Job Title: Professional Pet Stylist

Pay: $18.00 - $20 per hour based on experience and efficiency

Job Availability:

-Part or Full Time, 1 weekend day is REQUIRED

-W-2 position with full benefits for full time employees after probationary period

-Full time is four 10-hour shifts, available Sunday-Wednesday

We're looking for a groomer who wants to be a part of something bigger. Not just someone who's good with scissors. Someone who understands that when a mom drops her dog off with us, she's trusting us with her whole heart. We don't take that lightly and neither should you.

Who we are:

Essential Paws Island Resort is a boutique, appointment-only grooming salon in Fort Pierce, FL. We see one dog at a time. That's intentional. We're not a production salon, we're not a big box store, and we're definitely not for everyone. We're a relationship-first business that has built genuine friendships with our clients and their dogs. Our clients don't just trust us, they trust us more than their own family. That's the standard we hold ourselves to every single day.

Who we're looking for:

Someone who is calm, confident and kind. Someone who can walk into a room and immediately make a dog feel safe. Someone who takes pride in their work and understands that a great groom isn't just about how the dog looks when they leave, it's about how they felt the whole time they were here.

You must be comfortable working independently in a calm, controlled environment. We do not accept reactive dogs, dogs with major separation anxiety, or dogs that require heavy restraint or muzzling. Our salon is peaceful by design and we need someone who can protect that.

What we need from you:

-Proven grooming experience with a portfolio to show for it

-A calm, confident energy that dogs respond to

-Genuine love for animals that shows up in how you handle them

-Reliability, professionalism and pride in your craft

-Someone who wants to build relationships, not just book appointments

-Someone who wants to constantly refine and improve their skill

What you get from us:

-A salon that respects you and your work

-One dog at a time, no chaos, no assembly line

-A team that feels like family

-A client base that values quality and will love you for it

-A workplace that is as calm and intentional as the service we provide

-If you're the kind of groomer who remembers every dog's quirks, knows exactly how to make them feel at home, and genuinely looks forward to seeing them walk through the door, we want to meet you.

About You:

-Our ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

-At least 2+ years experience grooming in a professional

-High School Diploma/ GED

-Pass a background check & drug screen

-Reliable transportation

-Comfortable grooming all breeds & sizes

-Excellent customer service experience, phone & computer skills

-Be able to stand, bend, or stoop for extended periods of time

-Excellent work attendance & ethics

-Able to lift 40+ lbs, if need be

-Passionate about his/her work

-Candidates must be flexible in working evenings and weekends 

-Must value growth and education

MUST HAVE RESUME & PORTFOLIO OF WORK COMPLETED.

Preferred but not required:
-Pet CPR/First Aid training

-Dog behavior Certification
-Grooming Certification

This isn't just a job. It's a vibe. And if you know, you know. Apply by sending your portfolio and a little about yourself to: essentialpaws.com.

We can't wait to meet you.

XO, Essential Paws Leadership 💕

Job Title: Groomer's Assistant | Dog bather

Location: Essential Paws Island Resort | 942 Seaway Drive Fort Pierce, FL 34949

What sets us apart:

Essential Paws is a family-owned and operated, professionally certified pet resort that has been dedicated to providing exceptional care since we opened in 2017. Our mission is to create a nurturing environment that meets the physical, mental, and emotional needs of every guest. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized attention and exceptional hospitality to each client.

Nestled by the waterfront, our award-winning facility offers top-notch grooming, daycare, and boarding services, all backed by a commitment to ongoing education in the pet care industry. At Essential Paws, your furry family members are treated like our own, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable stay.

Availability:

Part-Time: Days Salon is open- Sunday-Wednesday: 9am-7pm SUNDAYS ARE REQUIRED

W-2, Tipped Position

Seeking a detail oriented, long-term team member

Opportunities for growth and advancement!

About the role:

As a bather, you play a vital role in each dog’s grooming experience. You’re responsible for safely handling dogs, bathing and drying them properly, preparing coats for grooming, and keeping dogs comfortable and calm throughout the process. Bathers help maintain cleanliness, notice skin or coat issues, and ensure every dog leaves feeling fresh and cared for. This is a hands-on, active role that requires attention to detail, patience, and a genuine love for working with dogs. It’s also the foundation for learning grooming skills and building a long-term career in pet care.

Daily tasks:

● Prepare the salon for opening before the first guest arrives. This includes but is not limited to: Changing and folding laundry, filling bathing machines with shampoo, setting pricing in the merchant system for each guest expected to come in, and setting each room up according to listed standards.

● Provide professional, kind and compassionate care to all guests.

