Field Technician

Western States Equipment Company; Kalispell (MT); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Western States Equipment Company seeks an experienced service technician in Kalispell to diagnose, repair, and service heavy equipment. You will perform performance tests, interpret results, and decide the extent of repair in line with TRG standards.

This role includes field and shop work with potential overtime and travel to customer sites. You will document work on a laptop, use Caterpillar knowledge, and uphold safety and customer-care policies.

Qualifications

• Proof of high school diploma or GED.
• Associates degree or technical training preferred.
• Five years experience in diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment; Caterpillar experience preferred.
• Must own required tools.
• Must have a current CDL with air brake experience and acceptable driving record; meet DOT requirements.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English).

Responsibilities

• Conducts machine performance and diagnostic tests, interprets results and decides extent of machine repair.
• Uses troubleshooting methods to repair and diagnose machine and attachment failures per TRG standards; escalates unresolved issues.
• Adapts knowledge of Caterpillar machine systems to troubleshoot and repair new equipment models.
• Performs work in the field, shop, or at customer locations; may involve overtime and overnight assignments.
• Repairs machines without error and within time guidelines; completes service reports and paperwork.
• Completes service reports, time entry, and other paperwork via laptop and emails daily.
• Communicates machine issues and repair status to customers during repairs.
• Adheres to customer care standards and safety policies.
• May participate in training and support Western States’ strategic programs.
• Works to promote corporate vision, mission, and values.

Skills

Excellent customer service

Self-scheduling

Microsoft Office

Relationship building

Caterpillar knowledge

Overtime availability

Attendance

English communication

Education

High school diploma / GED

Associates degree / technical training

Tools

CDL with air brake

Job description

• Conducts necessary machine performance and diagnostic tests, interprets results and makes an independent decision as to the extent of machine repair.
• Uses troubleshooting methods to repair and diagnose machine and attachment failures and performs repairs according to time requirement guidelines (TRG) standards. Escalates unresolved issues to Technical Communicators for further research and assistance.
• Adapts knowledge of Caterpillar machine systems to troubleshoot and repair new equipment models.
• Performs work in the field, shop, or at customer locations which can include overtime and overnight assignments.
• Repairs machines without error and consistently repairs machines within the time requirement guidelines.
• Repairs warranty and service letter issues efficiently and as soon as possible.
• Uses web based STW, SIS, and ET effectively to address technical issues. Performs all required tasks in accordance with outlined procedures.
• Conducts business professionally. Maintains self control and integrity in stressful situations. Maintains a professional image.
• Adheres to all customer requirements while on job site.
• Orders parts required to complete repairs. Evaluates parts to determine reusability and cause of failure.
• Completes service reports, time entry, and all other paperwork and reporting on a laptop and submits them daily via e-mail.
• Communicates machine issues, problem resolution plan(s) and status of repair(s) to customer during repairs.
• Adheres to all customer care standards.
• Actively cares and advocates safety at Western States. Adhere to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.
• May accomplish training and serve as a team member in support of Western States’ strategic programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Work within and promote corporate vision, mission, and values of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Conducts necessary machine performance and diagnostic tests, interprets results and makes an independent decision as to the extent of machine repair.
• Uses troubleshooting methods to repair and diagnose machine and attachment failures and performs repairs according to time requirement guidelines (TRG) standards. Escalates unresolved issues to Technical Communicators for further research and assistance.
• Adapts knowledge of Caterpillar machine systems to troubleshoot and repair new equipment models.
• Performs work in the field, shop, or at customer locations which can include overtime and overnight assignments.
• Repairs machines without error and consistently repairs machines within the time requirement guidelines.
• Repairs warranty and service letter issues efficiently and as soon as possible.
• Uses web based STW, SIS, and ET effectively to address technical issues. Performs all required tasks in accordance with outlined procedures.
• Conducts business professionally. Maintains self control and integrity in stressful situations. Maintains a professional image.
• Adheres to all customer requirements while on job site.
• Orders parts required to complete repairs. Evaluates parts to determine reusability and cause of failure.
• Completes service reports, time entry, and all other paperwork and reporting on a laptop and submits them daily via e-mail.
• Communicates machine issues, problem resolution plan(s) and status of repair(s) to customer during repairs.
• Adheres to all customer care standards.
• Actively cares and advocates safety at Western States. Adhere to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.
• May accomplish training and serve as a team member in support of Western States’ strategic programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Work within and promote corporate vision, mission, and values of the organization.Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• Excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to self-schedule and perform duties with minimal supervision required.
• Knowledge and use of Microsoft computer products or other comparable systems required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others to include customers, vendors, employees and the public.
• Knowledgeable in all Caterpillar machine systems.
• Ability to work overtime with minimal notice required.
• Ability to drive for long periods of time and travel away from home as required.
• Consistent attendance.

Education And Experience

• Proof of high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Associates Degree or technical training from an accredited vocational school preferred.
• Five years experience in diagnosis and repair of heavy equipment. Knowledge of scrapers and crawler tractors, loaders, excavators, off highway trucks, preferred. Caterpillar experience preferred.
• Prior experience in troubleshooting methods and systems required.
• Must own required tools.
• Must have a current CDL with air brake experience and acceptable driving record. Must meet DOT requirements.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English).

Physical Characteristics

• Must be able to stand for long periods of time along with walking, sitting, climbing stairs, reaching pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs in accordance with Western States’ Lifting Safe Work Practice to include amount and approach.
• Must be able to meet all safety requirements for applicable safety policies.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. It is not intended be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this classification.

This role is designated as safety-sensitive.