Project Manager - Operations Req # 4164

About Company:

About Denali

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!

Heavy Equipment Operations Project Manager – Mine Reclamation

Location: Altoona, PA
Full-Time / Salary

Position Summary

The Heavy Equipment Operations Project Manager – Mine Reclamation is responsible for coordinating activities related to the execution of mine reclamation projects as part of the facility operations team. This is a hands-on operations and project management role requiring strong heavy equipment operating experience, field operations knowledge, and the ability to coordinate activities in a fast-paced outdoor production environment. The Heavy Equipment Operations Project Manager – Mine Reclamation coordinates heavy equipment operations to ensure safe and efficient day-to-day project execution in compliance with all safety, environmental, and other relevant policies, procedures, requirements, and standards. The Project Manager is expected to operate heavy equipment as needed to support project goals, including front-end loaders, tractors, spreading equipment, and other applicable equipment. They work closely with the Facility Manager and other members of the facility leadership team to coordinate labor, equipment, materials, schedules, and project priorities to drive operational efficiency and meet project objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a workplace culture in line with Denali’s four values: Care For Our Future, Climb Higher, Dig Deeper, and Stand Together.
• Understand, communicate, enforce, and adhere to safe work practices and all applicable safety and environmental regulations, policies, procedures, and standards.
• Coordinate efficient, safe operation of equipment, including but not limited to front-end loaders, tractors, spreading equipment, and other heavy equipment used in mine reclamation activities. Work with operators and field personnel to identify and remove unsafe work conditions.
• Collaborate with maintenance team and enforce daily equipment housekeeping to minimize downtime and maximize productive equipment utilization. Assist with preventative maintenance and minor repairs of equipment.
• Implement and maintain asset management practices to track equipment performance and utilization.
• Coordinate reclamation activities in accordance with project plans, site requirements, and applicable regulatory and environmental requirements.
• Work closely with other members of the facility leadership team to ensure reclamation activities remain on schedule and project objectives are met.
• Contribute to planning and ensure compliance with site plans for material flow, including material placement, site layout and organization, and equipment and material movement.
• Coordinate the movement, placement, grading, and spreading of materials throughout the reclamation site.
• Ensure the worksite is maintained to support operations, including roads, access points, staging areas, material placement areas, and equipment operating areas.
• Complete post-incident reviews and documentation for all injuries, accidents, and incidents. Work with the Facility Manager to implement necessary coaching and/or retraining.
• Coordinate adequate staffing and equipment resources to achieve operational and project objectives. Communicate with frontline employees daily to establish expectations and explain daily operating plans.
• Utilize daily and weekly operating reports to analyze trends, identify bottlenecks, and drive operational improvements. Identify and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and output.
• Provide hands-on operational support by operating heavy equipment as needed to support daily reclamation activities, project schedules, and staffing requirements.
• Coordinate day-to-day field operations, including equipment utilization, traffic flow, material placement, site organization, and project priorities.
• Train, coach, and provide guidance to equipment operators on safe operating practices, productivity expectations, and equipment care.
• Monitor field activities to ensure efficient movement of materials and equipment while maintaining a safe work environment.
• Communicate effectively with operators, maintenance personnel, leadership, contractors, and other departments to coordinate operational priorities and resolve issues.
• Track project progress, equipment utilization, materials, and other operational activities to ensure projects remain aligned with established schedules and objectives.
• Lead by example through active participation in operational activities and a visible presence in the field.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• 3+ years of experience operating heavy equipment
• Experience operating front-end loaders, tractors, spreading equipment, or similar heavy equipment
• Experience coordinating field operations, equipment utilization, material flow, or project activities
• Proven ability to work effectively with and coordinate field personnel
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in mine reclamation, mining, earthmoving, construction, aggregate, agriculture, environmental services, landscaping, or similar outdoor production environment
• 3+ years in Heavy Equipment Operations, Operations Management, Mine Reclamation, Construction, Agriculture, or related discipline
• Experience with material placement, grading, spreading, earthmoving, or land restoration
• Experience working on active mine, quarry, aggregate, construction, or reclamation sites
• Experience with asset/equipment management systems
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Excel
• Bilingual fluency (English & Spanish) is a plus

Core Competencies & Skills

• Strong operational planning and coordination skills
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively
• Advanced heavy equipment operating knowledge and experience
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment performance issues quickly and effectively
• Skilled in workflow planning, project coordination, and resource allocation
• Ability to analyze operational reports and implement data-driven improvements
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong field management and material flow coordination skills
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to lead by example and work effectively in a hands-on operational environment
• Strong decision-making skills in fast-paced production environments
• Ability to coordinate equipment, materials, labor, and project activities to meet operational objectives

Work Environment

• Manufacturing and industrial production setting
• Outdoor mine reclamation environment with exposure to moving machinery, heavy equipment, vehicles, dust, dirt, and changing weather conditions
• May require extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and operating heavy equipment
• Work may occur on uneven, rough, or unpaved terrain

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

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: 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.
• 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 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: We’ve 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 you’re 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 we’re 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 can’t 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.