Wheel Loader Operator- Heavy Equipment Operator

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

Employment Type: Full-Time / Hourly

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM

Compensation & Perks

• Competitive Weekly Pay

• $1,000 Annual Retention Bonus

• Opportunities to earn additional prizes through the PEAKS Safety Program

PEAKS Safety Program

• Quarterly Regional Raffle: $1,000 prize per region

• Annual Regional Raffle: $5,000 prizes with four winners

• Annual Apex Winner: $10,000 prize

Position Summary

Denali Water Solutions is seeking a dependable Standard Wheel Loader / Heavy Equipment Operator to support daily operations at our Huntersville, NC facility. This position involves operating a front-end wheel loader to move materials, load processing hoppers, and support our mulch screening process line.

In addition to operating equipment, this role requires hands-on work maintaining conveyors, clearing material buildup from processing equipment, and completing routine inspections and preventative maintenance. The ideal candidate has front-end loader experience, understands the importance of equipment safety, and is willing to perform physical labor throughout the workday.

This is an on-site, outdoor position. Candidates should be comfortable working in changing weather conditions and around dust, equipment noise, and strong odors associated with mulch and material processing.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Safely operate a front-end wheel loader to move, position, and load materials throughout the facility.

• Load processing hoppers and maintain a steady flow of material through the mulch screening process line.

• Monitor screens, stacker conveyors, belts, rollers, and related processing equipment during daily operations.

• Help keep conveyors and processing equipment clear of material buildup to maintain efficient production.

• Perform hands-on physical labor, including cleaning material from equipment and maintaining an orderly work area.

• Monitor equipment for unusual noises, vibrations, leaks, damaged belts, or other potential mechanical issues.

• Complete daily equipment inspections and routine preventative maintenance.

• Check fluid levels, tires, belts, rollers, guards, and other equipment components as assigned.

• Perform basic operator-level maintenance and lubrication within the scope of training and authorization.

• Report equipment problems, safety hazards, and maintenance needs promptly to the Supervisor and Maintenance team.

• Follow all company safety policies and applicable OSHA, MSHA, DOT, and site-specific requirements.

• Maintain awareness of employees, vehicles, and other equipment operating nearby.

• Complete required inspection forms, maintenance records, and other operational documentation.

• Keep equipment and work areas clean, organized, and safe.

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Processing Equipment & Safety

• Monitor the processing line throughout the shift to identify material buildup, blockages, and equipment issues.

• Safely clear material from equipment only when authorized and following established safety procedures.

• Never attempt repairs or enter hazardous equipment areas without the required training and proper energy-control procedures.

• Never perform tasks requiring Lockout/Tagout unless properly trained and authorized.

• Do not operate equipment that has been identified as unsafe or removed from service.

Preventative Maintenance

• Perform daily equipment inspections and assigned preventative maintenance.

• Identify early signs of wear, damage, leaks, or mechanical problems.

• Complete required maintenance and inspection documentation accurately.

• Help reduce equipment downtime by reporting problems as soon as they are identified.

• Follow established procedures for reporting defects and removing unsafe equipment from service.

Qualifications

• Previous front-end loader or wheel loader operating experience required.

• Experience in mulch processing, material handling, recycling, landscaping, construction, aggregate, or industrial operations preferred.

• Preventative maintenance experience and the ability to identify basic mechanical issues strongly preferred.

• Willingness to perform physical labor in addition to operating heavy equipment.

• Ability to work safely around conveyors, screens, belts, rollers, and other processing machinery.

• Understanding of equipment inspections, workplace safety, and hazard awareness.

• Ability to follow instructions, communicate effectively, and work as part of a team.

• Dependable attendance and the ability to maintain a consistent production schedule.

• Valid driver's license required; CDL preferred but not required.

• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varying weather conditions.

Work Schedule & Environment

• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM.

• Work Location: On-site at our Huntersville, NC facility. This is not a remote position.

• Work Environment: Primarily outdoors, with exposure to changing weather, dust, noise, vibration, moving machinery, and strong odors from mulch and material processing.

• Job Demands: A combination of heavy equipment operation, equipment monitoring, cleaning, preventative maintenance, and physical labor.

• Hours: The regular schedule is 10 hours per day, five days per week. Additional hours may be required based on operational needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely climb into and out of heavy equipment throughout the workday.

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and perform physical labor as needed.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds when required.

• Ability to work safely around moving equipment and maintain awareness in a production environment.

• Ability to perform assigned duties outdoors for extended periods.

What Makes a Successful Candidate?

The ideal candidate is an experienced loader operator who takes pride in operating equipment safely, keeping production moving, and helping maintain the equipment they use. We are looking for someone who is mechanically minded, dependable, comfortable getting their hands dirty, and willing to jump in wherever needed to keep daily operations running smoothly.

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.