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Description

Grinding Room Forklift Operator

Golden State Foods – Opelika, AL
Full-time | Food Manufacturing & Production Operations | 2nd Shift

Schedule Mon- Sat 2:20pm-12:00am 

ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS  

Golden State Foods (GSF) is a leading food manufacturing company with over 70 years of experience producing high-quality beef patties and protein products for top quick service restaurant (QSR) brands. Our USDA-inspected facility in Opelika, AL, delivers billions of hamburger patties annually, backed by strict food safety standards and award-winning quality. GSF is committed to innovation, sustainability, and creating safe, reliable careers in food production.  

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Forklift Operator is responsible for transporting raw materials to the grinding room and removing trash and pallets from the area. This role ensures that all raw materials are pulled and staged according to FIFO (First In, First Out) requirements, using the line-up sheet or following supervisory direction.

The individual will pull, assemble, and stage raw materials in the proper rotation to support production needs. The role requires lifting pallets and empty containers weighing 80 pounds or more.

The Forklift Operator must maintain a valid forklift license and operate all assigned equipment safely and in accordance with company guidelines.

What You’ll Be Doing

The Forklift Operator is responsible for safely operating forklifts and related equipment to support production, storage, and distribution activities.

Primary Responsibilities 

• Operate forklifts in accordance with GSF forklift operating procedures and OSHA safety requirements
• Maintain a valid driver’s license at all times
• Perform daily pre-operational and safety inspections; report any damage or mechanical issues prior to use
• Support freezer operations, including loading pallets into designated racks and moving finished product in a timely manner
• Maintain case sealer tape, stretch wrap supplies, and ensure case coder ink levels are adequate
• Assist with robotic palletizing equipment, including troubleshooting and replenishing pallets and pallet pads
• Learn and utilize bar-coding systems and bar-coding equipment as required

Physical, Environmental & Qualification Requirements 

• Must have a valid, updated forklift license issued by GSF within 30 days of assignment 
• Full range of physical motion
• Ability to lift 80 pounds or more
• Constant standing, walking, and movement throughout the shift
• Ability to use all senses for organoleptic checks of raw materials (including sight and smell)
• Wear required personal protective equipment and/or protective clothing
• Work in temperatures ranging from 40–50°F and occasionally in environments below 10°F
• Good reading, writing, and verbal communication skills

Product Handling & Inventory Management 

• Obtain, verify, and apply finished product barcode labels; scan to assign pallet identification
• Manage freezer inventory to ensure accurate storage and rotation (FIFO method)
• Monitor finished product conveyor for proper operation and timely movement into the freezer
• Inspect containers for proper coding, packaging integrity, and compliance with quality specifications
• Assist with staging and supplying boxes, ends, and other materials to packaging lines as needed

Quality & Compliance 

• Ensure all product meets quality and safety requirements; never use any product with a QA hold tag
• Perform organoleptic checks (sight, smell, etc.) on products as needed
• Communicate with production staff regarding product specifications, lot numbers, and quality testing requirements

Safety, Housekeeping & Other Duties 

• Wear required PPE including bump cap, hearing protection, and cold-weather gear
• Maintain a clean work environment in freezer, stacking areas, chill rooms, and tempering rooms
• Report equipment damage or unsafe conditions to supervisor immediately
• Perform other duties as assigned to support production and warehouse operations

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Education & Experience: 

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Valid and current GSF-issued forklift license required
• 2-3 years prior forklift operating experience in a cold storage or warehouse environment preferred

Skills & Abilities: 

• Ability to lift 80+ lbs. and work in constant cold temperatures (-10°F to 50°F)
• Strong reading, writing, math, and communication skills
• Ability to learn and operate barcode scanning equipment and warehouse software systems
• Full range of motion and ability to bend, twist, push, pull, and stand/walk for extended periods
• Other duties assigned as

Physical Requirements and Environment

• Stand/walk for 8+ hours per shift
• Frequently bend, reach, twist, and lift heavy loads
• Work in freezer and cold storage environments (-10°F to 50°F)
• Operate in high-noise areas requiring hearing protection
• Ability to visually inspect products and read labels accurately

WHAT YOU’LL GET  

• People First: At GSF, we're not just a company; we're a dynamic community where your talents are celebrated, and your ambitions are nurtured.    
• Values Driven: Our core values drive everything we do, creating a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence. But we're not content with just being great; we strive for greatness in every aspect of our work.   
• People Development: At GSF we strive to continually develop our people to prepare us all for the needs of tomorrow.   
• Philanthropy & Sustainability: We're committed to making a difference beyond our walls through philanthropy and sustainability efforts across all our locations around the globe.    
• Extensive Benefits: GSF believes in a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.   

Apply now to be part of a team that delivers quality products and build a career with purpose at Golden State Foods.   

Equal Opportunity Employer:    

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. GSF values diverse perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every person can thrive - respected, supported, and empowered. We believe diversity, in every form, strengthens our team and our communities.