Sanitation Specialist
Job Summary
McKee Foods is seeking a Sanitation Specialist to join the Environmental Services Department at Plant 4, 272 Patton Farm Road, Stuarts Draft, Virginia 24477. The role involves cleaning various areas and equipment in manufacturing facilities, following the Master Sanitation System, and helping prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. The specialist will rotate between areas, use high‑pressure cleaning systems, train new employees, and ensure equipment is properly sanitized during changeovers. Work may be performed in hot (ovens) and cold (freezers) environments, with chemicals and water, and may require lifting 20‑50 lb and working at heights up to 40 ft. Safety protocols, appropriate gear, and specialized training are mandatory.
Responsibilities
- Clean and sanitize production areas, equipment, and tooling according to the Master Sanitation System.
- Use high‑pressure water systems and other sanitation equipment to prevent bacterial and mold growth.
- Rotate between different plant zones, including hot ovens and cold freezers.
- Train new employees on cleaning procedures and sanitation standards.
- Sanitize equipment during product changeovers.
- Lift and move loads of 20‑50 lb; work at heights up to 40 ft.
- Follow all safety protocols, wear required protective gear, and attend specialized safety training.
- Operate in loud environments and around machinery while maintaining safety awareness.
- Complete detailed paperwork accurately and maintain thorough records of cleaning activities.
Required Qualifications
- Basic computer and math skills.
- High initiative, self‑motivation, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Team‑player attitude and effective communication with peers and management.
- Strong attendance and safety record.
- Knowledge of and adherence to company food‑safety and product‑purity procedures.
- Good customer‑service, housekeeping, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple cleaning activities.
- Capability to handle physically demanding work in extreme temperatures, heights, confined spaces, and poor weather.
- Heavy lifting (20‑50 lb) and willingness to work flexible hours, extended shifts, and additional days as needed.
- Accuracy with detailed paperwork.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Lift Truck Operator license (DMV record and vision screen required).
Preferred Qualifications
- Food‑processing or food‑manufacturing experience.
- Experience with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and industry‑standard cleaning and sanitation procedures.
- Basic knowledge of sanitation equipment operation.
- Training or experience operating lift equipment.
- Training or experience with high‑pressure water systems.
- Related training such as blood‑borne pathogens, confined‑space entry, lock‑out/tag‑out, dust‑hazard, chemical‑management, etc.
Benefits
- Competitive weekly pay with profit‑sharing cash bonus program.
- 401(k) with matching contributions.
- Paid Time Off for vacation, holidays, sick time, and personal time.
- Medical insurance (health, dental, vision, prescription drug).
- Supplemental life‑insurance plans.
- Fully‑paid parental leave.
- On‑site health center and pharmacy.
- Mental‑wellness counseling (on‑site in TN, virtual elsewhere).
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Credit Union membership.
- Exercise and recreation facilities.
- Wellness programs with incentives.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Short‑term and long‑term disability (company‑paid).
Pay
$23.41 – $24.60 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Plus a $1.00 per hour shift premium for 2nd‑shift hours.
Schedule
2nd Shift – rotating two‑week pattern:
- Week 1: Sunday – Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Week 2: Monday – Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Friday hours may vary due to sundown times).
- Additional days and hours as needed.