Sales Representative Apprentice - Agriculture

Ziegler Cat; Altoona (PA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401(k) plan with match

HSA

Job summary

Ziegler Inc. invites driven individuals to join its Sales Development Program as a Sales Development Representative.

You’ll rotate across Sales, Parts, Service, Product Support, Marketing, and Technology, gaining hands-on experience and industry knowledge while you learn from seasoned professionals. After six to eight months, top performers may advance to a customer-facing Sales Representative or Account Manager role in Minneapolis, MN or Des Moines, IA.

Qualifications

• Associate degree (2-year) with relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• Prior sales experience in construction or agriculture industry is a plus.
• Strong industry background.
• Excellent written, electronic, and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills including Word, Excel, and CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Learn and understand Ziegler’s organizational structure, core business units, and internal workflows.
• Communicate progress, training needs, and development opportunities with your direct supervisor.
• Shadow Sales Representatives and Account Managers during customer visits and demonstrations.
• Develop basic product knowledge of Ziegler’s equipment lines.
• Enter and maintain accurate customer information within the CRM system.
• Support branch operations by observing parts, service, and product support activities.

Skills

Excellent communication

Strong mechanical aptitude

Self-motivated

Strong work ethic

CRM systems

MS Word

MS Excel

Education

Associate degree or Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Word

Excel

Job description

Ready to launch your sales career? Ziegler Companies is seeking an ambitious, self-motivated individual to join our Sales Development Program, a unique opportunity designed to build the foundation for a successful long-term career in sales. As a Sales Development Representative, you'll gain hands‑on experience, develop industry knowledge, and learn directly from experienced professionals across the organization. This program is designed to give you the skills, relationships, and business insight needed to succeed while providing exposure to a variety of products, customers, and markets. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will have the opportunity to pursue rewarding sales careers in one of several key business areas, including Construction Sales, Agriculture Sales, Electric Power & Engine Sales, or Rental Equipment Sales.

Throughout the program, you'll rotate through and collaborate with several critical areas of the business, including Sales, Sales Administration, Parts Operations, Product Support, Marketing, and Technology. You'll also gain exposure to the diverse industries Ziegler serves, including Construction, Mining, Agriculture, and Electric Power. After approximately six to eight months of training and development, participants will be considered for long-term sales placement opportunities in the Minneapolis, MN or Des Moines, IA areas, providing a direct pathway to a customer‑facing sales career with Ziegler.

Responsibilities

• Learn and understand Ziegler’s organizational structure, core business units, and internal workflows
• Communicate consistently with your direct supervisor regarding progress, training needs, and development opportunities
• Ask questions, seek feedback, and actively engage with trainers and mentors in each assigned department
• Build meaningful relationships with employees across Sales, Parts, Service, Product Support, Marketing, and Technology
• Participate in in‑person and online training sessions to build foundational knowledge of Ziegler’s products, systems, and customer support processes
• Shadow Sales Representatives and Account Managers during customer visits, sales calls, and equipment demonstrations
• Develop basic product knowledge of Ziegler’s equipment lines
• Learn, enter, and maintain accurate customer information within the CRM system
• Support branch operations by observing and participating in parts, service, and product support activities to understand how each department serves customers
• Interact professionally with customers and employees in all settings, representing Ziegler with a positive and customer‑focused approach
• Support trade shows, field days, and other company events by helping with set up and tear down, promoting Ziegler Companies, and engaging with attendees
• Observe and learn the fundamentals of prospecting, lead follow‑up, pricing strategy, and team selling to prepare for future sales responsibilities
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, and commitment to developing the skills required for future placement into a Sales Representative or Account Manager role
• Present a professional, neat, and clean personal appearance at all times
• Make direct calls to customers at the request of your supervisor and log activities in CRM

Qualifications

• Associate degree (2-year degree) with relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor's degree in a related field required
• Strong industry background
• Prior sales experience in construction or agriculture industry a plus
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Excellent written, electronic, and verbal communication skills
• Proficient computer skills, including Word, Excel, and CRM systems
• Strong work ethic and the ability to act with a sense of urgency
• Willingness and ability to operate equipment for demonstration purposes after training

Key personal characteristics

• self‑motivated, customer‑focused, learning‑oriented, considerate/empathic, confident, and a strong team player
• Must have and maintain a clean driving record

Travel: Up to 50% travel for customer visits, trade shows, and training, with occasional overnight travel required depending on the schedule or events

Minimum Physical Requirements: Standing, walking, using hands, talking, hearing Working Conditions may be indoor and/or outdoor. Noise level may be moderate at times.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Ziegler Inc. will reasonably accommodate the known disabilities of qualified disabled individuals.

SEE YOURSELF AT ZIEGLER

Founded in 1914, Ziegler is a third‑generation, family‑owned CAT dealer with over 2400 employees across 30+ locations in Minnesota, Iowa and northern Missouri. Since day one Ziegler has had the same philosophy- if the customer is successful- then Ziegler will be successful. That is why Ziegler is committed to providing employees with the best possible work environment and the right tools for career development. This means great benefits, work/life balance, and ongoing professional development and training. Fulfill your calling by starting a career with Ziegler today!

The pay range for this position is $26.85 to $32.21 Starting wage is dependent on skills, experience, education and location. Pay range may vary by 10% depending upon the applicant’s location.

Along with competitive pay, full time positions are benefits eligible which includes: Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance 15 days of PTO your first year, accrual starts day 1 9 paid holidays 401(k) plan with company contribution and match HSA (Health Savings Account), Ziegler contributes up to $1000 tax‑free each year Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability Insurance, FSA & EAP Paid Parental Leave & Funeral Leave Fitness membership discount Education Assistance

Ziegler Inc. we’re committed to equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

What We Can Offer You Competitive pay Health, dental/orthodontia, vision & life insurances Paid time off (PTO) – 15 days to start 9 Paid holidays 401(k) contributions & match HSA, Ziegler contributes up to $1000 tax‑free annually STD & LTD Insurance, FSA & EAP Paid Parental Leave & Funeral Leave Fitness membership discount Ongoing training Education assistance Advancement opportunities Safe, clean, and friendly work environment Military Friendly Ziegler employs a wide variety of former U.S. Armed Services personnel. We actively hire those with prior military experience and accommodate the needs of Reserve and National Guard members.

Build Your Career at Ziegler Ziegler sells and services CAT® construction and mining equipment, generators and industrial engines in Minnesota and Iowa, as well as AGCO agricultural equipment across Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri. Ziegler has a team focus, a first‑class reputation for service, and a healthy work‑life balance. We train our employees to do things the Ziegler Way — the right way —and then we take it one step further. If you’re a talented, hard‑working and down‑to‑earth person, you’ll fit in perfectly here.