Plant Operations Technician Operator - Req 4042 - B

About the 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.

This is a safety-sensitive position requiring a clear mind, sound judgment, and constant attention to safe work practices. Employees are responsible for protecting their own safety and the safety of coworkers, customers, and visitors.

About the Role

The Plant Operations Technician supports the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of plant equipment and processing systems. This hands-on position is responsible for monitoring daily production, operating industrial machinery, performing inspections, troubleshooting minor equipment issues, maintaining a clean facility, and assisting with preventive maintenance. The ideal candidate is dependable, mechanically inclined, comfortable working outdoors and around organic materials, and able to work independently while supporting the overall plant team. This position requires attention to detail, strong communication, and a commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate, monitor, and adjust plant equipment and processing systems.
• Start up, operate, and shut down equipment according to established procedures.
• Monitor gauges, control panels, flow rates, temperatures, pressure levels, and other operating conditions.
• Perform routine inspections to identify leaks, unusual noises, excessive vibration, blockages, or other equipment concerns.
• Document equipment readings, production activity, downtime, inspections, and maintenance needs.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, spills, equipment failures, or operational concerns to management.
• Assist with receiving, processing, transferring, loading, and unloading organic materials.
• Operate pumps, valves, hoses, conveyors, screens, grinders, compactors, and other processing equipment.
• Connect and disconnect hoses and transfer lines safely.
• Collect samples and assist with basic quality-control testing when required.
• Use hand and power tools to perform minor repairs, adjustments, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Assist maintenance personnel with preventive maintenance and equipment repairs.
• Lubricate equipment, replace basic components, clear blockages, and perform other routine maintenance tasks as authorized.
• Operate forklifts, skid steers, front-end loaders, or other mobile equipment after receiving proper training and certification.
• Maintain work areas, walkways, tools, and equipment in a clean and organized condition.
• Use pressure washers, hoses, shovels, brooms, and cleaning equipment to maintain plant cleanliness.
• Support spill prevention, containment, cleanup, and environmental-compliance procedures.
• Complete inspection forms, production records, maintenance requests, and other required documentation accurately.
• Communicate shift activity, equipment conditions, and unfinished work during shift changes.
• Follow all company safety policies, lockout/tagout procedures, confined-space requirements, and personal protective equipment standards.
• Participate in safety meetings, training programs, emergency drills, and continuous-improvement initiatives.
• Perform additional operational and maintenance duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Previous experience in manufacturing, plant operations, industrial processing, agriculture, wastewater, construction, maintenance, or a related field preferred.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to identify common equipment problems.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, hoses, and cleaning equipment.
• Ability to read equipment instructions, safety procedures, warning labels, and operating checklists.
• Basic math, measurement, and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to use a mobile phone, tablet, or computer to complete reports and communicate with management.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Strong attendance, punctuality, communication, and teamwork.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, overtime, weekends, and holidays when required.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record may be required.
• Must pass all required pre-employment screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating industrial processing equipment.
• Experience with pumps, motors, valves, hydraulic systems, conveyors, or electrical controls.
• Mechanical, welding, plumbing, or electrical experience.
• Experience operating forklifts, skid steers, loaders, or other heavy equipment.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance programs.
• Knowledge of lockout/tagout and other industrial safety procedures.
• Experience working in organic recycling, wastewater treatment, agriculture, food processing, or environmental services.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong safety awareness and attention to detail.
• Mechanical aptitude and practical troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to recognize abnormal equipment conditions and respond appropriately.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a changing work environment.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate operational records.
• Willingness to learn new equipment, technology, and operating procedures.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an operations and maintenance team.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Regularly work indoors and outdoors in heat, cold, rain, wind, humidity, dust, and other weather conditions.
• Work around organic materials, food waste, wastewater, mud, insects, and potentially unpleasant odors.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, climb, twist, push, pull, and reach overhead.
• Regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds; heavier team lifting may occasionally be required.
• Climb stairs and ladders and walk across uneven, wet, or slippery surfaces.
• Work near moving machinery, vehicles, pumps, pressurized systems, and loud equipment.
• Wear required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, safety-toe boots, hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing.
• Safely perform physically demanding work for extended periods.
• Must be able to respond to alarms, equipment issues, and changing plant conditions promptly.

Benefits

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. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical plans (copay and HSA options).
• Dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Generous 401(k) match of up to 4%.
• Company-paid long-term and short-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance.
• Voluntary life insurance options for employees and family.
• Health Savings Plan.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and sick time, including family leave.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Paid weekly.
• Free access to over 6,000 professional courses via our Learning Management System.
• Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling and resources.
• Wellness Program for mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Additional perks include mission-driven work in a rapidly growing sustainability company, opportunities for professional growth, and a collaborative, values-driven team culture.