Food Processing Sanitation Worker

A Food Processing Sanitation Worker cleans and sterilizes the machinery, production lines, and facilities of a food manufacturing plant to prevent contamination and ensure consumer safety. They play a critical role in maintaining compliance with USDA, FDA, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) regulations. Job Summary The Sanitation Worker is responsible for deep-cleaning the facility during off-production shifts (typically overnight). This hands-on role involves using high-pressure hoses, disassembling complex machinery, and handling industrial chemicals to eliminate pathogens, allergens, and food debris.

Key Responsibilities Equipment Cleaning :

Disassemble, wash, sanitize, and reassemble complex food processing machinery, conveyors, and tools.

Chemical Application :

Mix and apply specialized industrial cleaning agents and sanitizers at precise concentrations.

Facility Maintenance :

Clean and power-wash floors, walls, ceilings, drains, and ventilation ducts.

Regulatory Compliance :

Follow strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) guidelines.

Safety Protocols :

Utilize Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures before cleaning heavy machinery to isolate hazardous energy.

Waste Management :

Collect and safely dispose of trash, food scrap waste, and chemical byproducts.

Documentation :

Complete daily sanitation logs, checklists, and master sanitation schedules for auditing purposes.

Job Qualifications & Requirements Education :

High school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not always required.

Experience :

Previous experience in a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or janitorial role is a plus; on-the-job training is usually provided.

Knowledge :

Basic understanding of chemical handling, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and food safety principles.

Physical Stamina :

Ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 50 pounds for the duration of an 8-to-12 hour shift.

Work Environment Shift Work :

Shifts are frequently scheduled during late nights, early mornings, or weekends when production lines are down.

Physical Exposure :

Working conditions are regularly wet, noisy, and may be extremely cold (freezers).

Protective Gear :

Mandatory daily use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including rubber boots, aprons, safety goggles, and masks. SpEv3IEBHd