Sanitation Technician

Job Summary: The Sanitation Technician cleans and sanitizes production equipment and assigned plant areas during the third shift. This role follows sanitation standard operating procedures (SSOPs), the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS), and food safety and workplace safety requirements to prepare the facility for pre-operational inspection and the next production shift.

Essential Functions: Clean and sanitize assigned production equipment, utensils, and plant areas according to applicable SSOPs and the MSS. Tasks may include removing debris, pre-rinsing, applying cleaning chemicals, scrubbing, rinsing, and sanitizing. Disassemble, clean, and reassemble assigned equipment according to equipment-specific procedures and training. Use approved cleaning tools and equipment appropriate to the assignment, including hoses, brushes, scrapers, brooms, squeegees, power washers, industrial vacuums, and floor scrubbers. Prepare, handle, and apply cleaning and sanitizing chemicals according to company procedures, product labels, safety data sheets, and training. Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and sanitation procedures designed to prevent contamination and allergen cross-contact. Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) and other equipment safety procedures applicable to each task. Perform any step requiring equipment movement only according to the applicable written procedure and training. Work safely near operating conveyors and other production equipment when assigned duties take place while production is finishing. Inspect assigned work for visible residue or missed areas. Complete corrective cleaning, including rewashes identified during pre-operational inspection, and coordinate with Quality Assurance (QA) as directed. Report equipment damage, incomplete cleaning, chemical concerns, and conditions that may affect food safety or employee safety to the Sanitation Lead or Manager. Work with the sanitation team to complete assigned tasks within the scheduled sanitation period. Complete required food safety, sanitation, chemical safety, and workplace safety training. Perform other duties as assigned to support sanitation and business

Qualifications: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Three (3) months of sanitation experience, preferably in food manufacturing or another GMP-regulated environment. Ability to read, understand, and accurately complete required sanitation, food safety, safety, and GMP documentation written in English. Ability to understand and follow SSOPs, chemical labels, safety data sheets, and equipment-specific cleaning and safety instructions. Ability to identify and communicate sanitation, equipment, and safety concerns to the Sanitation Lead or Manager. Ability to complete assigned work independently and coordinate with team members on shared cleaning tasks. Ability to work extra time as required to meet business needs.

Preferred Qualifications: Six (6) months of sanitation experience, preferably in food manufacturing or another GMP-regulated environment. Experience using a power washer, industrial vacuum, floor scrubber, or similar cleaning equipment. Experience operating a pallet jack or scissor lift.

Working Conditions: Work is performed throughout the food manufacturing facility, including bakery production and refrigerated production areas. Regularly works around moving mechanical equipment and production machinery. May be exposed to cold, wet, and humid conditions. May be exposed to noise, cleaning and sanitation chemicals, and other conditions typical of a food manufacturing facility. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) may include slip-resistant, steel-toed boots, eye or face protection, hearing protection, and chemical-resistant protective equipment, depending on the assigned task.

Physical Requirements: Stand and walk for extended periods while performing assigned cleaning. Use hands and arms to handle cleaning tools and equipment, operate hoses, scrub surfaces, and reach areas requiring cleaning. Bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch to clean equipment, food-contact surfaces, and hard-to-reach areas. Use stairs and, when trained and authorized, approved elevated work platforms for assigned cleaning tasks. Move through wet work areas and around processing equipment while following required safety procedures. Inspect equipment, food-contact surfaces, and facility areas to identify residue, missed areas, and other sanitation deficiencies. Occasionally required to lift, carry, push, and/or pull materials, tools, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Items weighing more than 50 pounds must be moved using team-lifting procedures or mechanical assistance in accordance with company safety standards. Wear the PPE required for assigned work, which may include hearing protection. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Pay and Benefits: The following information is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Compensation is based on experience, geographic locations, and other legally permitted factors. The starting hourly rate is $20.50. This position may also be eligible for overtime pay and shift differentials. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax spending accounts; 401K with company match; paid time off; short-term and long-term disability; and life insurance.

Disclosures: This job description is not intended, nor should it be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended only to be a general description of the essential functions common to positions of this type. Richelieu Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.