DOGUE Country Retreat – Berrima, NSW Southern Highlands
DOGUE Country Retreat is seeking a caring, capable and reliable Dog Groomer and/or Animal Attendant to join our team in Berrima.
At the Retreat, our absolute focus is providing premium, individualised care to every dog staying with us. We are looking for someone who genuinely loves dogs, understands the responsibility involved in caring for them and enjoys being part of a supportive, hands-on team.
Applicants may apply for the Animal Attendant role, the Dog Groomer role, or a position combining both.
About the Position
- Casual employment (part time or full time will be considered)
- Weekend and school-holiday availability preferred
- Flexible shifts, including some early mornings and late afternoons
- Above-award wages, based on experience and responsibilities
- Training and support from our experienced Retreat and Grooming Managers
Animal Attendant Responsibilities
- Supervise dogs during play, enrichment and quiet time
- Feed dogs and follow individual care instructions
- Monitor dogs’ health, wellbeing, behaviour and interactions
- Promptly report any health or behavioural concerns
- Maintain clean, hygienic and well-organised accommodation and work areas
- Welcome clients and provide warm, professional customer service
- Assist with bookings, administration and guest arrivals and departures
- Support the Retreat Manager and wider team with varied daily duties
Cleaning is an essential and important part of this position and of maintaining excellent standards of animal care.
Dog Groomer Responsibilities
- Groom and style dogs according to client instructions, grooming notes and appropriate breed standards
- Complete bathing, drying, brushing, dematting, clipping, scissoring, nail trimming and ear cleaning
- Handle every dog safely, patiently and compassionately throughout the grooming process
- Observe and report potential skin, ear, coat or other health concerns
- Work closely with the Reception and Retreat teams to deliver an excellent client experience
- Meet reasonable grooming targets without compromising safety, care or quality
- Keep the grooming salon, tools and equipment clean, hygienic and well maintained.
About You
For either position, you will have:
- A genuine love of dogs and commitment to their safety and wellbeing
- A warm, positive and professional approach
- Confidence handling dogs of different breeds, sizes, temperaments and behaviours
- Strong communication and customer-service skills
- A reliable, respectful and team-focused attitude
- Good time-management skills and the ability to follow procedures
- A practical, hands-on approach to cleaning and daily animal-care duties
- The ability to safely undertake a physically active role involving standing, bending, lifting and working outdoors in varying weather conditions
- A commitment to workplace safety and following DOGUE’s Standard Operating Procedures.
For experienced grooming applicants, we are also seeking:
- At least one year of professional dog-grooming experience
- Strong clipping and scissoring skills
- The ability to complete a range of standard and breed-specific grooms.
We are also open to junior or trainee applicants who demonstrate the right attitude, reliability and genuine commitment to learning. Previous experience with dogs—whether through employment, study, volunteering or personal care—will be highly regarded.
What We Offer
- Above-award wages
- Retail and service discounts and allowances
- Practical training and ongoing development
- Support from highly experienced Retreat and Grooming Managers
- A friendly, knowledgeable team environment
- The opportunity to work with dogs in the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands
How to Apply
Please submit your résumé and answer the screening questions included with the application. In your application, tell us whether you are interested in the Animal Attendant role, the Dog Groomer role, or both.
For more information about DOGUE, visit www.dogue.com.au.
Join us in creating an exceptional Retreat experience for dogs and their families.
Additional InformationShortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a practical trial relevant to the position. The recruitment process also includes a pre-employment declaration addressing the inherent requirements of the role.
DOGUE reserves the right to close, withdraw or extend this vacancy before the advertised closing date.
Pay: $26.54 – $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring program
- Salary packaging
Application Question(s):
- Do you live in the Southern Highlands or surrounding areas?
Education:
- High School (Year 9-11) (Preferred)
Experience:
- grooming: 1 year (Preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Full Driver Licence (Required)
Work Location: In person
