Sanitation Technician - Nights

Mars•Fort Smith, AR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Mars Petcare is seeking a Sanitation Technician for its pet food manufacturing plant in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The role is responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary, safe, and orderly production facility, with a focus on sanitation and pest control across the site. The technician works with production teams to support daily cleanliness, site Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), food safety, and production goals. The position includes cleaning large areas, workspaces, and manufacturing equipment; carrying out duties on the Master Sanitation Schedule; completing required documentation; and following lock-out/tag-out procedures. The technician develops knowledge of the plant’s process flow, production schedules, traffic, airflow, color-coding system, and sanitation practices, and helps educate others on sanitation principles and cross-contamination hazards. The role requires working effectively with site teams, sometimes in enclosed spaces, and adapting to varying environmental conditions.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
Must be willing and able to work varying shifts and schedules.
Ability to understand and effectively communicate in English; excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Able to work with minimal supervision.
Very good interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence, motivate, and work in a team environment.
Self-motivated.
Good working knowledge of HACCP and food safety.
Excellent working knowledge of production equipment, site layout, sanitation tool use, and preventive maintenance.
Must be capable of working at elevated heights.
Must be able to repetitively lift 50 pounds and stand for long periods on a concrete floor.
Must be able to bend, stoop, twist, turn, reach, and climb stairs.
Must be able to adapt to hot and cold temperatures, dust, dirt, and chemicals; must not be unusually sensitive to chemicals.
Must wear required personal protective equipment, including a hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform.
Forklift assignments require OSHA certification and frequent mounting and dismounting.

Responsibilities

Maintain high levels of daily cleanliness and adherence to site GMPs across production areas.
Prioritize work by identifying pressing issues, communicating with operators, understanding shift production plans, and remaining aware of area needs.
Promote teamwork and self-management with a positive attitude, and complete assigned activities and tasks.
Understand production schedules as they relate to shutdowns.
Perform detailed cleaning of large areas, workspaces, and manufacturing equipment.
Work with site teams on sanitation, pest control, and housekeeping projects.
Complete duties for assigned operational areas safely and efficiently.
Perform sanitation duties according to the Master Sanitation Schedule, follow lock-out/tag-out procedures, and complete required documentation.
Assist the plant in meeting or exceeding production goals.
Educate others on sanitation principles and understand microbiological hazards and cross-contamination.
Develop detailed knowledge of plant process flow, traffic, airflow, and the color-code system.
Support quality and food safety requirements.
Carry out other plant duties as assigned by the manager.