Machine Application Specialist

SUCCESS AT WESTERN STATES: Western State's culture is based on passion for our Vision, Mission, and VALUES. We are fiercely committed to SAFETY and sending every employee, safely home, every day. We strive for EXCELLENCE in all we do and are proud to be a "play to win" organization. We act with INTEGRITY in each and every decision we make. Our People and TEAMWORK drive a fun and engaging culture. We are ACCOUNTABLE as individuals and as an organization.

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for conducting equipment demonstrations, develop and conduct formal training courses for customers, assist salesmen and account managers with identifying features and benefits of Cat machines and communicating those to customers, conduct customer site assessments to identify opportunities for customer to enhance profits and maintenance costs, address customer complaints concerning machine performance. Also inspects the condition of machines for trade or for buyback options.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plans and conducts equipment demonstrations as required by the Sales Department.

• Conducts machine delivery training for customers, including the completion of Delivery Service Reports when requested.

• Conducts formal, certified customer machine training courses that meet Caterpillar and Western State standards.

• Communicates with salesmen, account managers, product support reps, and sales managers to assist with machine sales.

• Performs site assessments as required by customers and sales group.

• Oversees and manages customer related production studies.

• Maintains knowledge of features and benefits of all Cat equipment sold and serviced by Western States, and applications for all Cat equipment sold and serviced by Western States.

• Communicates directly with customers and resolves machine performance

• Conducts internal training as necessary to support sales and rental departments.

• Conducts professional machine demos and head to head demos versus the competition.

• Develops an operation assessment when a machine or fleet is not meeting the expectations of the operator, supervisor or owner.

• Manages conflicts that may arise when a machine is not performing and it cannot be determined if a problem is a mechanical issue or an operator issue.

• Supports salesmen and account managers by making sure that all the stakeholders in an organization know the advantages of owning and operating a Cat machine vs. the competitors.

• Plans and develops curriculum and strategies for the purpose of certifying customer operators in the safe and productive operation of Cat equipment. This Cat certification training is meant to be revenue producing in nature and may take place at remote sites and require up to a week away from home.

• Inspects used machines for trade. Reports findings to Used Equipment Manager for use in assigning book value to the trade.

• Travels as necessary to ensure equipment trades and purchases are serviced and repaired as necessary in Western States shop facilities.

• Completes re-visits on new machine sales at a designated time frame set by the Sales Department or on major shop rebuilds to answer questions, check for issues, direct any service repairs, etc.

• Coordinates and completes annual inspections as necessary, according to inspection criteria defined by Caterpillar and WSECO guidelines of governmental units that carry a WSECO buyback.

• Assists customers with operator training and maintenance practices on new machine deliveries.

• Travels as needed to inspect machines for purchase for the Used Equipment Department.

• Assists Service Department in troubleshooting machine operational problems in the field.

• 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.

• Works within and promote corporate vision, mission, and values of the organization.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others.

• Knowledge of Microsoft office software.

• Ability to receive and maintain CDL driver's license.

• Working knowledge of heavy equipment.

• Ability to multi-task.

• Consistent attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proof of high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).

• Five years equivalent experience required.

• Successful completion of Caterpillar machine operator training required.

• Caterpillar Certified Operator Certificate preferred.

• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Frequent walking, standing, driving, pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, climbing, twisting and leaning.

• Able to lift up to 25 lbs in accordance with Western States' Lifting Safe Work Practice.

• 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.