Careers
Come Join Our Family
If you love animals and enjoy helping people, then we want you to work for us here at Moby Dick Pet Store. We are always looking to meet dependable, motivated people who want to learn on the job, work hard, and become part of a close-knit team.
We’re a small family-owned business that’s been serving Metro Detroit pet owners since 1983. Today, our team of 17 employees helps customers care for freshwater and saltwater fish, corals, reptiles, amphibians and many other fascinating animals. Don’t worry: you don’t need pet store experience to join our team. Just bring your passion for animals, a willingness to learn, and a strong work ethic; we’ll teach you the rest.
At Moby Dick Pet Store, we treat our employees like family. Come grow with us!
Who we look for
What Makes Someone a Good Fit for Moby Dick Pet Store?
You don’t have to be an aquarium expert or know everything there is to know about reptiles. In fact, we believe the best previous experience comes from having pets of your own. This shows you understand the responsibility involved in keeping an animal happy and healthy.
We are interested in candidates who bring:
- A genuine love of animals
- Friendly, helpful attitude toward customers and coworkers
- Dependability
- Strong work ethic
- Natural curiosity and willingness to ask questions
- Motivation to learn new skills
- Willingness to take on responsibilities
- Patience and attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- The ability to work well with others
Training
What Will Training Entail?
This will depend entirely on the position you apply for. But no matter which position you’re hired for, rest assured, you’ll get plenty of on-the-job training right here in the store, alongside employees who have spent years working with animals and helping customers.
Depending on your role, you may be asked to:
- Care for freshwater and saltwater fish, reptiles and other animals
- Manage feeding schedules and water testing
- Maintain tanks
- Spot signs that an animal needs extra attention
- Help customers choose animals and supplies
- Answer customer questions and make recommendations
- Receive shipments, stock merchandise and keep the store organized
Even with all that training, knowledge takes time. In fact, it can take about six months to become comfortable with many of the day-to-day responsibilities and customer questions.
Benefits
Benefits of Working at Moby Dick Pet Store
We offer both full-time and part-time employment opportunities, depending on staffing needs and available positions. Our employee benefits include:
- Flexible Scheduling
- Employee Discounts
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Paid Sick Leave
- On-the-Job Training
- Advancement Opportunities
- Paid Vacation Full time
- Comprehensive Healthcare Full time
Being part of a small, family-owned company means you’re not working for a corporate big box store with hundreds of locations. This is a great opportunity to build a career, get to know your regular customers, and become a valued member of a small, dedicated team.
Benefits & Perks
| Benefit | Full time | Part time |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible scheduling | Yes | Yes |
| Employee discount | Yes | Yes |
| Paid sick leave | Yes | Yes |
| Paid vacation | Yes | No |
| 401(k) | Yes | Yes |
| Comprehensive health care | Yes | No |
| On-the-job training | Yes | Yes |
| Advancement into management | Yes | Yes |
Our team
Hear From the People Who Work Here
If you’re wondering what it’s really like to work at Moby Dick Pet Store, here’s what three members of our current team have to say.
Phil
Saltwater Manager
I’ve been part of Moby Dick Pet Store for 20 years, and in the role of Saltwater Manager for 14 years. What I enjoy most is the science behind saltwater aquariums and the challenge of keeping fish, corals, and invertebrates healthy and thriving. A big part of that is helping our customers understand proper care of saltwater life and helping them build successful aquariums of their own.
What I appreciate most about Moby Dick Pet Store is the independence and personal atmosphere of a small, locally owned business that supports our community. It allows me to share my knowledge, continue learning, and help others enjoy the fascinating world of saltwater aquariums.
Dan
Freshwater Manager
I enjoy working at Moby Dick because it lets me combine my job with a hobby I enjoy. As an aquarist and animal lover, I love being able to come into work and interact with animals all day. Being a smaller independent store, it creates a relaxed environment where I can have fun with my coworkers.
The benefits are great for a retail job, and the flexible hours help me out. My favorite part about the job is being able to introduce new people to the hobby, and to educate people and our local community about keeping fish and reptiles.
Lola
Reptile Manager
I enjoy working here because I get to learn about and take care of exotic animals. There is always something to learn about when you work here, from millipedes to lionfish.
The work culture is also wonderful. It is a comfortable environment with shared trust and communication. You always feel safe to speak up, admit mistakes, or ask for changes.
Some of the benefits of working here include getting to know an animal and its behavior before buying if you’re looking for a new pet. You can discover what fits your best needs and make connections to the animals.
Like What You Hear?
Apply in person at our Waterford Township store or send us your resume online.
Open roles
Explore Career Opportunities at Moby Dick Pet Store
Whether you’re a high schooler looking to pick up after-school shifts or you’re eager to build a career working with animals, we have the position for you.
Depending on staffing needs at any given time, here are some examples of positions and career paths that may be available.
Entry level
Animal Care & Sales Associate
Our sales associates help customers find the right pets, supplies and equipment while assisting with daily animal care and store operations.
Responsibilities may include:
- Feeding animals and maintaining tanks and enclosures
- Helping customers with pet care and product questions
- Cleaning, stocking shelves and organizing merchandise
- Testing aquarium water and assisting with routine maintenance
- Handling customer purchases and other retail duties
As employees develop experience and knowledge, they may have opportunities to specialize in areas such as freshwater fish, saltwater aquariums, corals, reptiles or amphibians. This experience also will lead to assisting customers with more detailed care questions, helping maintain specialized habitats and sharing their knowledge with newer employees.
Service team
Aquarium Service Technician
This role involves helping customers with aquarium installations, maintenance and other services at residential or commercial locations. An Aquarium Service Technician should have a very wide and versatile set of skills, as they may be required to problem solve at a customer’s home or business and be limited to what supplies are in their service vehicle.
Responsibilities can include aquarium cleaning, water testing, equipment maintenance and assisting with aquarium setups or moves. These employees will be required to lift at least 75 lbs.
Leadership
Management
Employees who demonstrate initiative, reliability and leadership potential may have opportunities to move into supervisory or management positions.
Managers take on a major role of purchasing for their department. That can include ordering livestock, supplies, and updates for their respective department.
These roles can involve helping train employees, coordinating daily store activities, assisting customers and supporting department operations. Leadership responsibilities include undertaking new development projects at the store.
Students
Internships/Work-Based Learning
Part-time positions are available for high school and college students looking to fulfill internship or work-based learning requirements, or for students who are looking for their first job after school or on weekends.
We are a business partner for Oakland Schools Technical Campus’ Agriscience program, traditionally accepting a new intern or work-based learning student every year.
Career Paths at a Glance
| Level and role | Full / part time | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Animal Care & Sales Associate | Both | First-time job seekers, high school students, pet owners |
| Lead Shift Lead / Key Holder | Both | Team members ready to open, close and guide others |
| Management Department Manager / Assistant Store Manager | Full time | Leaders who grew with us or bring management experience |
| Learning Internship / Work-Based Learning | Part time | High school and college students |
Apply today
Ready to Join the Moby Dick Pet Store Family?
We offer two easy ways to apply. You can apply in person at our Waterford location or submit your resume and cover letter using the online application form below.
Apply in Person
Moby Dick Pet Store
3700 Sashabaw Road
Waterford Township, MI 48329
Store Hours:
Monday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–5 p.m.
Questions? Call (248) 673-2520.
Apply Online
Come join the family. We look forward to meeting you!
