Job Description
About Company:
Denali is the leading organic recycling company on a mission to unlock the power of unused food and organics, transforming them into resources to feed, fuel and replenish the earth. Our work is essential to keeping water clean, reducing the need for new landfill capacity, building soil fertility, helping farmers be more resilient, and reducing society’s reliance on fossil fuels. Denali provides meaningful and measurable change for any business that handles food, creating value with our scalable solutions across the nation. Our services and products touch thousands of acres and businesses, millions of tons of organic material, and nearly every person who purchases and consumes food in the U.S. Apply to join our team today!
Standard Wheel Loader / Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Huntersville, NC
Full-Time / Hourly
Compensation & Perks
$1000 Annual Retention Bonus | Competitive Weekly Pay
PEAKS Safety Program:
Quarterly regional raffle: $1,000 prize/region
Annual regional raffle: $5,000 prizes (4 winners)
Annual Apex winner: $10,000 prize
Position Summary
The Standard Wheel Loader / Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely operating wheel loaders and other heavy equipment to support daily production, material handling, loading, unloading, and site operations. This position plays a key role in maintaining efficient workflow while ensuring compliance with company safety standards, DOT regulations, OSHA requirements, and operational procedures.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Safely operate wheel loaders, front-end loaders, and other heavy equipment in production, construction, landfill, quarry, or industrial environments.
- Load and unload trucks, trailers, hoppers, conveyors, and stockpiles efficiently and accurately.
- Transport materials such as dirt, aggregate, compost, mulch, debris, waste, or construction materials throughout the facility or job site.
- Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on equipment and report maintenance or safety concerns immediately.
- Maintain equipment cleanliness and assist with basic preventative maintenance as needed.
- Follow all OSHA, MSHA, DOT, and company safety policies and procedures.
- Work closely with supervisors, dispatch, and production teams to maintain steady workflow and meet operational goals.
- Assist with grading, backfilling, stockpile management, and site preparation activities.
- Monitor surrounding work areas to ensure safe operation around personnel, vehicles, and equipment.
- Complete required paperwork, inspection logs, and operational documentation accurately and timely.
- Maintain a clean and organized work environment.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by management.
Processing Equipment
- Monitor the loader, screens, stacker conveyors, belts, and rollers throughout the shift.
- Keep belts, rollers, screens, and other equipment free of material buildup.
- Safely remove obstructions and buildup when authorized.
- Watch for unusual noises, vibrations, leaks, belt problems, or other equipment issues.
- Report equipment problems to the Supervisor and Maintenance immediately.
- Do not perform repairs or tasks requiring Lockout/Tagout unless trained and authorized.
Preventative Maintenance (PM)
- Complete daily equipment inspections and required PM.
- Check fluids, leaks, belts, rollers, guards, tires, and other equipment components.
- Perform basic lubrication and operator-level maintenance as assigned.
- Complete PM and inspection forms accurately.
- Report equipment problems early to help prevent breakdowns and downtime.
- Do not operate equipment that has been taken out of service or identified as unsafe.
Qualifications
- Previous experience operating wheel loaders, front-end loaders, or heavy equipment preferred.
- Experience in construction, quarry, landfill, aggregate, mining, recycling, or industrial environments preferred.
- Ability to safely operate heavy equipment in various weather and terrain conditions.
- Strong understanding of equipment safety procedures and hazard awareness.
- Ability to perform equipment inspections and identify mechanical issues.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Basic mechanical knowledge preferred.
- Valid driver’s license required;
CDL preferred but not required depending on location. - Ability to lift, climb, bend, and work outdoors for extended periods.
