Grooming Academy Intern

Joybound People & Pets•Walnut Creek, CA

6d•$23 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Grooming Academy Internship at Joybound offers recent graduates of our Phase 2: Dog Grooming class with a 10-week paid opportunity to build hands on grooming skills and gain real world experience in a professional salon and instructional environment. Interns will perform tasks such as de-shedding, bathing, drying, brushing, and trimming dog coats and nails while expanding their knowledge of safe & sanitary grooming techniques using tools like dryers, blowers, brushes, scissors, and clippers. They will also support instructors and observe student interactions, contributing to salon operations, client communication, safety & cleanliness enforcement, and instructional support. By the end of the internship, participants will demonstrate stronger grooming proficiency, improved customer service, knowledge of salon & academy operations and foundational instructional skills that prepare them for future opportunities in grooming and education.

Requirements

Ability to follow grooming and animal handling using Fear Free and Joybound standards
Strong verbal and written communication
Time management in a fast-paced environment
Basic computer skills for appointment tracking (e.g., BusyPaws)
Stamina to stand for extended periods and handle dogs of various sizes (up to 150lbs)
Patience and compassion with anxious or stressed dogs
Positive, team-based attitude with a willingness to assist students
Professionalism in both client and team interactions
Commitment to a clean, safe, and respectful grooming floor
Affection for animals, concern for their welfare, and a willingness to accommodate animals in the workplace.
Pre-employment background screening required.
Graduate of Joybound Grooming Academy’s Phase 1: Bathing & Brushing class or a comparable program
Complete the FEAR Free and JoyBound trainings within the first week of internship.
Basic understanding of bathing, drying, brushing, trimming, and de-shedding
Familiarity with grooming tools, safety practices, and cleaning protocols
Daily exposure to dogs, cats, and related allergens
Ability to push/pull up to 25lbs and handle dogs up to 150lbs
Walk dogs in various weather conditions
Kneel, bend, stoop, twist, reach, and grasp throughout shift
Dexterity for detailed grooming and animal handling tasks
Ability to visually and audibly assess animal behavior
Sit or stand for extended periods, prolonged use of grooming tools and computers
Work environment includes constant exposure to animals and animal allergens.
Tetanus and rabies inoculations are required or must be waived.

Responsibilities

Interact and communicate with colleagues, volunteers, and the public in a manner that advances a culture of positivity, professionalism, trust, transparency, empathy, and excellence at Joybound.
De-shed, bathe, dry, brush, and trim dog coats and nails to meet Academy grooming expectations.
Assist instructors with demonstrating and explaining bathing & grooming techniques to students.
Build hands-on grooming experience with scissors and clippers under instructor guidance.
Clean and sanitize grooming tools, equipment, and workstations.
Greet clients, assist with dog intake, and return dogs post-service with professionalism.
Communicate with clients, schedule appointments, and document service(s) details & notes on BusyPaws.
Help monitor Grooming Academy activities to maintain safety, efficiency, and productivity of students and staff.
Participate in performance check-ins and feedback sessions with grooming staff.
Support client follow-ups to ensure satisfaction with services, documenting feedback on BusyPaws.
Assist with organizing & preparing for group learning activities or grooming demonstrations.