Sanitation Technician

Agropur Cooperative; Lake Norden (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Agropur Cooperative in Lake Norden, SD is seeking a Sanitation Technician to maintain cleanliness and sanitation of the cheese production facility and warehouses. You will operate belt lines and Elevated Finishing Vats, monitor recipe variables, and perform CIP on belts and equipment while following QA policies and MSS requirements.

The role offers a starting rate of $22.59/hour with a $1.50 hourly night-shift differential, plus medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with company match, 3 weeks PTO, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• No experience required; in-house training provided.
• Experience in food service/food plant sanitation preferred.
• Good mechanical aptitude; chemical training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cleanliness and sanitation of production facility and warehouses.
• Operate belt lines, Elevated Finishing Vats, and monitor recipe variables during production.
• Perform Clean In Place (CIP) for belts and equipment.
• Identify and sanitize areas needing attention; report safety or sanitation issues.
• Assist with audits and maintain an infection-free, compliant environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Mechanical aptitude

Math skills

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift operation

CIP system familiarity

Job description

Job Type: Regular

The Sanitation Technician performs all tasks required to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the production facility and warehouses. The Sanitation Technician identifies, cleans, and sanitizes areas that need specific attention that may or may not be included in the Master Sanitation Program. This position is responsible for operating equipment in the process of cheese rework and also all tasks required to maintain the cleanliness and sanitation of the cheese production area. The Sanitation Technician will identify, clean/sanitize areas that need specific attention. This position is responsible for the operation of the belt lines, Elevated Finishing Vats, and the monitoring of the variables for recipes during production. (Lake Norden only)

People are at the heart of everything we do. We believe in working together, speaking honestly, taking ownership, and creating value in everything we deliver. Our culture is built on collaboration, accountability, and a shared commitment to growing stronger together. Joining the team means being part of an environment where people support each other and take pride in making a real impact. At Agropur, every role exists to deliver concrete results. What matters is real impact, not the volume of activity. An environment that allows you to focus on what truly matters:

• Starting Rate: $22.59/hour
• $1.50hr shift differential for night shift
• Two pay increases in the first year up to $1.00
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Short and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) with up to a 7% company match
• 3 Weeks PTO
• Paid holidays and 2 floating holidays
• Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Healthy work/life balance
• Shift time- 2/2/3 6 to 6 1 month of days and 1 month of nights

Your role in achieving results

• Assist Elevated Finishing Vats operations as needed.
• Perform Clean In Place for both belts in a timely manner.
• Trouble shoot and maintain machinery.
• Maintain and inspect work area.
• Understand and comply with all Quality Assurance policies, immediately reporting any potential food safety issues to management.
• Successfully perform all tasks required on the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS).
• Clean and sanitize all parts and areas of the department including walls, floors and equipment.
• Gather, weigh, and correctly report all animal feed and/or floor cheese.
• Report any safety, sanitation and/or equipment problems to Supervisor.
• Safely and efficiently operate the cheese shred machine.
• Assist during Clean In Place during disassembly during Clean In Place operations and final clean up to prepare run.
• Operate forklift in a safe manner.
• Assist operations in maintaining an audit ready environment, including assisting with the cleanup of any spills or other scheduled projects.
• Deliver 55 gallon drums of chemicals to Clean In Place system for DMM and Salting Belt.
• Titrate all chemicals used for Clean In Place in each belt area.
• Monitor both DMM and salting belts during operation.
• Enter all variables on belts for each recipe during production.
• Communicate any variances in recipe set points to Supervisor and Vat Operator.
• Take production and micro samples as required.
• Address alarms for the continuous delivery of cheese to packaging area.
• Prep both DMM and salter.
• Safely and efficiently transfer product from bags and tote bags to hopper.
• Report any safety, sanitation and/or equipment issues to Supervisor.
• Understand all Clean In Place circuits and titrate all chemicals involved in Clean In Place.
• Understand and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Safety Protocol Stop any observed unsafe acts and obey facility safety rules and procedures.
• Correct or report any observed safety hazards.
• Support safety policies and programs.
• This list of duties and responsibilities is not all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties and responsibilities, as management may deem necessary from time to time.

What we are looking for to deliver these results:

• Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Experience Required: No experience necessary: in-house training provided.
• Experience in food service/food plant or sanitation background preferred.
• Good mechanical aptitude required.
• Chemical training preferred.

• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with managers and colleagues.
• Demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Ability to follow written, verbal and diagrammatic instructions; complete simple checklists and complete required documentation.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, adapt to a changing environment quickly and think independently.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Basic computer operational skills; able to input and retrieve computerized information.
• Exhibit a professional manner in dealing with others and work to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Complete simple checklists and complete required documentation.

AA/EEO – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Agropur welcomes people from all backgrounds and origins.

We are proud to be an employer with a diverse community and are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive experience for all employees and applicants.

We will work with candidates who request accommodation.

Please note that an adequate knowledge of French is required for positions in Quebec.

Agropur uses artificial intelligence technology to assist our recruiters in screening, assessing, or selecting applicants for this position.

In this text, the use of the masculine gender to designate persons is intended only to lighten the text.

Agropur is an E-Verify Employer (US Operations).

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