BULK- Forklift Operator

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, supported by strict food safety standards and award‑winning quality.

Grinding Room Forklift Operator

Opelika, AL | Full‑time, AM Shift, Mon‑Sat

The Forklift Operator transports raw materials to the grinding room, removes trash and pallets, and ensures all raw materials are pulled and staged according to FIFO (First In, First Out) requirements. The role requires lifting pallets and empty containers weighing 80 pounds or more and operating forklifts safely in accordance with company guidelines.

• 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

• 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:
  The company celebrates and nurtures talent in a dynamic community.
• Values Driven:
  All activities are guided by a culture of innovation, integrity, and excellence.
• People Development:
  Continuous training and advancement opportunities are provided.
• Philanthropy & Sustainability:
  Dedicated to making a positive impact through corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Extensive Benefits: A holistic approach to wellness with comprehensive benefits that support employees and their families.

GSF is an equal‑opportunity employer and values diverse perspectives. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every person can thrive, be respected, supported, and empowered.