Lead Driver

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 societys 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! Class A CDL Lead Support Driver Locations: Cleveland, OH | Columbus, OH | Cincinnati, OH
Position Type: Full-Time | Salaried
Travel: Extensive Overnight Travel Required Compensation and PerksCompetitive weekly pay $60 per-night per diem $1,000 annual retention bonus Company-paid hotel accommodations Company-paid rental vehicle or airfare when applicable Company-paid transportation to assignments No sleeper-truck operation required PEAKS Safety ProgramQuarterly regional raffle: $1,000 prize per region Annual regional raffle: Four $5,000 winners Annual Apex Award: $10,000 prize

Position Summary

The Class A CDL Lead Support Driver is responsible for providing route coverage when open seats occur due to staffing shortages, PTO, sick leave, or other operational needs. Routes primarily consist of collecting and transporting food waste for major retail customers under contract with Denali.

This position requires extensive over-the-road travel to cover assigned routes as needed. Travel will primarily occur throughout the Great Lakes region, including Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and Kentucky; however, assignments in other regions may occasionally be required.

Denali covers transportation and hotel expenses and provides a per diem for each night spent away from home. This is a salaried position, and weekly hours will vary depending on assigned routes and operational demands.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively and remain away from home as assignments require.
• Experience performing general equipment maintenance and identifying mechanical concerns.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication.
• Flexibility to work varying schedules and weekly hours based on route assignments.
• Commitment to safe vehicle operation and compliance with DOT and company requirements.

Safety: This is a safety-sensitive position requiring alertness, sound judgment, and diligence. Employees are responsible for protecting their own safety and the safety of others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate Class A commercial vehicles with end-dump trailers.
• Haul food waste, organic materials, and other approved loads.
• Cover routes for drivers who are unavailable due to PTO, vacation, sick leave, FMLA, training, staffing shortages, or open positions.
• Travel to multiple operating locations and provide transportation support based on business needs.
• Perform required pre-trip, post-trip, and daily vehicle inspections.
• Complete electronic driver logs, inspection reports, trip documentation, and other required paperwork accurately and on time.
• Secure and transport loads safely while complying with DOT, FMCSA, environmental, and company regulations.
• Monitor equipment performance and promptly report mechanical or maintenance concerns.
• Troubleshoot minor operational equipment issues when appropriate.
• Communicate effectively with dispatchers, operations teams, maintenance personnel, managers, and customers.
• Learn unfamiliar routes and operating procedures quickly.
• Assist with route familiarization, driver support, and other operational needs.
• Represent Denali professionally at customer sites, company locations, transfer stations, and processing facilities.
• Maintain safe operating practices in all traffic, weather, and working conditions.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements

• Extensive overnight and weekly travel is required.
• Occasional weekend travel may be necessary.
• Primary travel areas include:
  • Michigan
  • Ohio
  • Western Pennsylvania
  • Kentucky
• Additional travel throughout the Midwest and surrounding regions may be required.
• Assignments and schedules may change based on operational needs.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A Commercial Drivers License.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively.
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, Hours-of-Service requirements, and ELD systems.
• Clean and acceptable driving record.
• Strong commitment to safe vehicle operation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment concerns.
• Ability to adapt to changing routes, locations, schedules, and assignments.
• Ability to successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of commercial driving experience.
• End-dump trailer experience.
• Experience hauling food waste, agricultural products, bulk commodities, or similar materials.
• Experience providing route coverage or supporting multiple operating locations.
• Basic equipment maintenance and troubleshooting experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb into and out of trucks and trailers multiple times throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while operating a commercial vehicle.
• Ability to bend, reach, climb, balance, stand, and walk as required.
• Ability to perform vehicle inspections and minor operational maintenance.
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, and muddy conditions.

Work Environment

This position requires frequent travel and independent work in urban and rural environments. Drivers must be comfortable working around commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, customer locations, transfer stations, farms, and processing facilities.

This job description is not intended to contain a complete listing of every activity, duty, or responsibility required of the employee. Duties and responsibilities may change, or additional duties may be assigned, at any time with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Denali provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. The company does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender, religion, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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 Youll 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 arent just about compensation; theyre part of a broader commitment to helping you thrive in all aspects of life. Heres 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 youre valued every step of the way.
• L Learning: Were 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. Were 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, youll always feel like you belong here.
• A Advancement: We believe in succession planning and providing opportunities for advancement. We want you to grow, and well be right there with you, supporting your career every step of the way.
• T Together: Were stronger when we work together. At Denali, youll 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: Were 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: Weve 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 youre 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 were 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 cant 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: 85000-88400 Yearly Salary

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