Forklift Operator - 8 and 12 Hour Shifts General Mills, Inc $22.36 / hr life insurance, 401(k) United States, Illinois, Geneva Aug 05, 2026 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: