Sanitation Worker

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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 part of a team
• Flexibility to work overtime or weekends as needed
• Work 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
• Typically performed during evening or overnight sanitation shifts in a fast-paced environment requiring attention to detail and adherence to food safety standards
• Physically demanding: 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; 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, spraying, 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