Sanitation Associate

Village Gourmet; Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Village Gourmet is seeking a Sanitation Associate to maintain a clean, safe, and food-safe production environment. Responsibilities include cleaning equipment, tools, and production areas, while ensuring compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, and GMP standards.

Training is provided for candidates with limited sanitation experience. The role requires following detailed sanitation schedules, documenting chemical usage, and supporting pest-control and facility maintenance efforts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Sanitation or food manufacturing experience is a plus (but training is provided).

Responsibilities

• Clean and sanitize equipment, tools, packaging lines, and floors per sanitation schedules.
• Disassemble and reassemble equipment for thorough cleaning.
• Use approved cleaning chemicals and sanitation tools safely.
• Follow USDA, FDA, HACCP, and GMP standards.
• Maintain a sanitary production environment at all times.
• Record chemical usage and sanitation activities.
• Complete sanitation logs and checklists accurately.
• Communicate sanitation issues promptly.
• Prepare areas for the next production shift.

Skills

Attention to detail

Follow instructions

Team player

Safety minded

Cleanliness

Dependable

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Compensation: $17-$19 per hour, based on skills and experience.

The opportunity

The Sanitation Associate plays a key role in maintaining a clean, safe, and food-safe production environment. You will be responsible for cleaning equipment, tools, and production areas while ensuring compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, and company sanitation standards.

Your work helps ensure our premium food products are produced in a facility that is always clean, compliant, and audit-ready.

What You'll Do

Maintain Clean & Safe Production Areas

• Clean and sanitize equipment, tools, packaging lines, and floors according to sanitation schedules
• Disassemble and reassemble equipment for thorough cleaning
• Use approved cleaning chemicals and sanitation tools safely

Support Food Safety & Compliance

• Follow all USDA, FDA, HACCP, and GMP standards
• Maintain a sanitary production environment at all times
• Report sanitation, pest control, or facility issues promptly

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete sanitation logs and checklists accurately
• Record chemical usage and sanitation activities
• Communicate any sanitation issues or deviations immediately

Safety & Chemical Handling

• Use required PPE such as gloves, goggles, and aprons
• Follow all safety protocols when handling chemicals or equipment
• Identify and report unsafe conditions

Team Support

• Prepare areas for the next production shift
• Assist with changeover cleaning between product runs
• Support other teams to maintain cleanliness throughout the facility

What We're Looking For

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred
• Sanitation or food manufacturing experience is a plus (but training is provided)

Skills

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working with sanitation tools and chemicals
• Dependable and responsible
• Team player with a positive attitude
• Takes pride in cleanliness and organization
• Reliable and safety-focused

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Work in wet, cold, or humid environments
• Operate sanitation equipment such as high-pressure hoses
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

What Success Looks Like

• Production areas remain clean, sanitized, and audit-ready
• Equipment is properly cleaned and reassembled
• Documentation is accurate and complete
• Sanitation practices support food safety and regulatory compliance

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.