Business Operations Intern, Product Support

ABOUT WESTERN STATES EQUIPMENT:

Western States has a long legacy of providing quality equipment and excellent service to customers.  Since 1956, our vision is to make our communities stronger, cleaner, and more productive, not just with our products and service – but through our people.  We are committed to:

• The Power of our Purpose: “Building our Communities for a Better Tomorrow”
• Performance through our Values: SAFETY, EXCELLENCE, TEAMWORK, INTEGRITY, ACCOUNTABLITY, and INNOVATION
• Customer and Employee Care Commitments: Conveying Warm and Empathy, Actively Listening, Building Trust, and Saying Thank You

WHY YOU’LL LIKE IT HERE:

Recognized as one of the top private companies to work for, we put our employees first.  We are fiercely committed to SAFETY and sending every employee, safely home, every single day. 

 WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

THINK-ACT-BE SAFE - At Western States, we empower every employee, every day to work and promote a safe environment to ensure all employees, vendors, and clients have a safe work environment while adhering to all applicable procedures and standards. This includes maintaining clean/clutter free personal work areas and wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE) as identified in safety policy.

FULL SUMMARY

The Business Operations Intern supports the Product Support Operations organization by coordinating and executing high-priority initiatives aligned with strategic objectives established by Executive Leadership. This role contributes to cross-functional projects with defined scope, timelines, and deliverables, applying structured project management practices to ensure successful outcomes. The intern collaborates with internal stakeholders to analyze operational data, improve workflows, and support continuous improvement efforts.

Project Management & Process Execution

• Supports assigned projects from initiation through completion by assisting with scope definition, scheduling, execution, tracking, and documentation.
• Utilizes project management practices to track milestones, mitigate risks, and support delivery. Coordinates with cross-functional teams and maintains project documentation and status updates.

Data Management

• Analyzes multiple data sets to support operational decision-making and workflow optimization.
• Applies findings to process improvements and project outcomes.
• Needs to have ability to comprehend simple and complex workflows and apply them as necessary to Caterpillar data.

Western States ERP Platform

• Must be able comprehend Microsoft AX 2012.
• Must have a minimal understanding of Microsoft platforms.
• Must be able to navigate through multiple open sessions while following workflow process.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must be a good listener with excellent communications skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to learn new software as it relates to reporting and program analysis.
• Ability to manage and set priorities for multiple projects and deadlines.
• Capable of maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Familiarity with productivity tools, tactics and software programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, and others.)
• Ability to gain comprehension of multiple Caterpillar platforms.
• Follows simple and complex workflows and processes.
• Ability to demonstrate strong analytical skill set.
• Ability to travel as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Proof of high school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Minimum of one year minimum of comparable experience required. Preference given for students currently enrolled in post-secondary education courses.
• Must be able to communicate (speak, read, comprehend, write in English).

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time along with walking, stair climbing, reaching (including but not limited to above-shoulder reaching), repetitive bending, stooping, twisting, pushing, pulling, leaning and twisting.
• Able to lift up to 50 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.