Sanitation Specialist

SunOpta•Alexandria, MN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sanitation Specialist facilitates routine cleaning, training, and master sanitation tasks throughout the plant. The role works with operators, production leads, and supervisors to complete sanitation tasks, review documentation, and perform standard root cause analysis. The specialist supports production by training employees, organizing and overseeing cleaning work, maintaining sanitation supplies and equipment, inspecting cleanliness, and helping ensure cleaning documentation and procedures are followed. The position also contributes to plant safety, quality, housekeeping, communication, teamwork, and employee training.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment; sanitation experience preferred.
Must be able to read and write in English.
Basic math skills.
Mechanical and troubleshooting skills, with willingness to learn and participate in routine maintenance.
Ability to use critical thinking to plan and solve problems and assess situations to make quick, accurate decisions.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Understanding of allergen procedures and prevention of cross-contamination.
Must follow management-established GMPs and safety procedures.
Good personal hygiene.
Able to work Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with some flexibility for weekend validations as needed.
Able to meet physical demands including standing and walking for up to 12 hours per shift, frequently bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing ladders or steps, reaching and stretching, regularly lifting and carrying 25–50 pounds, and pushing or pulling equipment, carts, or hoses.
Able to work around fumes and allergens in ambient-temperature environments and on wet or slippery surfaces.

Nice To Haves

Experience in food manufacturing sanitation.

Responsibilities

Train operators to clean processing equipment properly and inspect and audit department cleanliness.
Lead production shift huddles, organize cleaning tasks during CIP, and oversee timely completion.
Audit cleaning tools and chemicals and train employees in proper PPE and chemical use.
Facilitate plant-wide MSS for operations and production.
Use knowledge of CIP to assist with and train others in CIP processes; assist with CIP preparation for departments.
Assist and train operators on Operator Care sanitation tasks and equipment cleaning.
Troubleshoot Pre-CIP and Post-CIP inspection shortfalls with Quality Assurance, supervisors, and/or leads.
Perform chemical titrations and audit chemical tags on buckets and bottles.
Keep cleaning supplies labeled, stocked, and in appropriate areas.
Audit cleaning tools and brushes and replace or clean them when needed.
Inspect and audit equipment cleanliness and CIL completion.
Coach operators on 5S to keep workstations and areas clean and clutter-free.
Ensure CIP, MSS, and peroxide logs are completed accurately and fully.
Monitor the Chat in Redzone.
Create OPLs and SOPs to support cleaning functions.
Keep the sanitation room clean and conduct weekly plant-wide housekeeping.
Follow plant safety rules; report near misses, accidents, and potential hazards; and participate in monthly safety inspections and plant safety programs.
Follow Quality Assurance System guidelines, SOPs, SSOPs, GMPs, HACCP, and SQF requirements, and understand critical control points and their functions.
Accurately prepare and maintain area documentation, writing legibly and signing documents as required.
Maintain a clean and organized work area and cooperate with other shifts and management on housekeeping.
Support effective shift communication and teamwork with operators, support groups, and other departments; communicate professionally over handheld radios.
Contribute to team development and assist with coaching and training employees as requested by management.
Continuously improve knowledge of production areas, become familiar with SunOpta 360, follow the annual Alchemy schedule, and complete Better Process Control School.
Perform other duties as assigned.