Mining Technology Field Technician

ABOUT WESTERN STATES

Since 1956, Western States Equipment Company has been a leading employer across Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Wyoming. We are driven by our mission of solving our customers toughest challenges, guided by our core values of Safety, Excellence, Teamwork, Integrity, Accountability, and Innovation .

By joining Western States, you commit to upholding these values while contributing to our purpose of building our communities for a better tomorrow. Safety and our Customer Care Commitment remain foundational to our mission and the standard by which we measure our success.

Safety

- Actively cares, promotes, manages, and advocates for safety at Western States.  As a team member in the organization, it is critical to ensure all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable safety policies, procedures and standards.

- Embraces our caring culture where we each care to adhere with applicable safety policies, PPE expectations and stop work authority.

Customer Care Commitments

- Convey Warmth and Empathy – Acknowledge customers and greet everyone with an authentic smile.

- Actively Listen – Give your full attention, make eye contact, avoid interrupting, and ask clarifying questions.

- Build Trust – Take ownership, act with urgency, and follow through on commitments.

- Say Thank you – Express genuine appreciation for effort, feedback, and collaboration.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Diagnosis, Troubleshooting, and Repair

- Independently troubleshoots, repairs, and tests mining technology systems and related machine systems. This includes navigating support materials, as needed, such as service manuals and technical support tickets.

- Independently troubleshoots and repairs onboard machine electronic systems including payload management systems, and VIMS systems.

- Independently completes software and firmware updates on technology and machines systems.

- Troubleshoots network communications to the point of failure and works with the appropriate party to take corrective action. Reporting updates to the Mining Technology Application Manager on issue and action taken.

- Provides training for WSE clients on the accurate workflows from model preparation, onboarding, and offboarding technology.

- Independently reviews machine data communication messages with office software tools in order to identify data that is not be received or is incorrect. Collaborates with Mining Technology Application Manager to find a solution to resolve communication issues.

- Other duties as assigned.

Communication

- Communicates with clients and internal SITECH team on status of repairs and installs.

- Develops a two-week schedule of repairs and installs, responsible for pre-ordering parts and supplies required. Communicates schedule with Mining Technology Application Manager.

- Provides daily detail status updates on repairs, installs and troubleshooting findings to the Mining Technology Application Manager in order to review scheduling changes and client communication.

- Creates, quotes, manages, and invoices service calls in alignment with organizational standards, this includes submitting and managing PO requests from clients.

- Collaborates with vendor technology support reps to provide detailed feedback on product issues and possible resolutions.

- Creates and manages technical support tickets with vendor on product issues that can not be resolved.

Continued Development

- Participates in continued education and training initiatives as outlined in the Western States Equipment Technician Career Development Plan. (TCDP)

- Researches new software and firmware files to identify resolutions to clients issues.

- Researches new technology product offerings and provides feedback on best install and support practices.

- Works with Mining Technology Application Manager in cross training of office support and report building.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

- Adapts knowledge of Caterpillar and competitive machine systems to install, troubleshoot and repair mining technology systems.

- Increasing specialization in machine systems, included but not limited to: electrical, hydraulic, A/C, and power train, telematics, GPS guidance systems and payload systems.

- Advanced computer skills and technology skills required

- Strong critical thinker with the ability to communicate complex items.

- Ability to prioritize tasks based on multiple priorities.

- Strong communicator with ability to communicate via email and phone.

- Ability to travel overnight 70% of the time.

- Ability to learn and use software programs (ET, STW, Parts Integration, SIS Web).

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

- Consistent attendance and timeliness.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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

- Associates Degree from an accredited vocational school preferred or comparable work experience required.

- Minimum of 1-year field service experience preferred.

- 2 years experience in troubleshooting electronic systems, disassembling, assembling, removing, and installing machine components required.

- Must own required tools.

- Valid drivers license and acceptable driving record required.

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

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

- Ability to stand for long periods of time along with walking, sitting, repetitively climbing stairs, reaching (including but not limited to above-shoulder reaching), repetitive bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.

- Ability to repeatedly lift up to 60lbs from the ground and place on a shelf/platform set up to 65 inches off the ground.

- Ability to manually torque nuts, bolts, and similar components to required specifications, and perform frequent pushing, pulling, and other manual material handling activities as necessary to perform the essential functions of the job.

- Ability to carry up to 20 lbs. while repeatedly ascending/descending a minimum of ten, 8 stair steps.

- Ability to repeatedly ascend/descend a minimum of 10 rungs on various ladders.

- Ability to assemble/disassemble various sizes of nuts and bolts, while repeatedly bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and/or crouching.

- Exposure to extreme temperatures and environment.

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.