Dog Bather / Grooming Assistant The Bark Boutique Long Beach, CA Job Details Full-time $17.50 - $19.00 an hour 17 hours ago Benefits Paid training Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Employee discount Qualifications Customer communication Teamwork Animal behavior Attention to detail Dog handling Animal care Organizational skills Dog grooming Time management Full Job Description Job Summary The Bark Boutique is looking for a dependable, hardworking, and team-oriented Dog Bather / Grooming Assistant to join our team. This is a fast-paced and physically demanding position that plays an essential role in keeping our grooming salon running smoothly. While bathing and caring for dogs is a major part of the job, this is not a position where you will only be working directly with dogs. Responsibilities also include cleaning, laundry, assisting groomers, maintaining the salon, and helping with front desk duties when needed. We want applicants to have a realistic understanding of the position before applying: professional dog bathing is hard, physical work . You will spend most of the day on your feet while working with wet dogs, dryers, dog hair, laundry, cleaning products, and animals of different sizes and temperaments. Our salon can become very busy, and there will be times when multiple things need your attention at once. For someone who enjoys staying active, working with animals, and being part of a team, it can also be an extremely rewarding position. Schedule & Compensation

• Full-time position
• $17.50-$19 per hour, depending on experience and demonstrated skill level
• $17.50/hour starting training rate for all candidates entering the position
• Tentative schedule: Monday-Friday
• Typical hours: 8:50 AM-4:50 PM
• Occasional paid overtime may be required based on scheduling and business needs
• Tips are available where applicable Primary Responsibilities
• Bathe dogs of various breeds, sizes, coat types, and temperaments
• Properly shampoo, condition, rinse, dry, and brush dogs
• Prepare dogs for their groomer
• Safely handle and restrain dogs throughout the bathing and grooming process
• Perform basic grooming-related tasks as trained
• Assist groomers with dogs when an extra set of hands is needed
• Monitor dogs for signs of stress, discomfort, skin concerns, or anything else that should be brought to a groomer's attention
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for every dog in our care Salon & Cleaning Responsibilities Cleaning is a significant part of this position.

All members of our team contribute to maintaining the salon.

Daily responsibilities include:

• Washing, drying, folding, and restocking laundry throughout the day
• Sweeping and mopping floors
• Cleaning and disinfecting bathing areas, kennels, tools, equipment, and work surfaces
• Helping keep grooming stations and common areas clean
• Cleaning up urine, feces, vomit, water, hair, and other messes associated with working with animals
• Restocking towels, shampoos, treats, cleaning supplies, and other salon necessities
• Keeping the lobby and client-facing areas clean and presentable
• Noticing tasks that need to be completed and taking initiative rather than waiting to be asked Front Desk & Client Assistance Although this is primarily a bathing/grooming assistant position, you may occasionally be asked to assist the front desk when needed.

This can include:

• Greeting clients and their pets
• Answering phones
• Assisting with check-in and check-out
• Helping with appointment-related communication
• Relaying accurate information between clients, groomers, and reception
• Providing professional and friendly customer service Physical Requirements Please carefully consider the physical requirements of this position before applying.

Applicants must be comfortable with:

• Standing and moving for the majority of an 8-hour shift
• Frequent bending, reaching, kneeling, squatting, lifting, and repetitive movements
• Lifting and safely handling 30+ pounds independently and/or in a team setting
• Assisting coworkers with larger dogs when needed
• Handling dogs that may pull, resist, shake, bark, jump, or become nervous during grooming
• Working around water, dog hair, dryers, barking, cleaning products, and animal-related messes
• Keeping up with a busy grooming schedule without compromising the safety or quality of care provided to the dogs Teamwork Is Crucial We operate as a team, and the ability to work well with others is one of the most important requirements for this position.

We do not operate with a "that's not my job" mentality. On a busy day, you may need to help another bather, hold a dog for a groomer, start a load of laundry, sweep a grooming area, answer a phone, clean a kennel, or handle another task that helps the team stay on schedule. We are looking for someone who can recognize what needs to be done, communicate with their coworkers, and step in to help. Veterinary Clinic Environment The Bark Boutique is located within a veterinary clinic. Although our grooming salon has its own designated space, applicants should understand that they are working within an active veterinary environment. Employees may occasionally see or hear animals that are sick, injured, distressed, undergoing medical treatment, or, at times, animals that have passed away. Applicants should be emotionally comfortable with the realities of working around a veterinary clinic and maintain professionalism and sensitivity toward veterinary clients and their pets. What We're Looking For The ideal candidate is reliable, punctual, hardworking, patient with animals, and willing to learn. You should be comfortable receiving direction and constructive feedback and be able to maintain a positive, professional attitude during busy or physically demanding days. Most importantly, we're looking for someone who understands that loving dogs is important, but this job requires much more than loving animals. Professional dog grooming involves physical work, cleaning, time management, attention to detail, teamwork, and responsibility for the safety and comfort of the animals entrusted to us. We want someone who takes pride in all parts of the job—not only the parts involving direct interaction with dogs. Previous professional bathing, grooming, kennel, veterinary, daycare, or other animal-handling experience is preferred but not required for the right candidate. We are willing to train someone who demonstrates a strong work ethic, reliability, willingness to learn, and the ability to work well as part of a team. If you are looking for an active, hands-on position, enjoy working with animals, aren't afraid of hard work, and take pride in helping your team succeed, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay:

$17.50 - $19.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off Paid training Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person