Sanitation Department

Sanitation Associate – Shut Down

Purpose for the Position: 

The PM Shut Down Sanitation Associate is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing production equipment, processing lines, utensils, and facility areas at the end of production operations in a USDA-regulated food manufacturing environment. This position ensures that equipment and production areas are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for inspection and subsequent start-up activities in accordance with USDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), HACCP requirements, and company food safety policies.

The PM Shut Down Sanitation Associate plays a critical role in maintaining food safety, product quality, regulatory compliance, and operational readiness.

Essential Responsibilities: 

 Essential responsibilities are fundamental duties of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities. 

•  Perform complete shut-down cleaning and sanitation of production equipment, machinery, processing lines, utensils, and tools. 

• Disassemble equipment as required to ensure thorough cleaning and sanitation. 
• Clean and sanitize floors, walls, ceilings, drains, conveyors, platforms, and other facility structures according to established procedures. 
• Remove product residues, waste materials, and debris from processing and production areas. 
• Apply approved cleaning agents and sanitizers according to manufacturer specifications and company procedures. 
• Inspect equipment and production areas to verify cleanliness standards are achieved. 
• Reassemble equipment following sanitation activities and verify readiness for inspection. 
• Complete sanitation records, checklists, and required documentation accurately and timely. 
• Identify and report equipment damage, maintenance concerns, pest activity, food safety issues, or sanitation deficiencies to supervision. 
• Follow all lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and safety requirements during sanitation activities. 
• Utilize and maintain sanitation tools, hoses, foaming equipment, and cleaning systems properly. 
• Support USDA inspections, customer audits, and third-party food safety audits. 
• Maintain cleaning chemical inventories and ensure proper storage and labeling. 
• Perform deep-cleaning projects and special assignments as directed. 
• Follow all GMPs, HACCP requirements, SSOPs, allergen control procedures, and food defense programs. 
• Ensure sanitation activities are performed in a manner that prevents product contamination. 
• Immediately report on food safety, quality, regulatory, or environmental concerns. 
• Support compliance with USDA regulations and company food safety standards. 
• Always maintain an audit-ready environment. 
• Participate in food safety and sanitation training programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Previous food manufacturing, sanitation, quality assurance, or production experience.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards, including ServSafe certification or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and USDA/HACCP principles. 

• Ability to read, understand, and follow written procedures and work instructions.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment. 
• Ability to complete documentation accurately.
• Ability to comply with all food safety, quality, and workplace safety requirements.

Physical Requirements:

•  Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday

• Ability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 25 pounds frequently.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, climb stairs, and perform repetitive hand and arm movements.
• Ability to wear required PPE including hairnets, beard nets, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing.
• Visual ability to inspect equipment and production areas for cleanliness and compliance.

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed in both office and USDA-inspected food manufacturing environments. The role includes exposure to cold environments, production noise, and food allergens. Must adhere to all hygiene, sanitation, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.