● Complete bath appointments in an efficient and organized manner including but not limited to: shampooing, brushing, blow drying, stretch drying, nail trims, ear cleanings, tooth brushing, anal gland expression, sanitary trims, face trims, foot trims, pad treatments, silhouette trims, undercoat removal, ear plucking, de-matting, etc.

● Assist stylists with prep work (see above) upon request.

● Handle all client interactions including intake and payment processing professionally while practicing active empathy.

● Ensure all procedures and protocols are followed to EP standards.

● Prepare the salon for closing. This includes but is not limited to: Cleaning and sanitizing the facility and tools, changing and folding laundry, entering notes from the day, reviewing the calendar for the next day.

● Communicate professionally with clients on all mediums including text, email and phone calls using verbiage that is grammatically and morally appropriate.

● The groomer's assistant must be self motivated, knowledgeable and show high initiative as they will be expected to assist without being prompted on a regular basis.

About our perfect candidate

● Reliable, punctual and motivated to excel in their position

● Professional Pet Care experience preferred but not required

● Able to pass a background check & drug screen

● You must have your OWN reliable transportation

● Customer service experience preferred but not required

● Technologically inclined

● Able to lift 40+ lbs

● Able to stand, bend, lift, or stoop as needed throughout a shift

● Excellent attendance

● Aligns with our company values: Customer Experience, Safety, Reliability, Passion, Active Empathy and Education

Preferred but not required:

● Pet CPR & First Aid training

● Dog Behavior Training Courses

● Grooming Courses or Certs

Job title: Client Care Specialist

Key Responsibilities: Client Relations, Reservations & Sales

Location: Hybrid | 85% Remote, 15% On-Site

On-Site Requirements: Onboarding, continued education, and team meetings

Address: Essential Paws Island Resort | 942 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Compensation: $16/hour + up to $700/month performance bonuses + 5% of all Resort tips ($200/month avg)

Total Earning Potential: $21/hour ($44,080+/year)

Benefits: Health & Dental Insurance, PTO, 401K

Are you passionate about dogs, people, and sales?

We're looking for a dynamic Client Care Specialist to join our growing team at Essential Paws, an oceanfront dog resort and spa. Our mission is to take the guilt, fear, and stress out of pet care by nurturing a safe space where every dog is truly fulfilled, and every parent feels like they belong.

About the Role

You'll be the face of our company, so we're looking for someone who aligns with our mission and values and is excited to help us reach our goals! Our clients are our family and we need someone who will treat them as such.

Your primary role is building genuine relationships with our guests: booking reservations, answering inquiries, and making every family feel valued, nurtured, and supported. Your secondary mission is driving sales through upselling services like stylized grooming, customized coat-specific baths, enrichment, and room service, all designed to enhance every dog's experience with us. You'll also lead proactive outreach through calls and marketing campaigns.

Our vision is to help dogs live their best lives, and we do that by truly getting to know our clients and their pups to curate a unique experience that leaves them happy, healthy, and truly fulfilled.

We're Looking for an A Player Who:

-Loves engaging with people, building genuine relationships, and gets excited to sell a service they truly believe in

-Is confident and proficient on phone calls, texts, emails and is able to switch between them seamlessly throughout the day

-Is tech-savvy and is well versed in Google Sheets, scheduling softwares, and learns new tools quickly

-Has an upbeat, positive attitude with strong organizational and multitasking skills

-Is empathetic and confident handling de-escalations with clients

-Communicates consistently with warmth and empathy. Is bubbly, personal, and always on-brand.

-Is proactively transparent: shares updates before being asked and never lets a client feel in the dark

-Is self-motivated and disciplined in a remote environment: takes initiative without the need for constant supervision or guidance

-Wants to truly own the role: treats every reservation, every sale, and every relationship as if the business were their own

Role & ResponsibilitiesClient Communication

-Manage all key communication channels: voicemails, emails, marketing leads, SMS, social media interactions, and online appointment requests

-Respond promptly and warmly, matching our brand voice in every interaction

-Periodically call clients to gather feedback and gauge satisfaction

-Always be looking for ways to improve the client experience

Reservations & Sales

-Book and manage daycare, boarding, and grooming reservations accurately

-Make reservation reminder calls daily and recommend add-ons guests would genuinely enjoy and/or benefit from

-Convert marketing leads and inquiries into booked reservations

-Follow up on cancellations, no-shows, and lapsed clients to win back business

Team Coordination

-Maintain constant communication with the daycare, boarding, and grooming teams so everyone is aligned

-Flag client preferences, concerns, and special requests to the on-site team

-Proactively familiarize yourself with every dog in our care at the start of your shift by reading their notes so you can speak knowledgeably when their family reaches out

