Plant Sanitation Operator

At Niagara, we’re looking for Team Members who want to be part of achieving our mission to provide our customers the highest quality most affordable bottled water. Consider applying if you want to work in an entrepreneurial and dynamic environment with a chance to make an impact, develop lasting relationships with great people, and build a satisfying career.

About the role

The Sanitation Operator is responsible for execution of the bottling facility sanitation procedures and standards. The primary focus is to ensure the sanitation systems protect food safety and quality of our beverages. This position reports to the Sanitation Lead for the bottling facility.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily activities for the cleaning and sanitation of the production line(s), ensuring product adheres to Niagara’s standard of safety, quality, and throughput.
• Accurately complete applicable sanitation, quality, and production reports.
• Conduct physical and visual inspection of process and product to prevent non-conforming goods.
• Correctly report all sanitation and quality defects to the appropriate team members and shift leadership.
• Execute cleaning and sanitation procedures, policies, and records for the production facility.
• Assist in troubleshooting and problem-solving sanitation, food safety, and quality issues.
• Provide environmental oversight to the sanitation processes at the bottling facility; inform the QA Manager of any potential wastewater or discharge issues.
• Adhere to the highest standards of company and plant safety programs, guidelines, rules, and regulations.
• Abide by Niagara’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Food Safety Standards at all times.
• Demonstrate aptitude and skill to work in all assigned areas of cleaning/sanitation; troubleshoot minor cleaning/sanitation issues.
• Maintain general housekeeping in all areas of production and additional areas assigned by plant leadership.
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

Requirements

• Ability to work 12-hour shifts, day or night, on a rotating 2-2-3 schedule or as dictated by production demand.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2 years of experience in cleaning/sanitation for a beverage (Aseptic, hot-fill, or CSD) and/or bottled water manufacturer.
• High School Diploma in applied science field, engineering, or other related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4 years of experience in a similar manufacturing environment.
• 2 years of experience managing people/projects (may include a combination of work experience and education).
• High School Diploma in applied science field or other related field.

Skills

This position embodies Niagara’s LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:

• Lead Like an Owner:
  • Manages a safe working environment, accurately documents safety-related training, and effectively communicates safety incidents.
  • Provides strategic input and oversight to departmental projects.
  • Makes data-driven decisions and develops sustainable solutions.
  • Skilled in reducing costs and managing timelines while prioritizing long-term impact over short-term wins.
  • Makes decisions by putting overall company success first before department/individual success.
  • Leads/facilitates discussions to achieve positive outcomes for the customer.
  • Makes strategic decisions that prioritize the needs of the customer over departmental/individual goals.
• InnovACT:
  • Continuously evaluates existing programs and processes, and develops new initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
  • Creates, monitors, and responds to departmental performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
  • Communicates a clear vision, organizes resources effectively, and adjusts strategy as needed when managing change.
• Find a Way:
  • Demonstrates ability to think analytically and synthesize complex information.
  • Effectively delegates technical tasks to subordinates.
  • Works effectively with departments, vendors, and customers to achieve organizational success.
  • Identifies opportunities for collaboration in strategic ways.
• Empowered to be Great:
  • Makes hiring decisions primarily based on culture fit and attitude, and secondarily on technical expertise.
  • Engages in long-term talent planning.
  • Provides opportunities for the development of all direct reports.
  • Understands, identifies, and addresses conflict within own team and between teams.

Benefits

Our Total Rewards package is thoughtfully designed to support both you and your family:

• Paid Time Off for holidays, sick time, and vacation time.
• Paid parental and caregiver leaves.
• Medical, including virtual care options.
• Dental.
• Vision.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Health Savings Account with company match.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Expanded mental wellbeing benefits including free counseling sessions for all team members and household family members.
• Family Building Benefits including enhanced fertility benefits for IVF and fertility preservation plus adoption, surrogacy, and Doula reimbursements.
• Income protection including Life and AD&D, short and long-term disability, critical illness, and an accident plan.
• Special discount programs including pet plans, pre-paid legal services, identity theft, car rental, airport parking, etc.
• Tuition reimbursement, college savings plan, and scholarship opportunities.

Learn more about our benefits.