet parents, and takes pride in sending every dog home clean, dry, and comfortable.

Key Responsibilities

Bathing Services and Pet Preparation

• Bathe, dry, clip nails, express anal glands, clean ears, and fully brush and comb dogs, leaving each dog dry and free of dirt, mats, and tangles
• Perform a needs assessment for each assigned dog, evaluating the condition of eyes, ears, nails, teeth, coat, and skin
• Suggest additional services and products to customers based on that assessment, as appropriate
• Bathe dogs according to priority as communicated by the receptionist or salon designee, assuring dogs scheduled for additional grooming (haircut) services are completed first
• Respond appropriately to changing priorities and conditions in the salon, and provide bathing services to walk-in customers in the order they arrive
• Sanitize and vacuum the work area following completion of each bath

Client Experience and Communication

• Greet customers and their dogs by name and communicate a best-estimate pick-up time
• Execute the GOTHEART strategy during every customer check-in
• Communicate results of the needs assessment to customers
• Describe benefits and options for all suggested add-ons, and communicate knowledgeably about all of Groombar's products and services
• Clearly communicate fees associated with all services
• Provide friendly, relevant, timely, and professional communication to customers and co-workers

Pet Safety and Care

• Assure accuracy and completeness of each dog's kennel card, including pop-up notes and important details of the dog's overall health, age, level of aggression, allergies, and services requested by the customer
• Ensure kenneled pets are comfortable, safe, and have access to water
• Check dogs hourly for any signs of stress
• Note any health concerns discovered during the bathing process and inform the Store Manager, Lead Groomer, Groomer, Salon Services Coordinator, and pet owner, as appropriate

Salon Maintenance and Compliance

• Assure the salon environment is safe, clean, and free of hazards
• Complete the daily cleaning list
• Complete the weekly cleaning list
• Respond appropriately to personnel or dog injuries, assuring both employees and dogs receive prompt and appropriate medical care as needed

Additional Duties

Perform other salon-related duties as assigned by the Store Manager or Lead Groomer, as needed

Requirements

Qualifications

• Positions supervised (direct reports): None
• No minimum education or formal training required
• No prior professional bathing experience required; paid on-the-job training provided

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated customer service skills; friendly, approachable, cooperative, flexible, and able to shift focus as needed
• Able to professionally and effectively interact and communicate, verbally and in writing, with staff, customers, and the public from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, take initiative, prioritize and accurately perform multiple tasks, and efficiently meet deadlines and changing priorities
• Able to consistently demonstrate good judgment and decision-making skills
• Able to appropriately interpret and apply policies and procedures

Compensation and Benefits

Paid training with a clear advancement path into Lead Bather and/or Grooming Apprentice program

Exclusive Professional Development Opportunity

Learn directly from a team of salon leaders. Bathers who show initiative are developed intentionally, not left to figure it out on their own.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Fast-paced grooming salon environment

Frequent interaction with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments

Approximate percent per 8-hour workday:

Constant visual stimulation, including close vision (up to 100%)

Constant standing (up to 100%)

• Constant contact with water, shampoos and other bathing products, and hair (up to 100%)
• Frequent grasping, including power-gripping, of hoses, brushes, and other tools with hands (up to 80%)
• Frequent squatting, bending, reaching, pulling, and twisting (up to 60%)
• Frequent lifting of dogs up to 30 pounds without assistance (up to 60%)
• Occasional lifting of dogs above 30 pounds with assistance (up to 30%)
• Occasional walking around building (up to 30%)
• This is more than an entry-level job; it is the first step into a grooming career with paid training, real mentorship, and a defined path forward.

Benefits

401(k)

Dental insurance

Employee discount

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid training

Vision insurance