F2 Grind Room Forklift

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:

• People First: At Golden State Foods, 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: Golden State Foods believes in a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the whole person with benefits that support those needs.

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.