Bulk 1st Grinder Operator

Grinder Operator

Golden State Foods 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 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.

We are hiring a Grinder Operator to join our protein production team at our state-of-the-art food manufacturing plant in Opelika, AL. In this hands-on role, you will operate meat grinders, conveyors, and related equipment to process raw beef according to quality and safety standards. This position is ideal for mechanically inclined individuals with experience in food processing, equipment setup, and maintaining a clean and organized work environment. If you're detail-oriented, safety-focused, and eager to join a company that values its people and its product, we encourage you to apply.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operate industrial meat grinders and conveyor systems in accordance with food safety and quality standards
• Follow safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), to ensure safe operation of grinders and conveyors
• Set up and break down grinder and conveyor equipment, ensuring all parts are properly assembled and aligned
• Read and follow raw material line-up sheets to ensure proper ingredient selection
• Inspect raw materials before grinding and follow established procedures for handling defects
• Monitor meat texture, cut quality, and grinder speed during production; adjust or replace knives and plates as needed
• Drive forklift to transport and load raw materials onto combo dumpers
• Perform sanitation duties, including cleaning equipment and immediate removal of floor scraps to prevent hazards
• Monitor and verify functionality of metal detectors and carry out procedures according to GSF's metal detection program
• Communicate with the Blender Operator and other team members to coordinate workflow and product quality
• Recognize and report mechanical malfunctions or unsafe conditions to leadership
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)
• Perform other duties as assigned to support 24/7 production operations

What You'll Need Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Prior experience in food manufacturing or meat processing is strongly preferred
• Forklift certification preferred or willing to obtain

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to follow written procedures, line-up sheets, and safety protocols
• Basic math and reading comprehension skills
• Mechanically inclined with the ability to identify equipment issues
• Ability to lift 80 lbs. and stand, bend, twist, and reach for long periods
• Comfortable working in cold (45F or below), fast-paced environments
• Attention to detail and commitment to safe, efficient operations

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.

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.