Forklift Operator - 8 and 12 Hour Shifts

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best — bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.​

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Forklift Operator  
• Starting Pay: $22.36 per hour
• $1.00 per hour or $2.00 per hour shift differential
• 8-hour and 12-hour shifts

Why Join Our Team

Our Geneva facility, located in the western Chicago suburbs in Kane County, joined the General Mills North America plant network in 2024. Here, we proudly produce Betty Crocker desserts, our iconic Gushers and Fruit Snacks. Our team is driven by being humble, hungry and smart and making a positive impact both within the company and in the local community (StandingforGood). General Mills is dedicated to employee growth. If you're looking for a safety-first environment where you can develop leadership skills, expand technical capabilities, and drive results, then GMI Geneva is an excellent place to build your career.

What We Have to Offer

• $22.36 per hour starting pay
• Additional $1.00 per hour shift differential for 2nd shift
• Additional $2.00 per hour shift differential for 3rd shift
• Additional $2.00 per hour for 12-hour rotating shift
• Up to 120 hours vacation annually
• 11 paid company holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Medical, dental, life insurance
• Career growth and cross-training opportunities

Your Work Schedule and Shift Information

• Shift schedules assigned are dependent upon business need

• Our Dessert System (dry baking mixes) has:
• 8-hour shifts 
• 1st shift: 6:45 am to 3 pm
• 2nd shift: 2:45 pm to 11 pm
• 3rd shift: 10:45 pm to 7 am

• Our Fruit System (Fruit by the Foot and Gushers) has:
• 12-hour shifts (see Shift Schedule and Shift Rotation below)
• Day shift: 5:30 am to 6:00 pm
• Night shift: 5:30 pm to 6:00 am
• Shift Schedule
• 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off  
• Shift Rotation (2-week work blocks)
• 2 weeks on days then 2 weeks on nights
• Schedule Perks
• 182 Scheduled Days Off Per Year
• Every other weekend is a 3-day weekend

• Ability and willingness to work overtime, any shift, including days, nights, weekends, holidays and emergency events
• Plant operation is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

As part of our manufacturing team, you will:

• Be responsible for the movement and storage of raw material; ingredients and finished products; inbound and outbound shipments; and production inventory needs
• Safely operate forklift within production/packaging and warehouse operations
• Select, prepare, and load products for outbound shipment per customer specifications
• Be responsible for the storage of raw material, ingredients, finished product and/or miscellaneous supplies/machinery
• Receive, unload, and inspect inbound materials, ingredients, packaging materials and/or miscellaneous supplies/machinery
• Be responsible for control of sanitation materials, docks and storage locations
• Perform all required/necessary quality checks
• Complete required documentation in a timely and accurate manner
• Be responsible for cleaning and sanitation of work areas and/or equipment
• Participate in Continuous Improvement initiatives to increase platform performance
• Assist in training new employees

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Must possess the ability to understand and effectively communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others in the workplace regarding work matters (our business is generally conducted in English)
• Minimum of 2 years of forklift operating experience
• Experience in warehouse operations and use of WMS strongly preferred
• Ability to obtain and maintain forklift and/or Powered Industrial Vehicle (PIV/POV) certification
• Basic computer skills with the ability to use digital tools and systems to complete daily work tasks
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, push, pull, and twist for extended periods
• Willingness to work in hot, cold, noisy, wet, or dusty conditions
• Ability to climb and/or work at heights while utilizing stairs, ladders, personnel lifts, or platforms
• Ability to follow human and food safety, quality, and grooming standards
• Ability to wear such as protective clothing and equipment (Personal Protective Equipment -PPE) such as safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard/bump cap, hair/beard net, gloves, and face masks (when required)
• Ability to work around high-speed machinery and food allergens

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Manufacturing or production experience

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)​

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

Check out why General Mills Manufacturing is a great place to grow a career:​