Description
ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS
Golden State Foods is a distinguished leader in the food service industry, offering an extensive array of products and services to a diverse clientele. Rooted in the values of quality service and integrity, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where employees can advance, innovate, and contribute to our ongoing success.
Grinding Room Forklift Operator
Golden State Foods - Opelika, AL
Full-time | Food Manufacturing & Production Operations | 2nd Shift
$16.00 + Shift Premium $1.00
Eligible for Perfect Attendance
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
We are seeking a Grinding Room Forklift Operator to safely transport raw materials to the grinding room, stage product for production, and remove trash and pallets from the area. This position ensures correct product rotation (FIFO) and supports production efficiency by supplying and organizing raw materials according to line-up sheets or supervisor instructions. The role also includes product inspection, bar code scanning, and maintaining a clean, safe work environment.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Forklift Operation & Safety
Operate forklifts safely in accordance with GSF operating procedures
Perform operational and safety inspections before use and report any issues
Change forklift batteries as needed following proper procedures
Wear required PPE: bump cap, hearing protection, gloves, and safety glasses
Raw Material Handling
Pull and stage raw materials based on FIFO and production line-up sheets
Use bar coding equipment to track product movement (as required)
Verify product details including type, supplier, lot number, quantity, and pack date
Inspect raw materials for quality, odor, and foreign material-do not use products with hold tags
Coordinate with Blender Operator and Grinder Operator for product staging and usage
Bring specific raw meat samples to QA for testing as requested
Grinding Room Staging
Stage fresh combos of boneless beef along the rear wall of the grinding room, away from curbs for inspection access
Stage frozen product at designated conveyor areas per procedures
Limit staged product to two combos of trim and four combos of lean at a time
Prepare combos for vat dumper loading by securing liners and removing obstructions
Load and unload vat dumper without ramming pallets; center combos securely on the frame
Remove and dispose of straps, tape, and plastic from empty combos; store empties in designated areas
Store partial combos in the chill room with correct lot identification
Housekeeping & Compliance
Maintain cleanliness in the grinding room, chill rooms, and tempering room
Remove trash and debris from staging areas promptly
Report equipment damage or unsafe conditions to the supervisor
Follow all OSHA, GMP, food safety, and facility safety guidelines
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Education & Experience:
High school diploma or GED preferred
Valid and current GSF-issued forklift license required
Prior forklift experience in a cold storage or food manufacturing environment preferred
Skills & Abilities:
Ability to lift 80+ lbs. repeatedly
Good reading, writing, and communication skills
Knowledge of FIFO product rotation and basic inventory handling
Ability to perform sensory checks (sight, smell) for quality control
Willingness to work in cold (40-50°F) and freezer (<10°F) environments
Physical Requirements and Environment
Constant standing, walking, and forklift operation
Frequent bending, lifting, and twisting in cold, wet, and humid conditions
Ability to lift 80+ lbs. and carry heavy loads short distances
Work in cold (40-50°F) and occasionally freezer conditions (<10°F)
Wear required PPE at all times
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.
WHY JOIN US
Golden State Foods (GSF) is one of the largest diversified suppliers in the food industry, manufacturing a range of products including sauces, dressings, condiments, syrups, and toppings for leading restaurant and retail brands.
Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader who:
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We''re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Our company values diverse perspectives and is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where every person is supported and empowered to thrive.