Equipment Operator (Front End Loader)

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!

Front-End Loader Operator

Location: Longview, Washington
Employment Type: Full-Time, Hourly Pay
Schedule: Wednesday-Saturday | Four 10-hour day shifts

Position Summary

We are seeking a dependable and safety-focused Front-End Loader Operator to support daily soil-production and material-handling operations. This position operates a wheel loader, including a Caterpillar 966 or similar equipment, to move bulk materials, load processing hoppers and semi-trailers, and mix various chemical and organic ingredients used in soil production.

The ideal candidate has one to three years of experience operating heavy equipment, demonstrates strong situational awareness, and is comfortable working outdoors in changing weather conditions. This position also assists with yard organization, employee training, work assignments, and maintaining a safe and productive work environment.

This is a safety-sensitive position requiring alertness, sound judgment, and constant attention to safety. Employees are responsible for protecting their own safety and the safety of coworkers and others at the facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Equipment Operation and Material Handling

• Safely operate a front-end wheel loader to move, load, unload, and mix bulk materials.
• Operate a Caterpillar 966 loader or similar equipment to move finished products and production materials.
• Load processing hoppers with chemical and organic ingredients used in soil production.
• Mix materials according to established production formulas, procedures, and quality standards.
• Load semi-trailers safely, accurately, and efficiently.
• Operate loader controls to lower, raise, tilt, and position the bucket properly.
• Transport and place materials throughout the facility while maintaining safe clearances.
• Operate equipment without damaging machinery, products, property, or surrounding structures.
• Train to operate other equipment as assigned, including backhoes, dump trucks, skip loaders, water trucks, pickup trucks, and other light-, medium-, or heavy-duty equipment.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

• Complete required pre-operational and safety inspections before using equipment.
• Inspect fluid levels, tires, brakes, warning systems, buckets, attachments, and other equipment components.
• Fuel, clean, and maintain assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Identify mechanical concerns and report needed repairs promptly.
• Perform basic preventive maintenance and minor troubleshooting within the scope of training.
• Remove unsafe or malfunctioning equipment from service according to company procedures.
• Document inspections, maintenance concerns, material movement, and completed work.

Yard Safety and Team Support

• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe yard, including the proper placement of raw materials and finished products.
• Monitor the work area and team members for safety hazards or unsafe practices.
• Provide daily work assignments to crew members when directed.
• Assist with scheduling and coordinating crew activities.
• Train new yard employees on equipment procedures and safe work practices.
• Participate in employee coaching and operational instruction as needed.
• Coordinate with other Yard Leads to support smooth shift transitions.
• Promptly report production, employee, safety, or equipment concerns to the Yard Supervisor.
• Recommend improvements related to safety, production processes, equipment, or facility needs.
• Train for emergency and fire-response responsibilities and respond when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support facility operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain any required equipment-operation certifications.
• One to three years of experience operating front-end loaders, wheel loaders, or similar heavy equipment.
• Experience working in construction, manufacturing, recycling, soil production, agriculture, or another material-processing environment.
• Experience using hand and power tools.
• Ability to work four 10-hour day shifts, Wednesday through Saturday.
• Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to complete required records, inspection forms, and basic reports.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of heavy-equipment operating practices, controls, and safety procedures.
• Ability to safely operate a wheel loader around people, vehicles, buildings, and processing equipment.
• Understanding of material blending, mixing, loading, and placement procedures.
• Ability to recognize equipment defects, safety hazards, and changing site conditions.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance and routine equipment inspections.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard workplace-safety practices.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Basic mathematical skills for measuring, mixing, and tracking production materials.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to provide direction and training to other employees.
• Ability to remain professional and make sound decisions in stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a team-oriented environment.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Work primarily outdoors in heat, cold, rain, dust, wind, and other changing conditions.
• Regularly enter, exit, and operate heavy equipment throughout the shift.
• Sit for extended periods while operating machinery.
• Frequently bend, climb, reach, push, pull, and use hands and feet to operate equipment controls.
• Safely work around moving equipment, loud noise, dust, organic materials, and chemical ingredients.
• Wear all required personal protective equipment.
• Maintain alertness and situational awareness throughout the workday.

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.