Description
Forklift Operator
Golden State Foods – Opelika, AL
Full-time | Food Manufacturing & Warehouse Operations | 2nd Shift
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 Forklift Operator to safely and efficiently handle, store, and move finished product within our cold storage environment. This role is responsible for managing freezer inventory, scanning and labeling pallets, staging products for shipment, and maintaining accurate records. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, a commitment to safety, and experience operating forklifts in a food manufacturing or warehouse setting.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
Forklift & Equipment Operation
- Operate forklift safely in accordance with GSF forklift operating procedures and OSHA requirements
- Conduct daily pre-operational and safety inspections; report any damage or malfunctions before use
- Assist in 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
Product Handling & Inventory Management
Obtain, verify, and apply finished product barcode labels; scan to assign pallet identificationManage freezer inventory to ensure accurate storage and rotation (FIFO method)Monitor finished product conveyor for proper operation and timely movement into the freezerInspect containers for proper coding, packaging integrity, and compliance with quality specificationsAssist with staging and supplying boxes, ends, and other materials to packaging lines as neededQuality & Compliance
Ensure all product meets quality and safety requirements; never use any product with a QA hold tagPerform organoleptic checks (sight, smell, etc.) on products as neededCommunicate with production staff regarding product specifications, lot numbers, and quality testing requirementsSafety, Housekeeping & Other Duties
Wear required PPE including bump cap, hearing protection, and cold-weather gearMaintain a clean work environment in freezer, stacking areas, chill rooms, and tempering roomsReport equipment damage or unsafe conditions to supervisor immediatelyPerform other duties as assigned to support production and warehouse operationsWHAT YOU’LL NEED
Education & Experience :
High school diploma or GED preferredValid and current GSF-issued forklift license requiredPrior forklift operating experience in a cold storage or warehouse environment preferredSkills & Abilities :
Ability to lift 80+ lbs. and work in constant cold temperatures (-10°F to 50°F)Strong reading, writing, math, and communication skillsAbility to learn and operate barcode scanning equipment and warehouse software systemsFull range of motion and ability to bend, twist, push, pull, and stand / walk for extended periodsPhysical Requirements and Environment
Stand / walk for 8+ hours per shiftFrequently bend, reach, twist, and lift heavy loadsWork in freezer and cold storage environments (-10°F to 50°F)Operate in high-noise areas requiring hearing protectionAbility to visually inspect products and read labels accuratelyWHAT 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.
