To advance the college’s mission, vision, principles, values, and strategic initiatives through continuous improvement decisions.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Assistant will provide high-quality grooming services to our clientele while serving as a supportive resource for entry-level students. This position bridges the gap between professional grooming practice and education, allowing recent accomplished graduates to further develop their skills while helping to mentor the next generation of professional groomers. Program Assistants play a crucial role in our educational model by providing consistent, high-quality services to clients while supporting the learning journey of new students.

UNIVERSAL CORE COMPETENCIES:  

• Advocate for Continual Improvement- empowering each other to identify opportunities for excellence. 
• Collaborate with Mutual Accountability- working together with a willingness to take ownership and accountability for our actions. 
• Champion Service- anticipating needs and creating a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive environment.  
• Perseverance- a commitment to excellence even in the face of adversity or delay in achieving success.  
• Lead- regardless of title, through positive influence.

• Perform complete grooming services for client dogs, demonstrating proper techniques and professional standards
• Assist entry-level students with basic grooming tasks, equipment operation, and technical questions
• Demonstrate proper handling, bathing, drying, and trimming techniques to newer students
• Help maintain lab cleanliness, equipment functionality, and safety protocols
• Provide feedback to instructors on student performance and areas needing additional attention
• Assist with scheduling client appointments and maintaining client relations
• Document grooming procedures for training purposes
• Participate in program improvement initiatives and curriculum development as appropriate

• Represent the College in a positive manner to employees, students, visitors, and the general public.
• Assume responsibility, deal effectively with problems, and exercise independent judgment when making decisions.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with students, staff, administrators and other contacts.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in oral and written communication.
• Possess strong human relation skills and the ability to effectively relate to diverse personalities.
• Welcome, value, and nurture people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, as well as support and promote an environment that accepts differences.   

Position involves working in an office setting. Occasional (10-33%) standing, pushing, pulling and grasping. Frequent (34-66%) reaching and viewing a computer and other types of close visual work. Constant (67-100%) sitting, walking, repetitive motion, talking and hearing.

• Demonstrated excellence in technical grooming skills
• Comprehensive understanding of various coat types and breed-specific grooming requirements
• Proficiency with all standard grooming equipment including clippers, blades, shears, and drying equipment
• Excellent dog handling skills with the ability to safely work with animals of various temperaments
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with both clients and students
• Ability to maintain a positive learning environment and coach others effectively
• Reliable, punctual, and able to maintain high standards of professionalism
• Current knowledge of industry trends, techniques, and best practices

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a teaching, training, or mentoring capacity

It is the policy of Kirkwood Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, and actual or potential family, parental or marital status. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact the Vice President, Human Resources and Institutional Effectiveness (employees) or the Vice President of Student Services (students), 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404,319-398-5572,equity@kirkwood.edu, or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone:(303) 844-5695FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email:OCR.Denver@ed.gov.