2026 ThinkBIG - SD College Diesel Technology ProgramButler Machinery Company • Bismarck, ND, US

2026 ThinkBIG - SD College Diesel Technology Program

Butler Machinery Company • Bismarck, ND, US

job_description.job_card.30_days_ago

serp_jobs.job_preview.job_type

serp_jobs.job_card.full_time

job_description.job_card.job_description

Job Description

Overview

Butler Machinery Co is looking for future Caterpillar Diesel Technicians. Do you have a passion for construction and mining equipment? Are you a high school student deciding on a college program or are you simply looking for a career change? Do you love working with your hands, have a great attitude, strong work ethic and possess basic mechanical skills? If you answered YES to these questions, please consider applying to the ThinkBIG program.

Our Diesel Technology Program provides a scholarship opportunity and paid internships!

The ThinkBIG program combines classroom and lab education at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) in Watertown, SD and paid internships at one of our 15 CAT dealerships. ThinkBIG students receive up-to-date technical training on Caterpillar systems and equipment. This 2-year program is divided into 9, 8-week terms, rotating from LATC to their internships at their designated store. The internships are scheduled for the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th rotations. This education and training will provide the foundation of skills needed to begin a lucrative, life-long career in diesel technology.

Upon completion of the ThinkBIG program, graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Diesel Technology. Graduates will then transition to full-time employment at a Butler Machinery dealership location with technician positions starting at $31.78 / hour. Complementing the salary, benefits, and continued education as a full-time position, Butler provides the potential for career advancement within the company at locations throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Montana.

Learn more about Butler’s ThinkBIG Program by visiting https : / / www.butlermachinery.com / careers / ThinkBIG

Responsibilities for a ThinkBIG Student :

Maintains a minimum grade point average of 3.0 while in the program
Work the minimum number of internship hours required by the program. (1,280)
Prepared and on time and for work and school
Proactively maintains a safe and clean work environment.
Work independently as well as part of a team
Tuition, books, housing, tools and fees not covered by scholarship
Secure housing arrangements at the school as well as the internship location.
Committed to lifelong learning and training to stay ahead of industry standards
Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications for a ThinkBIG Student :

Required

High school applicants must be a junior or senior to apply

A High School diploma or GED required at the program start

Must be age 18 by the first internship

Application must be submitted electronically through our website

Accepted by Lake Area Technical College by its deadline

Applied knowledge of basic mechanical theory

Effective oral and written communication skills

Proficient computer technology skills

Strong organizational skills

Ability to meet and maintain insurability standards to drive a company vehicle

Must have valid work authorization and be able to work in the U.S. without company sponsorship.

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to learn new skills quickly

We are looking for ideal candidates who embrace the following values

Our Team – At Butler, we believe our team is our greatest asset. We believe in working together and treating each other with dignity and respect.

Customer-Driven – We are customer driven. We strive to exceed our customer’s expectations, but never at the cost of our values.

Integrity – We believe that integrity is paramount. Our word is the cornerstone of our business, and we will earn the trust of those we serve.

Accountability – We believe in accountability. We understand the impact of our decisions and accept responsibility for our words and our actions.

Excellence – We believe in excellence through innovation, life-long learning and professional development.

Safety – We believe in uncompromised safety. We are collectively responsible for the safety of one another in all workplace situations.

EOE / Vet / Disability

serp_jobs.job_alerts.create_a_job

College Technology • Bismarck, ND, US

Job_description.internal_linking.related_jobs