F2 Grind Room Forklift

Grinding Room Forklift Operator

Location:

Opelika, AL. Full-time, 2nd Shift. Pay: $16.00 per hour plus $1.00 shift premium. Eligible for perfect attendance.

The Forklift Operator is responsible for safely transporting raw materials to the grinding room, staging product for production, removing trash and pallets, and ensuring correct product rotation (FIFO) to support production efficiency.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Wear required PPE at all times.

• 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.

• 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 environments.

• Competitive compensation with shift premium.
• Health, Dental, Vision, and other benefits.
• Employee assistance and wellness programs.

Golden State Foods is an equal opportunity employer. We promote diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all qualified individuals.