Sanitation Operator

Agropur • Little Chute, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Sanitation Operator maintains the cleanliness and sanitation of the production facility, preparing equipment and production areas for sanitation and production. The role starts up and shuts down molding machines and uses Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), the Master Sanitation Schedule, and housekeeping lists to clean and sanitize designated areas. The operator also supports production changeovers and performs duties involving the brine system, molders, and string equipment.

The position follows Agropur policies, safety rules, housekeeping requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and quality policies. It requires proper use of chemicals and protective equipment, documentation of cleaning activities, and prompt reporting of food safety, safety, sanitation, and equipment concerns. In-house training is provided; no prior experience is necessary.

The role is based at Agropur’s Little Chute, Wisconsin plant, which has about 140 employees and manufactures IQF sticks for the appetizer industry.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• No experience necessary; in-house training is provided.
• Forklift or Powered Pallet Jack certification is required; in-house training is provided.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy.
• Follow written, verbal, and diagrammatic instructions; complete checklists and required documentation.
• Follow one- or two-step verbal instructions, read and follow written instructions, perform routine and repetitive tasks, and carry out detailed but uncomplicated instructions.
• Make decisions consistently with policies and applicable laws and regulations.
• Have basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Have basic computer skills, including inputting and retrieving computerized information.
• Work effectively with others at all levels in a collaborative team environment and maintain constructive working relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Previous safety and sanitation experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Chemical training.

Responsibilities

• Follow Agropur policies, work rules, safety rules, housekeeping requirements, and GMPs.
• Use appropriate chemicals and protective equipment according to standards.
• Clean equipment to Agropur and regulatory standards, including the cooker, brine system, tubs, and plant floors, following applicable SOPs.
• Document cleaning activities as required and return tools and cleaning equipment to their designated locations after each shift.
• Assist production operators with product changeovers and cleanup of molders, string equipment, parts, and forms.
• Maintain and balance the brine system, adding salt and water as needed and transferring brine from the flume to brine tanks.
• Start up, shut down, and perform CIP of the brine UF system; select and run flumes according to the production schedule and equipment needs.
• Weigh and prepare rework and properly dispose of animal feed and garbage.
• Follow quality policies and immediately report potential food safety issues to management.
• Report safety, sanitation, and equipment issues to the Supervisor.
• Ensure molding and string equipment operates properly to maintain cheese quality according to standards and customer specifications; make adjustments and communicate with Laboratory and Packaging departments as needed.
• Assemble the hydra molder during start-up and product changes, and shut down and disassemble it at shift’s end.
• Set up molder forms and identify forms according to customer specifications.
• Assemble string extruders during start-up and product changes, shut down and disassemble machines at shift’s end, and set up machines with the correct parts according to customer specifications.
• Stop observed unsafe acts, follow facility safety rules and procedures, correct or report safety hazards, and support safety policies and programs.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as management may deem necessary.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 7% company contributions.
• Three weeks of PTO starting on day one.
• Paid holidays and two floating holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Advancement opportunities.
• Healthy work/life balance.
• Two pay increases within the first year.
• Double time on Sundays.
• Competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package focused on physical, financial, and emotional health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED