Class A Lead Support Driver - Req. ID: 4186

Class A CDL Lead Support Driver

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!

Location: Dallas, TX Position Type: Full-Time | Salaried Travel: Extensive Overnight Travel Required

About the Role

Denali is seeking a dependable and safety-focused Class A CDL Lead Support Driver to provide route coverage when open seats occur due to staffing shortages, PTO, sick leave, training, or other operational needs.

Routes primarily involve collecting and transporting food waste for major retail customers under contract with Denali. The driver will operate throughout and beyond the Dallas area, including interstate and extended over-the-road assignments. Because assignments are based on operational needs, travel locations, schedules, and weekly hours will vary.

Denali covers approved transportation and hotel expenses and provides a per diem for each night spent away from home. The successful candidate will be flexible, self-motivated, mechanically inclined, and capable of working independently while maintaining high standards of safety and customer service.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL, self-certified as a Non-Excepted Interstate driver with the issuing state.
• Clean and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record and PSP report.
• At least 23 years old with two years of verifiable, full-time tractor-trailer experience; or
• At least 21 years old with one year of tractor-trailer experience and graduation from an approved truck-driving school or one year of military driving experience.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively and remain away from home as assignments require.
• Experience performing basic equipment maintenance and identifying mechanical concerns.
• Stable employment history.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and all other required screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating end-dump or open-top dump trailers.
• Food-waste, waste-hauling, agricultural, or bulk-commodity experience.
• Experience providing route coverage across multiple locations.
• Familiarity with electronic logging devices and transportation-management systems.
• Experience using manual and electric pallet jacks.
• Customer-service experience within transportation or logistics.
• Tanker, HazMat, or Doubles/Triples endorsements.
• Experience troubleshooting and completing minor equipment repairs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide route coverage for open positions and drivers unavailable due to PTO, illness, training, staffing shortages, or other operational needs.
• Load, haul, and deliver food waste along intrastate and interstate routes.
• Complete multiple customer stops per day based on company-established routing.
• Operate Class A commercial vehicles with 30- to 45-foot open-top dump trailers and other assigned equipment.
• Safely operate manual- and automatic-transmission vehicles in compliance with DOT requirements and all applicable laws.
• Operate manual or electric pallet jacks as required.
• Use a pressure washer to clean bins and containers.
• Leave customer locations clean, organized, and free of debris.
• Perform thorough pre-trip, post-trip, and daily vehicle inspections.
• Use basic hand tools to complete minor repairs to company bins and equipment.
• Maintain basic truck equipment and the cleanliness of assigned vehicles.
• Complete electronic driver logs accurately and comply with Hours-of-Service requirements.
• Maintain contamination reports, service tickets, maintenance records, expense reports, and other required documentation.
• Submit completed paperwork to the appropriate department accurately and on time.
• Communicate regularly with customers, vendors, dispatchers, and operations personnel.
• Report equipment problems, service concerns, accidents, and injuries immediately.
• Attend and participate in required safety calls, training sessions, and operational briefings.
• Use computers and mobile devices for training, communication, documentation, and expense management.
• Accept alternate assignments and interstate routes based on business needs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Schedule and Travel Requirements

• This is a salaried position, and weekly hours will vary based on assigned routes and operational demands.
• Extensive overnight and over-the-road travel is required.
• Drivers may be assigned to local, regional, or interstate routes.
• Weekend and holiday work may occasionally be required.
• Drivers must be able to work flexible schedules within applicable DOT Hours-of-Service limitsup to 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days.
• Approved transportation and hotel expenses are company-paid.
• A per diem is provided for each qualifying night away from home.

Key Skills

• Safe commercial-vehicle operation
• Independent decision-making
• Route adaptability and time management
• Clear verbal and written communication
• Equipment inspection and basic troubleshooting
• Accurate recordkeeping and ELD use
• Customer service and professionalism
• Flexibility in changing work environments
• Strong safety awareness and regulatory compliance

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: