Sanitation Associate

Sanitation TechnicianPay: $22.00 - $24.00/hrLocation: Elk Grove, CAShift: Night shift - Sunday - Friday / OT as requiredJob DescriptionThe Sanitation Associate is responsible for thoroughly and efficiently cleaning all production equipment and facility infrastructure in a food manufacturing environment. This role follows established sanitation procedures and regulatory guidelines, protects sensitive equipment during cleaning, and ensures all tasks are performed safely while using designated personal protective equipment. The position involves disassembling and reassembling plant equipment, operating cleaning machinery and chemicals in compliance with regulatory standards, and supporting general janitorial and custodial duties as needed.ResponsibilitiesPerform all sanitation tasks in strict accordance with safety and food safety standards, consistently promoting a culture of safety.Participate in safety training programs and actively contribute to the development and improvement of safety initiatives.Ensure full compliance with regulatory and third-party requirements, including SQF, GMP, HACCP, OSHA, Food Safety, Food Fraud/Defense, Allergens, Organic, and Gluten-Free standards.Learn and apply correct cleaning procedures for different types of machinery, including understanding and using the appropriate chemicals for each cleaning task.Rotate cleaning areas daily to ensure all equipment and production zones receive regular and thorough sanitation.Cover all electronic devices and panels with plastic prior to starting wet cleaning in production areas to prevent damage.Use air nozzles in designated areas while consistently wearing required PPE, including ear protection and bump caps.Use water nozzles in designated areas while consistently wearing required PPE, including aprons, boots, and bump caps.Inspect machinery and equipment after cleaning to verify that all surfaces are completely clean and that all parts are correctly reassembled.Store all cleaning equipment and tools in their proper locations and ensure they are not left in unauthorized or unsafe areas.Follow proper Lock Out/Tag Out procedures, ensuring mixers, corn and flour machines, and other equipment are completely turned off and secured with safety locks before cleaning.Work collaboratively as part of a team to clean various types of machinery within required timeframes.Accurately weigh all waste generated by machines to ensure precise waste totals and documentation.Report any safety hazards to the supervisor immediately, including open electrical boxes, loose cables or wires, or any condition that could cause an accident.Use ladders or scissor lifts only if trained and authorized, and never climb on top of machinery to perform cleaning.Label all chemicals in secondary containers according to OSHA-GHS procedures.Operate trash and recycling machines safely and notify the supervisor when they reach maximum capacity.Use designated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times, including safety goggles, hairnets, aprons, boots (especially in washrooms), and other required items.Assist with janitorial duties as needed, including cleaning restrooms, office areas, and general company premises.Perform general labor, sweeping, sanitizing, housekeeping, packaging-related cleaning, and custodial tasks in food production and processing areas as required.Disassemble and reassemble plant equipment as part of the sanitation process, ensuring sensitive equipment is protected from damage.Operate cleaning equipment and apply sanitation chemicals correctly, following regulatory regulations and internal procedures.Drive and operate industrial equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and pallet jacks when required and authorized.Maintain productivity and efficiency while working safely with water, chemicals, and around rotating and reciprocating parts.Comply with company attendance and punctuality policies and maintain reliability and schedule flexibility, including weekends, holidays, and off-shifts as needed.Adhere to a drug and alcohol zero-tolerance policy and remain in a consistent state of alertness to perform essential job functions safely.Comply with all food safety policies and third-party certification requirements, including SQF, Gluten-Free, Organic, and related standards.Perform other related duties as assigned to support sanitation, production, and facility cleanliness.Essential SkillsGrade school education; High School Diploma or GED is a plus.1–2 years of experience working in food manufacturing or similar industrial environments.1–2 years of experience with sanitation procedures involving food manufacturing equipment or comparable machinery.Proficient verbal and written communication skills to understand instructions, document activities, and coordinate with team members.Proficient math skills to weigh waste accurately, measure chemicals, and maintain precise records.Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills to identify sanitation issues, safety hazards, and process improvements.Basic computer skills for training, documentation, and reporting.Ability to operate cleaning equipment and use sanitation chemicals in compliance with regulatory guidelines.Ability to drive and operate forklifts and other industrial equipment as required.Strong team player with the ability to collaborate effectively with coworkers.Self-motivated and able to work with little or no direct supervision while maintaining high standards.Ability to work safely and efficiently with water and chemicals on a regular basis.Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds repeatedly.Ability to stand for prolonged periods and perform continual walking on wet, hard surfaces.Ability to bend, stoop, crawl, kneel, squat, reach, grasp, pull, and push while working in adverse or awkward positions.Ability to work safely around rotating and reciprocating parts and in areas with cool or hot temperatures and noise.Reliable and punctual, with flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and off-shifts as needed.Ability to fulfill essential job functions in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.Commitment to comply with all food safety and third-party certification policies, including SQF, Gluten-Free, and Organic requirements.Additional Skills & QualificationsHigh School Diploma or GED preferred.Experience in food production, food processing, or packaging environments.Industrial cleaning, custodial work, or general labor in manufacturing settings.Experience with janitorial duties, housekeeping, and facility maintenance.Familiarity with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and HACCP principles.Understanding of Food Fraud/Defense, allergen control, and environmental sanitation requirements.Comfort working with sanitation chemicals and resources in compliance with OSHA-GHS labeling procedures.Ability to use ladders and scissor lifts safely when trained and authorized.Strong attention to detail to ensure equipment is fully cleaned and correctly reassembled.Demonstrated ability to work in a safe manner while maximizing productivity and efficiency.Why Work Here?Employees benefit from a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that supports health, financial security, and professional growth. Available programs include medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible spending and health savings accounts, a 401(k) savings plan with matching contributions, and a robust employee assistance and wellness offering. Team members can access life insurance, AD&D and disability coverage, tuition reimbursement and student loan counseling to support long-term development, as well as an employee referral program and paid time off. The organization emphasizes well-being, stability, and opportunities for advancement, creating a supportive environment where employees can build a lasting career.Work EnvironmentThis role is based in a food manufacturing facility with continual walking and standing on wet, hard surfaces and frequent climbing and descending of steps. The work involves ongoing bending, kneeling, squatting, stooping, reaching, pulling, pushing, and lifting up to 50 pounds, often in adverse or awkward positions. The Sanitation Associate works around rotating and reciprocating parts and is regularly exposed to cool and hot temperatures and varying levels of noise. Industrial equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and pallet jacks are operated as part of daily activities. Personal Protective Equipment is required at all times, including safety goggles, hairnets, aprons, boots (especially in washroom areas), bump caps, ear protection, and other assigned gear. The environment is fast-paced and production-oriented, with a strong focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and maintaining high standards of