Knowledge & Performance

-Truly know the business: answer every question with enthusiasm and confidence

-Track KPIs in Google Sheets, including upsells, conversions, and reservation volume

-Identify trends in client feedback and bring ideas to the team

Compensation Breakdown

Base Hourly: $16/hour ($33,280/year)

Tip Share (5% of resort tips) current ave. $200/month

Monthly bonus based on Performance (up to $700/month)

Total Earning Potential

$21/hour ($44,080+/year)

Monthly Bonuses are tied to three core KPIs:

Utilization | grooming, daycare, and boarding calendar fill rates

Grooming Upsell % | meet target % of grooming revenue from add-ons

Average Revenue Per Stay | for daycare and boarding

Plus 1-2 focused monthly initiatives: short-term goals like membership drives, lapsed client reactivation, or filling calendar gaps: each with their own bonus opportunity. Targets are reviewed and refined together each month so expectations stay clear and achievable.

Our Values

Non-negotiables: Our Client Care Specialist must align with the values that guide our decisions, behavior, and interactions at here Essential Paws:

Passion: We show up each day with a purpose. Caring for pets isn't just a job, it's our calling.

Empathy: We treat every guest with kindness, enthusiasm, and respect.

Reliability: Our team and our clients can rely on us because we show up and give 100% every day.

Safety: We prioritize the well-being of our guests, clients, and staff above all else.

Education: We believe the best care comes from those who never stop learning.

Positivity: We choose gratitude and good vibes every day, even when things aren't going our way.

Initiative: We see it, we own it, we do it.

Trust: We act with integrity, especially when no one is watching.

Accountability Disclosure: We believe in trust paired with accountability. Because this is a remote role, your workspace will include a webcam during scheduled shifts so we can stay connected as a team and ensure our clients are being cared for at the standard we promise. We trust but verify, because every dog and every family deserves that consistency.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).

Age: Must be 18+

Experience:

-Experience scheduling reservations is required.

-Experience in sales is required.

-Experience in the pet care industry is preferred.

If this sounds like your perfect fit, please fill out the form below honestly and without the assistance of AI.

We will not consider any applications without a completed form, or any form that was filled out with the use of AI.

We look forward to meeting you!

-The Leadership team

Kyra, Sabrina, Gabbie and Vela

Essential Paws Island Resort

Job Description, Compensation and Application

Location: 944 Seaway Drive Fort Pierce, Florida
Compensation: Salaried Position | $20/hour or $41,600/year

Availability: 5 days per week, specific days may vary, 1 weekend day required

Opportunities for Quarterly Bonus based on Performance

Opportunity for Growth and Advancement!

About Us

Essential Paws is a luxury, waterfront dog resort dedicated to providing top-tier care, enrichment, and comfort for our furry guests.

We pride ourselves on offering a safe, clean, and engaging environment while delivering an exceptional customer experience.

We are looking for a passionate and committed Daycare and Boarding Assistant Manager to lead our team and ensure our facility operates at the highest standards.

Position Overview

The Daycare and Boarding Assistant Manager will oversee daily operations, manage staff, ensure exceptional pet care, and drive business growth through customer engagement and revenue-building initiatives. This role requires a strong leader with excellent organizational and communication skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment. The candidate chosen will receive thorough training, guidance and continued support to implement each task listed below. 

Key Responsibilities

Staff Management & Leadership

-Interview and hire top talent to maintain a strong and engaged team

-Ensure thorough onboarding and ongoing training of employees by holding teammates accountable in positive, productive ways.

-Conduct monthly knowledge assessments and staff evaluations.

-Assist in organizing and leading team meetings to foster collaboration and growth.

-Promote a positive and engaging work environment through attending and supporting quarterly team-building initiatives.

-Conduct employee reviews and manage performance issues.

-Take time to verbally recognize wins, improvements and effort within the team.

-Lead by example, setting an expectation for resilience and positivity.

-Take ownership of mistakes and address them openly and honestly, not to place blame or shame, but to find a way to grow and realign with our company’s values.

-Engage in weekly leadership meetings to discuss concerns, wins and future goals

Facility Operations & Customer Experience

-Ensure all daycare and boarding operations run smoothly and efficiently.

-Oversee daily reporting- including reservations, profit/loss, and service add-ons.

-Check in regularly with clients to ensure customer satisfaction and address concerns.

-Brainstorm, recommend and implement strategies to increase revenue through upselling, enrichment and reservations.

-Monitor and maintain facility cleanliness, safety, and compliance with company standards.

-Track and order inventory for the boarding department if a team lead is not available

-Conduct clear, confident and friendly tours of the facility 

-Facilitate the first social interaction with new dogs on day one of orientation and determine if the guest is a good fit for our resort 

-Explain our orientation program to new clients at drop off and discuss how everything went at pick up so the client is fully aware of our process and how their dog is doing

Administrative & Financial Responsibilities

-Manage employee schedule, call-outs, shift exchanges etc.

-Manage staffing budgets, and supply expenses.

-Collaborate with the Client Care Specialist to organize and execute special events to enhance customer engagement.

-Ensure all shifts are properly covered and staff members feel supported.

-Respond to dissatisfied clients in a professional, empathetic and timely manner

-Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and facilitate documentation.

-Responsible for weekly bank deposits and tracking

Decision-Making & Problem-Solving

-Act as the primary decision-maker when the owner is off-duty after an initial training period of 90 days.

-Be on call during scheduled days for any after-hours emergencies.

-Quickly resolve conflicts between team members and maintain a positive work environment.

-Report any facility maintenance needs (broken gates, walls, etc.) to upper management and address what you can.

-Implement strategies to improve employee retention and team morale.

What We’re Looking For

✅ Passionate about dogs and commitment to providing the best care possible.
✅ Strong leadership and team management skills.
✅ Excellent customer service and communication abilities.
✅ Highly organized with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
✅ Experience in the pet care, hospitality, or sales.

✅ Someone who can take strategic initiative rather than always waiting for direction.
✅ Someone who is able to have difficult conversations rather than avoiding conflict.
✅ Someone who enthusiastically welcomes constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth.
✅ Someone who will commit to this role, even when it gets tough (and it will).
✅ Someone with high emotional intelligence and integrity.

✅ Someone who is always open to a new way of doing things, even if the old way still works. 

✅ Experience implementing, tracking and rewarding team members based on KPI’s 

Perks & Benefits

🐾 Competitive salary
🐾 40 hours of paid time off, sick pay

🐾 Complimentary services and retail for your personal pet 

🐾 401K matching

🐾 Health, dental, vision and life insurance available

🐾 Free monthly team building excursions

Quarterly Bonuses Based On: 

Labor percentage

Profit margin

Team success

Job Title: Dog Resort Attendant | Daycare and boarding attendant

Location: Essential Paws Island Resort | 942 Seaway Drive Fort Pierce, FL 34949

JOIN OUR PACK!

What sets us apart:
Essential Paws is a family-owned and operated, professionally certified pet resort that has been dedicated to providing exceptional care since we opened in 2017. Our mission is for our guests and their parents to feel valued, nurtured, and supported as a member of our pack by providing exceptional, personalized care.

Nestled by the waterfront, our award-winning facility offers top-notch grooming, daycare, and boarding services, all backed by a commitment to ongoing education in the pet care industry.

Job Availability:

Part-Time or Full-Time, WEEKENDS ARE REQUIRED

Flexible availability

W-2 position

Seeking long term, career dedicated

Must have own vehicle

Job Summary:
As a Dog Resort Attendant at Essential Paws, you will be responsible for providing exceptional care and attention to our furry guests. Your primary role is to ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for dogs in our daycare, boarding, and grooming services. This position requires a love for animals, strong communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Key Responsibilities:

● Supervise and engage with dogs during playtime and activities.

● Provide individual attention to ensure each dog’s physical and emotional needs are met.

● Administer medication and assist with any special dietary needs as directed.

Facility Maintenance:

● Maintain cleanliness of all areas, including play areas, front reception room, & condos.

● Ensure all equipment and supplies are properly maintained and organized.

Customer Service:

● Communicate with pet owners regarding their dogs’ activities and behaviors.

● Assist in check-in and check-out processes, ensuring a positive experience for clients.

Safety and Compliance:

● Follow safety protocols and emergency procedures to ensure the wellbeing of all guests.

● Monitor dog interactions to prevent conflicts and ensure a harmonious environment.

Team Collaboration:

● Work closely with fellow staff members to create a cohesive and supportive team atmosphere.

● Participate in ongoing training and development to enhance skills in animal care and customer service.

Qualifications:

● Passion for animals and previous experience in a pet care setting preferred.

● Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members.

● Reliable, punctual and motivated to excel in their position

● Professional Pet Care experience preferred but not required

● Able to pass a background check & drug screen

● Reliable transportation is a MUST

● Customer service experience preferred but not required

● Technologically inclined

● Able to lift 40+ lbs

● Able to stand, bend, lift, or stoop as needed throughout a shift

● Excellent work attendance

● Aligns with our company values: Customer Experience, Safety, Passion, Active Empathy and Education

● Aligns with our company work culture: Initiative, Team Player, Good Vibes, Uplifting and Loyalty

Physical Requirements:

● Ability to stand, walk, and bend for extended periods.

● Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.