Sanitation Technician

Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.; Moses Lake (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Okanagan Specialty Fruits, LLC. (OSF) seeks a Sanitation Technician for its Moses Lake apple processing facility. This mid/swing/night shift role will handle daily sanitation of the facility and machinery to minimize food safety risks in accordance with regulations.

Responsibilities include cleaning of processing equipment, maintaining GMP compliance, performing quality checks, and supporting safety programs to uphold a strong food safety culture.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required/preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in food processing sanitation.
• 2+ years’ experience in a ready-to-eat (RTE) food manufacturing environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with Global Harmonized System/SDS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Scrub, clean, and sanitize all processing machinery and facility daily after production.
• Ensure all areas (Sizing/Grading, Slice rooms, Packaging) stay at high sanitation levels.
• Follow GMPs and Food Safety policies.
• Perform strength analysis on soaps and sanitizers used in sanitation.
• Document quality checks per company policies and procedures.
• Support Plant Quality and Safety Programs and Food Safety culture.
• Maintain and improve sanitation programs and audit readiness.
• Cross-train on all sanitation responsibilities as needed.
• Report repairs to the Supervisor promptly and propose program improvements.

Skills

English proficiency

Independent work

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Adaptability

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

Okanagan Specialty Fruits, LLC. (OSF) is seeking a Sanitation Technician for its Moses Lake apple processing facility. This position is a mid/swing/night shift and isresponsible for completing daily sanitizing of the facility and machinery according to food safety regulations to minimize potential food safety risks.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for scrubbing, cleaning, and sanitizing of all processing machinery and facility daily after production runs.
• Responsible for ensuring that all areas (Sizing/Grading, Slice rooms, Packaging, etc.) of the site are maintained at high sanitation levels.
• Strictly Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety Policies
• Perform strength analysis on soaps and sanitizers used in the sanitation process.
• Responsible for conducting and documenting quality checks as required by company’s policies and procedures.
• Support Plant Quality and Safety Programs
• Support and promote a strong Food Safety Culture
• Participate in, improve, and maintain Food Safety & Sanitation activities at the site.
• Ensure all scheduled cleaning processes are completed correctly, legibly and in a timely manner.
• Validate sanitation effectiveness with visual inspection, swab performance (ATP, Microbial, Allergen), and chemical concentrations for program compliance.
• Be willing and able to cross-train on all sanitation responsibilities.
• Ensure sanitation chemicals, supplies, and tools are stocked and available.
• Assist in maintaining Master Sanitation Schedule to ensure that it is always in an “audit ready” state.
• Report any repairs necessary to the facility to your Supervisor immediately upon finding.
• Recommend improvements to the Sanitation Program, Environmental Program, Pest Control Program, and programs as appropriate.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Sanitation Supervisor or Manager in their absence.

DESIRED KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrate thehighest ethical standards, reliability and trustworthiness
  • Working Independently or collaboratively
  • Self-sufficient and responsible for accuracy and completeness.
• Physically fit as this position requires a lot of movement consistently for 6-8 hours ~ bending, twisting, kneeling, scrubbing, climbing & reaching...
• Capable of working extended hours in cold (refrigerated temperatures) and wet environments.
• The ability to read, write, understand, and speak English.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• The ability to recognize and comply with hygiene factors according to set procedures.
• The ability to complete all required quality and food safety training within a set timeframe.
• The ability to remain positive and adapt to change
• The ability to work with and around industrial cleaning chemicals on a daily basis

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent Preferred
• 2+ years’ experience in a food processing sanitation position is desired.
• 2+ years’ experience in a RTE foodmanufacturing environment is a plus.
• Familiarity with Global Harmonized System/SDS Preferred

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• Must have the ability meet the requirements of a flexible work schedule of 32-40 hours a week, that could include earlier or later start times, weekends, holidays and required OT. Swing or Night Shift.
• The ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• The ability to stand, walk, reach, and move for long periods of time.
• The ability to stand, walk, ascend, and descend stairs.
• The ability to work in varying working climates, i.e., temperatures may vary from very hot to very cold, wet/damp.
• Exposure to loud noises.
• Mandatory use of safety equipment and PPE may include but will not be limited to protective clothing, eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, and safety shoes.

GMP & FOOD SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires compliance with all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and food safety policies.
• Employees must follow all sanitation, hygiene, and PPE requirements.
• Visible body piercings, jewelry, and any other prohibited personal items are not allowed on the production floor to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.