Preferred Skills
- Loader operation
- Material handling
- Heavy equipment operation
- Site safety compliance
- Preventative maintenance
- Stockpile management
- Construction or industrial production support
- Communication and teamwork
- Time management and reliability
Work Environment
- Outdoor work environment in varying weather conditions
- Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, and moving machinery
- Fast-paced production and construction environments
- May require overtime, weekends, or extended hours based on operational needs
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, climb, bend, and lift throughout the workday
- Ability to safely enter and exit heavy equipment multiple times daily
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds as needed
- Ability to maintain focus and awareness in safety-sensitive environments
What we offer:
- Mission-driven work in a rapidly growing sustainability company
- Opportunities for professional growth and learning
- Collaborative, values-driven team culture
- Competitive salary and benefits
Why You’ll Love Working at Denali- Benefits & Perks
At Denali, the work we do begins and ends with you – our employees. That's why we strive to ELEVATE you to be your best, both at work and at home. Our benefits aren’t just about compensation;
they’re part of a broader commitment to helping you thrive in all aspects of life. Here’s how we live out our values every day:
- E – Employee: At Denali, we believe in offering competitive compensation packages that include not only great benefits but also a strong focus on safety, flexibility, and rewards and recognition. You are the backbone of our success, and we make sure you’re valued every step of the way.
- L – Learning: We’re committed to your growth and development. Our Ascend Employee Development Program and access to over 6,000 professional courses via our Learning Management System empower you to climb higher in your career – all at no cost to you.
- E – Environment: Our employees deserve a clean Earth. We’re dedicated to doing our part in keeping waste out of landfills, so you can be proud of the work we do together to make a positive environmental impact.
- V – Valued: At Denali, we take pride in creating a culture of care. With resources that support your well-being, volunteerism opportunities, and a commitment to safe working conditions and inclusivity, you’ll always feel like you belong here.
- A – Advancement: We believe in succession planning and providing opportunities for advancement. We want you to grow, and we’ll be right there with you, supporting your career every step of the way.
- T – Together: We’re stronger when we work together. At Denali, you’ll have opportunities to give and receive support not just within the workplace, but within our broader community. Our team is united, and we celebrate the value of working and succeeding as one.
- E – Employees: You are the heart of Denali. We believe our employees deserve the very best. This is why we offer an array of benefits that support your overall well-being, from health coverage to work-life balance, because when you succeed, we all succeed.
Our Benefits Package Includes:
- Comprehensive Medical: Our self-insured medical plans are designed with your health in mind, offering competitive options including copay and HSA plans so you can choose what best suit your health needs.
- Dental & Vision: Keep your smile bright and your vision clear with full coverage for you and your family.
- Generous 401(k) Match: We’re here for your long-term future – we offer a generous 401(k) match of up to 4%, helping you build the foundation for tomorrow.
- Company-Paid Disability & Life Insurance: We’ve got you covered with company-paid Long-Term and Short-Term Disability, as well as AD&D and Life Insurance, giving you peace of mind knowing you’re protected.
- Voluntary Life for Employees & Family: Customize additional coverage for you and your loved ones with our voluntary life insurance options.
- Health Savings Plan: Save on medical expenses with a Health Savings Plan designed for your needs.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) & Sick Time: We value your well-being. Take time for yourself, your family, and personal matters with generous PTO and Sick Time, including family leave.
- 9 Paid Holidays: Enjoy a well-rounded work-life balance with 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
- Paid Weekly: We believe in rewarding hard work consistently, which is why we offer weekly pay so you can stay on top of your financial goals.
- Professional Development: Ascend in your career with free access to thousands of courses that allow you to grow and develop professionally.
- Employee Assistance Program: Life can be challenging at times, and we’re here to support you with our confidential Employee Assistance Program that offers counseling and resources for a variety of personal and professional needs.
- Wellness Program: At Denali, we believe that well-being goes beyond health coverage. Our Wellness Program offers resources to keep you mentally, physically, and emotionally balanced as you climb higher in both life and career.
We want you to feel valued, supported, and equipped for success – because when you thrive, we all thrive. So, come for benefits. Stay for the culture. We can’t wait to see you reach new heights with us at Denali.
Apply to join our team today!
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy: It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities for all employees. Accordingly, the Company will not engage in any form of employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. The Company hereby affirms its desire to maintain a work environment for all employees that is free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination.
Compensation details: 20-22 Hourly Wage
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