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 production supervisors to complete sanitation tasks, review documentation, and conduct standard root cause analysis. The specialist trains operators in equipment cleaning, chemical and PPE use, CIP processes, and Operator Care sanitation tasks; organizes and oversees cleaning work; and audits cleanliness, tools, chemicals, and documentation. The position also supports sanitation preparation and troubleshooting, maintains cleaning supplies and the sanitation room, develops cleaning-related OPLs and SOPs, and assists with plantwide housekeeping. The role supports plant safety, quality, housekeeping, communication, teamwork, and employee training. It follows plant safety requirements, quality systems, SOPs and SSOPs, GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements, and accurately completes sanitation and production documentation. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of food manufacturing experience, preferably in sanitation. It is located at SunOpta’s 3rd Avenue plant in Alexandria, Minnesota, and is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Some flexibility is required for weekend validations as needed. Normal travel is not required, although management may request travel for training.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
Ability to read and write in English.
Basic math skills.
Ability to understand and follow allergen procedures and prevent cross-contamination.
Must adhere to management-established GMPs and safety procedures.
Ability to assess situations and make quick, accurate decisions that support production.
Good personal hygiene.
Mechanical and troubleshooting skills, with willingness to learn and participate in routine maintenance.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to use critical thinking to plan and solve problems.
Ability to complete documentation legibly, accurately, and completely.

Nice To Haves

Food manufacturing experience in sanitation.

Responsibilities

Train operators to properly clean processing equipment and inspect and audit department cleanliness.
Lead production shift huddles and organize cleaning tasks to be completed during CIP; oversee timely completion.
Audit cleaning tools and chemicals and train employees in proper PPE and chemical use.
Facilitate plantwide Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) tasks for operations and production.
Use knowledge of CIP to assist with and train employees in CIP processes, including department CIP preparation.
Assist with 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 and stocked in appropriate areas.
Inspect cleaning tools and brushes and clean or replace them as needed.
Perform equipment cleanliness inspections and audits, including checks for CIL completion.
Coach operators on 5S practices to keep workstations and areas clean and clutter-free.
Ensure CIP, MSS, and peroxide logs are complete and accurate.
Monitor the chat in Redzone.
Create OPLs and SOPs to support cleaning functions.
Keep the sanitation room clean and perform weekly plantwide housekeeping.
Follow plant safety rules, report near misses and accidents, and participate in monthly safety inspections and plant safety programs.
Follow quality system guidelines, SOPs, SSOPs, GMP, HACCP, and SQF requirements; identify critical control points and maintain accurate documentation.
Support effective shift communication and teamwork with operators, support groups, and other departments.
Assist with coaching and training employees as requested by management.
Continue developing production-area knowledge, become familiar with SunOpta 360, follow the annual Alchemy schedule, and complete Better Process Control School.
Perform other duties as assigned.