Job Description

The purpose of this position is to coordinate and assist the Sanitation Technicians in the effective and efficient cleaning and sanitizing of all greenhouse and packaging equipment. The Sanitation Lead Person will follow all applicable GMPs and Safety guidelines (including chemical handling), and will provide training, guidance, and corrective actions, as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee harvesting operations, including operating and maintaining harvesting equipment, monitoring crop conditions, and reporting quality or food safety concerns to QA and management as required.
• Oversee packaging equipment including conveyors, scales, sealing equipment, labeling systems, and palletizing finished product in accordance with customer specifications and production standards.
• Manage product flow through conveyors and scales to prevent backups or jams, working collaboratively with team members and rotating positions as assigned to support continuous operations.
• Verify labels, date codes, case weights, and product specifications; identify non-conforming product and take appropriate corrective action.
• Manually package sealed cartons into corrugated cases, stack finished cases onto pallets, and safely lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Coordinate and assist in the cleaning processes of the greenhouse and packaging areas.
• Perform daily inspections and chemical verifications to verify proper cleaning techniques and adherence to SSOPs.
• Measure, weigh, and mix industrial strength cleaners and chemicals, using measuring tanks, and other calibration devices.
• Monitor chemical usage. Establish and maintain adequate records to track chemical Inventory and sanitation supplies and report any needs to the FSQA Manager.
• Complete daily and periodic sanitation reports.
• Use sanitation and cleaning equipment to complete other job functions including pressure sprayers, vacuums, ladders, floor scrubbers, etc.
• Know and demonstrate proper Clean In Place (CIP) and Clean Out of Place (COP) procedures.
• Coordinate sanitation activities with other departments to ensure that services are provided in an efficient and timely manner. Ensures machinery is cleaned and sanitized properly to minimize downtime.
• Actively participate in the training of new hires & transfers.
• Disassemble, clean, sanitize and reassemble some production equipment along with cleaning and sanitizing the production work areas with the use of pressure sprayers, foamers, and other sanitation equipment.
• Expected to adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP and HACCP guidelines, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality or personnel safety.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with co-workers, and management.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

• One-year certificate from college or technical school or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience.
• Prior Industrial Sanitation experience and/or experience in regulated industries, i.e., healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceutical, or consumer packaged goods is highly desired. At least 1 year of relevant work experience in sanitation and leading a team is required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Must be able to lift, carry and balance up to 75 lbs. (150 lbs. with assistance) with extreme care and caution when working with product and chemicals.
• Ability to meet physical demands including reaching, climbing, bending, walking, standing, and performing repetitive work.
• Bilingual English and Spanish highly preferred.
• Familiarity with OSHA standards and guidelines.
• Comfortable working in conditions that include height, heat, and high intensity lighting.
• Basic mechanical skills with the ability to disassemble and reassemble processing equipment.
• Ability to learn Confined Space Entry and Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) procedures.
• Work with chemicals and sanitizers and adhere to Chemical Safety Training.