FR2 1st Grinder Operator

Golden State Foods; Opelika (AL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly Pay

Shift Premium

Attendance Incentive

Job summary

Golden State Foods in Opelika, AL is seeking a Grinder Operator on 2nd shift to set up, operate, and break down meat grinding and conveyor systems for consistent quality.

You'll work in a cold, fast-paced environment, use equipment and raw materials, and follow safety procedures including Lock-Out/Tag-Out. Forklift experience preferred.

GSF offers competitive weekly pay, shift premium, attendance incentive, and extensive benefits as part of a values-driven culture.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of production or manufacturing experience required.
• Prior experience in food processing or meat grinding preferred.
• Forklift operation experience preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic math.
• Must be able to stand, twist, bend, and reach for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs and work in cold, wet, and humid environments (45°F or below).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Reliable attendance and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures.
• Set up, operate, and break down grinders and conveyors per company procedures.
• Drive a forklift to load raw materials into combo dumpers.
• Grind meat through grinders into conveyors and screws, ensuring correct cut and texture.
• Read and use raw material line-up sheets to select proper ingredients.
• Inspect raw materials for defects and follow procedures for handling nonconforming product.
• Maintain knives and plates, replacing when needed.
• Monitor conveyor and metal detector systems to ensure proper operation.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the work area during and after production.
• Communicate equipment or product issues to the supervisor.
• Perform other assigned duties as needed.

Skills

Basic math

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Stand for long periods

Tools

Forklift operation

Job description

Description

ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS

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.

Grinder Operator

Golden State Foods – Opelika, AL

Full-time | Food Manufacturing

2nd shift

• Weekly Pay $16.00 per/hr.
• Shift Premium $1.00
• Perfect Attendance Incentive $2.00 Per/hr.

ABOUT GOLDEN STATE FOODS

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. From our Liquid Products Division, we produce over 1 billion pounds annually, driven by innovation, safety, and quality. Join GSF and grow your career with a global food industry leader.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We’re looking for a safety-focused and dependable Grinder Operator to join our production team in Opelika, AL. In this role, you’ll be responsible for setting up, operating, and breaking down meat grinding and conveyor systems to ensure consistent product quality and safe, efficient production flow. You’ll work hands-on with equipment and raw materials in a cold, fast-paced environment, contributing to the high standards that define Golden State Foods.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Follow all safety and Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures.
• Set up, operate, and break down grinders and conveyors per company procedures.
• Drive a forklift to load raw materials into combo dumpers.
• Grind meat through grinders into conveyors and screws, ensuring correct cut and texture.
• Read and use raw material line-up sheets to select proper ingredients.
• Inspect raw materials for defects and follow procedures for handling nonconforming product.
• Maintain knives and plates, replacing when needed.
• Monitor conveyor and metal detector systems to ensure proper operation.
• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the work area during and after production.
• Communicate equipment or product issues to the supervisor.
• Perform other assigned duties as needed.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

• 1–2 years of production or manufacturing experience required.
• Prior experience in food processing or meat grinding preferred.
• Forklift operation experience preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic math.
• Must be able to stand, twist, bend, and reach for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 80 lbs and work in cold, wet, and humid environments (45°F or below).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety.
• Reliable attendance and teamwork skills.

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. 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.

WHY JOIN US

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.

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.

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. For more information about your rights, data and retention, and contacting us with questions, please review our website Privacy Policy.