Sanitation Lead - 2nd shift

Nichols Farms•Hanford, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sanitation Lead is a hands-on frontline leadership role responsible for supporting daily sanitation operations while actively working alongside the team. This position ensures all sanitation work is completed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with company policies, food safety programs, OSHA regulations, and applicable laws. The Sanitation Lead provides direction, coordination, and real-time support to team members while reinforcing accountability, safety, and performance standards. In the absence of the Sanitation Supervisor, this role serves as the lead point of contact on the floor, helping guide the team, maintain workflow, and ensure continuity of operations and communication. This role is critical to maintaining a clean, safe, and audit-ready facility.

Requirements

Minimum of 1 year of experience in sanitation or a similar role
Strong working knowledge of GMPs, SSOPs, and sanitation procedures
Proven ability to work hands-on while supporting team coordination and workflow.
Ability to communicate effectively and escalate issues appropriately.

Nice To Haves

Experience in Sanitation processes and procedures is preferred.
Knowledge of pest control is a plus or ability to learn concepts and practices.
Forklift experience a plus or ability to become certified to operate forklifts, aerial lifts, and tractors within 30 days of hire.
Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.
Computer knowledge is a plus or the ability to learn ERP and computer systems.

Responsibilities

Lead by example in promoting a "Safety First" culture, following all safety procedures including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Confined Space requirements.
Serve as acting lead in the absence of the Sanitation Supervisor, providing direction, maintaining workflow, and supporting team decision-making.
Partner with the Supervisor to coordinate daily sanitation activities by assigning tasks, setting priorities, and actively leading from the floor to ensure timely and effective completion of all sanitation duties.
Perform sanitation duties while ensuring all work is completed safely, correctly, efficiently, and on time.
Provide clear and effective shift pass-downs to ensure strong communication between shifts and leadership.
Support and reinforce compliance with GMPs, SSOPs, food safety standards, and company sanitation procedures.
Assist in training team members in sanitation processes, chemical handling, safety procedures, and documentation requirements.
Monitor sanitation activities, identifying issues and taking prompt corrective action when needed.
Conduct routine walk-throughs of equipment and work areas to ensure cleanliness, compliance, and proper operation.
Submit and follow up on maintenance work orders for equipment issues or repairs.
Ensure accurate completion of required documentation, including sanitation logs, SSOP checklists, and Safety Chain records.
Oversee proper chemical handling, dilution, labeling, and SDS compliance.
Maintain and track inventory of sanitation chemicals and supplies, and communicate supply needs to prevent shortages.
Keep team members informed of daily priorities, changes, and expectations.
Safely operate and ensure proper use of sanitation and facility equipment, including forklifts, aerial lifts, tractors, and floor scrubbers, in accordance with safety standards.
Communicate with management and team members when issues arise, providing practical, timely solutions to correct problems and prevent recurrence during sanitation activities.
Assist supervisors by providing real-time updates on work progress, operational issues, and team needs.
Ensure all instructions are communicated clearly, respectfully, and professionally, both in person and over two-way radio.
Work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and accuracy.
Support Lean initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
Identify opportunities to improve sanitation processes, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.