Sanitation and Production Technician

Description

The Production & Sanitation Technician works in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment and is responsible for supporting both production operations and sanitation activities. This position requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to safely perform a variety of production, cleaning, and equipment sanitation tasks while maintaining food safety, quality, and workplace safety standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Production Responsibilities

• Operate and assist with production equipment including mixers, dividers, packing machines, tray wash systems, palletizers, aligners, and other production machinery.
• Load and unload materials, products, and pans throughout the production process.
• Stack and unstack pans and trays from production lines.
• Support production line operations as directed.
• Adapt quickly to changing production needs and work assignments.
• Maintain product quality standards and identify any food safety or quality concerns.
• Follow all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, SQF, food safety, and workplace safety requirements.

Sanitation Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize equipment, machinery, production areas, and facility surfaces according to established procedures and sanitation schedules.
• Set up, operate, and clean various pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical processing equipment.
• Use cleaning chemicals safely and according to company procedures and manufacturer guidelines.
• Respond to sanitation concerns and unclean conditions as they arise.
• Assist with facility cleaning and maintenance in accordance with the Master Sanitation Schedule.
• Perform general cleaning tasks including sweeping, mopping, wipe-downs, and equipment cleaning.
• May operate scissor lifts or other approved equipment to access elevated cleaning areas.
• Support compliance with food safety, quality, regulatory, and sanitation requirements.

General Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies and participate in required safety training.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area throughout the shift.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate professionalism, respect, teamwork, and a willingness to learn.
• Report hazards, safety concerns, equipment issues, and quality concerns promptly.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in training or mentoring new employees when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Work may be performed in environments that include:

• Hot, cold, wet, or humid conditions.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals.
• Loud production equipment and machinery.
• Dust, odors, and food manufacturing environments.
• Elevated work areas when operating approved access equipment.

Requirements

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent experience preferred.
• Manufacturing, food production, bakery, or sanitation experience preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and perform basic math calculations.
• Ability to follow written procedures, work instructions, and safety guidelines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and assignments.
• Commitment to workplace safety and food safety standards.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with team members. 

Physical Requirements

The employee must be able to safely:

• Stand for extended periods of time throughout the shift.
• Frequently walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist, and reach.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
• Push and pull carts weighing up to 300 pounds.
• Climb stairs and ladders as needed.
• Perform repetitive motions involving hands, arms, and shoulders.
• Work around production equipment and cleaning systems for shifts of 8 hours or longer.