Sales Representative Apprentice - Agriculture

Ziegler Caterpillar • Altoona, IA

11d • $27 - $32 • Hybrid

About The Position

Ziegler Companies has an excellent entry level opportunity for an energetic, self starting individual interested in serving Ziegler’s many industries. The Sales Representative Apprentice position is a full time role designed to provide broad exposure to Ziegler Companies and offers a unique opportunity to gain hands on experience across the organization while building meaningful relationships throughout the company.

As a Sales Representative Apprentice, you will be actively involved in several key business areas, including Sales, Sales Administration, Parts Operations, Product Support, Marketing, and Technology. You will also gain exposure to the additional industries we serve, such as Construction, Mining, Electric Power, and more. After approximately six to eight months of foundational training, opportunities for long term placement will be in the Minneapolis, MN or Des Moines, IA areas.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Strong industry background
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Prior sales experience in construction or agriculture industry a plus

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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED