Driver - Lead Support Driver Req 4058

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.

About the role

We are seeking a dependable and safety-focused Class A CDL Lead Support Driver to support transportation operations across multiple locations. This traveling position is responsible for hauling food waste using end-dump trailers while providing route coverage and operational support wherever needed. The Lead Support Driver serves as a critical member of the transportation team by filling open routes due to staffing shortages, PTO, vacation, sick leave, FMLA, training assignments, or other operational needs. This role requires flexibility, independence, and a willingness to travel extensively throughout the Great Lakes region to ensure uninterrupted customer service.

Travel will primarily include Michigan, Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and Kentucky, although additional travel may be required based on business needs. The ideal candidate is an experienced CDL driver who enjoys variety, works well independently, communicates effectively, and is comfortable troubleshooting minor equipment issues while on the road.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate Class A commercial vehicles with end-dump trailers hauling food waste and organic materials.
• Provide route coverage for drivers absent due to PTO, vacation, sick leave, FMLA, training, staffing shortages, or open routes.
• Travel to multiple operating locations to support transportation operations.
• Perform pre-trip, post-trip, and daily vehicle inspections in accordance with DOT regulations and company policies.
• Complete electronic logs (ELDs), inspection reports, trip documentation, and required paperwork accurately and timely.
• Ensure loads are transported safely while complying with DOT, FMCSA, environmental, and company regulations.
• Perform basic equipment inspections and identify maintenance concerns.
• Communicate effectively with dispatch, operations, maintenance personnel, and customers.
• Assist with route familiarization and provide operational support when needed.
• Represent the company professionally at customer and company locations.
• Maintain safe operating practices in all weather and working conditions.

Travel Requirements

• Extensive overnight travel is required.
• Weekly travel is expected based on operational needs.
• Occasional weekend travel may be required.
• Travel primarily throughout:
  • Michigan
  • Ohio
  • Western Pennsylvania
  • Kentucky
• Additional travel may be required throughout the Midwest and surrounding regions.

Company-paid travel includes:

• Hotel accommodations
• Rental vehicle or airfare (when applicable)
• Transportation to assignments
• $60 per night per diem
• No sleeper truck operation required

Requirements

• Valid Class A CDL
• Minimum of 2 years of commercial driving experience preferred
• Ability to travel extensively
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment issues
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, Hours of Service, and ELD systems
• Clean driving record and commitment to safety

Preferred Qualifications

• End-dump trailer experience
• Food waste, waste hauling, agricultural, or bulk commodity experience
• Experience supporting multiple locations or traveling assignments
• Basic maintenance and troubleshooting experience

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb in and out of trucks and trailers multiple times daily.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to perform vehicle inspections and minor operational maintenance.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, mud, and wind.

Work Environment

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

Compensation & Perks

• $60 Per Diem
• Competitive Weekly Pay
• $1,000 Annual Retention Bonus
• PEAKS Safety Program
• Quarterly regional raffle: $1,000 prize/region
• Annual regional raffle: $5,000 prizes (4 winners)
• Annual Apex winner: $10,000 prize

Pay

$85,000 - $88,400 yearly salary

Benefits

At Denali, 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.

• Comprehensive Medical: Self-insured medical plans with competitive options including copay and HSA plans.
• Dental & Vision: Full coverage for you and your family.
• Generous 401(k) Match: Up to 4% match.
• Company-Paid Disability & Life Insurance: Long-Term and Short-Term Disability, as well as AD&D and Life Insurance.
• Voluntary Life for Employees & Family: Customizable additional coverage.
• Health Savings Plan: Designed for your needs.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Sick Time: Generous PTO and sick time, including family leave.
• 9 Paid Holidays: Throughout the year.
• Paid Weekly: Rewarding hard work consistently.
• Professional Development: Free access to thousands of courses via our Learning Management System.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and resources for personal and professional needs.
• Wellness Program: Resources to keep you mentally, physically, and emotionally balanced.

We offer mission-driven work in a rapidly growing sustainability company, opportunities for professional growth and learning, and a collaborative, values-driven team culture.