What is a Parts Specialist?

There are many great careers within the heavy equipment industry. From sales, service and technology to management, rental careers and field support positions, this industry has many options for hard-working individuals.

Parts is one of these career options.

For many, working in the parts profession is an excellent, gratifying career. Is it right for you?

Here at RDO Equipment Co., we hire parts professionals in more than 80 locations across 12 states. Each of our parts specialists impacts their customers and communities daily. Parts employees are crucial to every business; ours is just one example. 

To give you a clearer understanding of this job (and whether it’s right for you), in this article, we’ll explain what a parts specialist is and what one does. 

What is a Parts Specialist?

A parts specialist, also commonly called a parts salesperson, is an employee who works within a company’s parts department. Commonly found in the automotive and diesel-powered/heavy equipment industry, parts specialists sort, sell, send, receive and inventory equipment parts. 

Parts specialists are often in a customer-facing environment (like behind the parts counter at a dealership) where they assist customers and coworkers with their parts needs. 

What Does a Parts Specialist Do?

While it varies from position to position, a parts specialist may perform any of these daily tasks:

• Inventorying parts and components
• Assisting customers
• Picking and packing parts
• Handling parts deliveries
• Marking parts
• Managing stockrooms
• Working with third parties to verify parts
• Working with a service department and sales stakeholders to provide parts
  

No two days as a parts specialist are the same. In fact, this is one of the things people appreciate most about these roles. In addition to the duties outlined above, parts specialists undergo regular training to improve their skills and knowledge. 

What Level of Education is Required to Be a Parts Specialist?

This will depend on the employer. Usually, parts specialists don’t need education beyond a high school diploma. That said, it’s common for a company to require some level of experience before starting in its parts department.

Formal training, such as parts certifications and associate degrees, can also give you a leg up in this profession. Starting as a parts intern is a great way to get the necessary experience. 

Having some kind of mechanical (as a technician or mechanic) background isn’t necessarily required, but it can be really helpful in understanding terminology and components. 

Related: How to Become a Parts Specialist

Where Do Parts Specialists work?

Parts specialists can work in several businesses, including automotive shops, parts stores, equipment rental companies, automotive dealerships, and heavy equipment/machinery dealerships (like RDO). 

If you’re looking for your next (or first) employer as a parts professional, you will have several options — even beyond this list. 

Your Next Step Toward Becoming a Parts Professional  

Joining the parts profession is a great way to impact your community and the organization you work for. This is a growing trade with plenty of opportunities and advancement potential. 

If you’d like to become a parts professional, whether for an automotive dealership, service shop or heavy equipment dealer, it’s important to understand what a day on the job truly looks like.

RDO is hiring parts specialists in many locations across the U.S.

Read this article to learn more about a day in this position. 

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about parts careers or working for RDO. One of our career experts would be happy to help you in any way you need.