FR2 Forklift Oper -Grind 2nd Shift
Location: Opelika, AL, United States
Description
Grinding Room Forklift Operator
Golden State Foods - Opelika, AL
Full-time | Food Manufacturing & Production Operations |2ndShift
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 avalid driver's licenseat 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. ??
Apply Now
