Equipment Operator (Small Forklift Operator) - Req. ID: 4198 (Advance)

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!

Ready to make your application Please do read through the description at least once before clicking on Apply.

Small Forklift Operator Job Location: 14410 Eastfield RD, Huntersville, NC 28078 Hourly / Full-Time This is an Outdoor Forklift Position / Manual Labor 

About the Role:

The Equipment Operator (Small Forklift Operator) plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and safe movement of materials within the facility located in Huntersville, NC. This position is responsible for operating small forklifts in the pallet and loading yard to load, unload, and transport materials and goods. The operator will spend the majority of the workday outdoors and will also assist with general manual labor and other tasks throughout the facility as needed.

The operator may be responsible for retrieving empty bag rolls and other materials from the baghouse and assisting in the baghouse when additional help is needed. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-conscious, comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and willing to jump in and help with additional tasks when needed. Attention to detail and adherence to safety procedures are essential to keeping materials moving safely and efficiently.

Job Summary:

We are looking for a skilled and safety-conscious Forklift Operator to join our team. In this role, you will operate a small forklift in the pallet and loading yard, load and unload trucks, and move materials throughout the facility. This is a hands-on position that involves both forklift operation and manual labor.

The majority of the work will be performed outdoors. You will also assist with retrieving empty bag rolls and other materials from the baghouse and provide additional assistance in the baghouse when needed. The ideal candidate is reliable, works well with others, follows safety procedures, and is willing to take on additional duties as part of the team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid forklift operator certification (or ability to obtain certification).
• Proven experience as a forklift operator or in a similar warehouse, yard, or industrial role.
• Familiarity with industrial equipment and warehouse safety procedures.
• Ability to lift heavy materials and perform manual labor throughout the workday.
• Ability to work outdoors for the majority of the shift and tolerate varying weather conditions.
• Basic math, reading, and writing skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Dependable attendance and ability to work the assigned schedule.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily an outdoor work environment in the pallet and loading yard.
• Exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Requires standing, walking, lifting, bending, reaching, and driving a forklift for extended periods.
• Position involves manual labor in addition to forklift operation.
• May require working in or around the baghouse and other industrial areas.
• Must follow all required safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a manufacturing, warehouse, industrial, or outdoor yard environment.
• Previous experience loading and unloading trucks.
• Experience operating small forklifts or similar material-handling equipment.
• Familiarity with inventory management systems and basic computer skills.
• Additional certifications related to equipment operation or safety training.
• Strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with team members.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to assist with additional duties and tasks as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Operate small forklifts safely and efficiently in the pallet and loading yard.
• Load and unload trucks.
• Move pallets, materials, and products throughout the loading yard and facility.
• Stack and organize products and materials in a safe and orderly manner.
• Retrieve empty bag rolls and other materials from the baghouse as needed.
• Assist in the baghouse when additional help is needed.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and report any malfunctions or safety issues.
• Assist with inventory counts and documentation as needed.
• Perform manual labor and other general facility duties as assigned.
• Follow company procedures, safety guidelines, and compliance standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the work area and loading yard.
• Work safely around trucks, forklifts, equipment, and other employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The required skills enable the operator to handle forklifts safely and efficiently, ensuring materials are moved without damage or delay. Attention to safety protocols is critical to prevent workplace accidents and maintain compliance with regulations. Physical stamina, coordination, and a willingness to perform manual labor are necessary to operate equipment and complete tasks throughout the workday. Because this position is primarily outdoors, the operator must be comfortable working in varying weather conditions. Effective communication skills support collaboration with colleagues, particularly when loading and unloading trucks or assisting in the baghouse. The ability to work independently while also being willing to step in and help with additional tasks is important to maintaining a smooth and productive operation.

Schedule:

• Monday–Thursday: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM
• Friday: 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Full-Time / Local Work
• Majority of work performed outdoors

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. xhyhwjd

  
  

• 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