Summary
The Field Equipment Inspector is responsible for traveling to customer locations to perform thorough,
standardized inspections of Columbia Industries equipment. The primary purpose of this role is to
accurately assess equipment condition, identify current and developing maintenance needs, and
document findings in a clear, consistent inspection report.
This is a dedicated field inspection position. The Field Equipment Inspector is not intended to function as
a Field Service Engineer or primary repair technician. The role follows established inspection guidelines,
checklists, and reporting standards to ensure each piece of equipment is evaluated consistently and
objectively.
Inspection findings provide customers with a practical understanding of equipment condition while giving
Columbia Industries' Aftermarket team actionable information to proactively support parts, repair, and
service opportunities. The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical background, is comfortable working
around heavy industrial equipment, follows detailed processes, and can represent Columbia Industries
professionally at customer sites.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Equipment Inspection & Assessment
• Travel to customer locations to perform scheduled inspections of Columbia Industries equipment.
• Complete each inspection in accordance with established company inspection guidelines, checklists,
and forms.
• Visually and functionally inspect mechanical, hydraulic, structural, electrical, wear, and safety-related
components within the defined inspection scope.
• Identify worn, damaged, leaking, loose, missing, or deteriorating components and document the
condition accurately.
• Use established Red, Yellow, and Green condition classifications consistently: Red for items requiring
immediate recommendation or action, Yellow for items that should be monitored or planned for future
attention, and Green for items in acceptable condition.
• Base inspection ratings on observable equipment condition and established criteria rather than
potential sales value.
• Capture clear photographs, measurements, notes, and supporting information needed to substantiate
inspection findings.
• Recognize conditions outside the inspector's scope and escalate technical questions to the
appropriate Field Service or Engineering resource.
Inspection Reporting & Documentation
• Complete inspection reports promptly, thoroughly, and accurately following each customer visit.
• Provide enough detail for internal teams and customers to understand the condition, location, and
significance of each finding.
• Ensure photographs and written findings are properly associated with the applicable equipment
component or inspection item.
• Maintain consistency in inspection terminology, condition ratings, and recommendations across
customer sites.
• Submit reports within established turnaround expectations so Aftermarket can respond proactively to
identified needs.
• Maintain organized records of completed inspections and supporting field documentation.
Customer Interaction
• Represent Columbia Industries professionally and respectfully while working at customer facilities.
• Coordinate with the customer contact to gain equipment access, understand site requirements, and
complete the inspection efficiently.
• Communicate factual inspection observations when appropriate without overstating findings or
making unsupported commitments.
• Direct pricing, parts availability, repair proposals, and commercial discussions to the appropriate
Aftermarket or Sales resource.
• Maintain a professional appearance and follow customer site rules, safety requirements, and
operating procedures.
Aftermarket & Cross Functional Support
• Provide inspection reports that allow Aftermarket Sales to proactively identify and pursue legitimate
parts, repair, refurbishment, and service opportunities.
• Communicate urgent Red findings promptly when a condition may require immediate customer or
internal attention.
• Provide visibility to recurring wear patterns, component concerns, or field conditions that may be
useful to Aftermarket, Quality, Engineering, or Field Service.
• Clarify inspection findings for internal teams when follow-up information is required.
• Maintain independence and objectivity in inspection ratings; sales conversion is an outcome of
accurate inspections, not the basis for condition classification.
Travel
• Minimum 60% travel required, with travel expected to be a routine and essential part of the position.
• Travel domestically and, when required, internationally to customer sites.
• Be comfortable traveling independently and managing a recurring inspection schedule.
• Travel may include overnight stays, extended trips, air travel, rental vehicles, and work in industrial or
outdoor environments.
• Occasional travel to Columbia Industries' Starkville, Mississippi headquarters for training, meetings,
or equipment familiarization.
Education & Experience
Required
• High school diploma or GED required.
• 3+ years of experience as an industrial mechanic, heavy equipment mechanic, maintenance
technician, field service technician, or similar hands-on mechanical role.
• Working knowledge of mechanical and hydraulic systems and the ability to recognize common wear,
damage, leakage, and component deterioration.
• Ability to follow detailed inspection procedures and complete repetitive inspection tasks consistently.
• Ability to read equipment documentation, component identification, and basic mechanical or hydraulic
information as required for the inspection process.
• Basic computer and tablet proficiency for completing reports, taking photographs, and submitting field
documentation.
• Professional communication skills sufficient to interact effectively with customer personnel.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet company travel requirements.
Preferred
• Technical school, industrial maintenance, diesel, heavy equipment, or mechanical training.
• Experience with heavy industrial equipment, hydraulic power units, cylinders, structural components,
bearings, pins, hoses, fittings, and related wear components.
• Previous equipment inspection, preventive maintenance, or condition assessment experience.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification.
• Microsoft Office proficiency and experience completing electronic field reports.
Key Competencies
• Mechanical Aptitude
• Attention to Detail
• Inspection Discipline & Consistency
• Objective Decision Making
• Documentation & Reporting
• Safety Awareness
• Professionalism
• Organization & Time Management
• Independent Work
• Travel Reliability
• Communication
• Accountability
Physical Demands
• Occasionally: Sit, climb or balance.
• Regularly: Stand, walk, talk or hear while working in and around industrial equipment.
• Frequently: Use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and
access equipment components for inspection.
• Frequently: Lift and carry inspection tools or equipment up to 35 pounds.
• Vision Requirements: Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
• Primarily customer field locations, industrial facilities, landfills, transfer stations, manufacturing
environments, and outdoor work areas.
• Frequent exposure to heavy equipment, hydraulic systems, moving machinery, noise, dirt, dust,
weather, and other normal industrial conditions.
• Minimum 60% travel with frequent overnight travel.
• Work may require use of appropriate personal protective equipment and compliance with customer specific
safety requirements.
• Limited office work; administrative time is primarily focused on completing and submitting inspection
documentation.
Benefits
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
Open job postingAbout the company
This entry-level position supports the Maintenance Department by assisting with basic maintenance tasks, facility upkeep, housekeeping, and grounds maintenance.