Sanitation Worker

Description

The Sanitation Worker is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing production equipment, utensils, and facility areas to ensure a hygienic environment that supports the production of safe, high-quality food products. This position involves dismantling and reassembling equipment, using cleaning chemicals in accordance with company procedures, and following all safety and food safety requirements.   

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS: 

• Clean and sanitize production equipment, food contact surfaces, and facility areas in accordance with Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures.  
• Disassemble and reassemble production equipment for thorough cleaning and sanitation. 
• Properly use sanitation chemicals according to company guidelines, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and required concentrations.  
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety requirements, and company sanitation policies. 
• Maintain cleanliness of floors, drains, walls, ceilings, and surrounding areas. 
• Identify and report equipment damage, maintenance concerns, or safety hazards to the Sanitation Supervisor.  
• Maintain a safe work environment by following all safety procedures, including proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  
• Complete required sanitation documentation accurately and timely. 
• Support general housekeeping duties to maintain plant cleanliness. 
• Perform other duties as assigned to support sanitation and production operations. 

Requirements

Qualifications: 

• High School diploma or GED preferred 
• Previous sanitation, janitorial, or food manufacturing experience preferred  
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions 
• Ability to work safely with cleaning chemicals 
• Ability to work in cold, wet environments 
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team 
• Flexibility to work overtime or weekends as needed 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

Work is performed in a food manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to: cold and wet conditions (approximately 35° F), slippery floors and high moisture areas, cleaning and sanitation chemicals, food production equipment and machinery Work is typically performed during evening or overnight sanitation shifts in a fast-paced  environment requiring attention to detail and adherence to food safety standards.  

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

This position is physically demanding and requires frequent movement, lifting, and repetitive motion throughout the shift. Employees must be able to: stand and walk continuously for up to 8- 10 hours per shift, frequently lift and carry 25-50 pounds, occasionally lift up to 60 pounds with assistance when necessary, push and pull sanitation equipment, hoses, and tools requiring up to 50 pounds of force, frequently bend, twist, squat, kneel, and reach at or below shoulder height, occasionally reach overhead to clean equipment and facility surfaces, perform repetitive motions involving scrubbing, spaying, wiping, and handling sanitation tools, grip and handle wet or slippery equipment, hoses, containers, and parts, carry materials weighing 25-40 pounds distances up to 100 feet, perform team lifts or use mechanical assistance for heavier or awkward items, safely operate sanitation tools and equipment, including hoses, fomers, brushes, and squeegees.  

Vision requirements include close vision and ability to identify cleanliness standards, chemical labels, and equipment condition. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) may include slip-resistant footwear, chemical- resistant gloves, eye protection or face shields, hearing protection where required, cold environment protective clothing. The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform essential functions of this position.