Warehouse Forklift Operator - $17/hr, Night Shift (36075)

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

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.

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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

Golden State Foods uses artificial intelligence ("AI") and automated tools within our applicant tracking system to assist with parts of the hiring process, including reviewing applications, matching resumes to job requirements, scheduling, and, in some cases, analyzing candidate responses or assessments. These tools evaluate job-related qualifications and characteristics such as skills, experience, education, and alignment with the requirements described in the job posting. They do not evaluate race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.

Human decision-making: AI tools support-but do not replace-our recruitment team. Final hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.

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