Sanitation Technician

Company Summary: At Häns Kissle, we strive to deliver the simple goodness of home in every bite. Founded in 1984, Häns Kissle began as the regional commissary for a small, high-end grocery chain in New England, crafting fresh, upscale prepared foods and deli salads. Today, we have two manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts and North Carolina.

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Production Supervisor, the Day Shift Sanitation Technician is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing equipment parts, supporting production changeovers, and completing assigned sanitation activities throughout the facility. This position works closely with Production, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, and Sanitation to support food safety, allergen control, and operational readiness.

The employee must safely handle sanitation chemicals, wear all required personal protective equipment, and follow all company sanitation, food safety, and safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Perform cleaning and sanitizing equipment parts and components used in production operations. Conduct cleaning and sanitation activities during product and allergen changeovers. Clean and sanitize mixers, fillers, pumps, transfer equipment, and other production parts and equipment as assigned. Safely handle and use approved sanitation chemicals in accordance with company procedures, chemical labels, and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Assist with cleaning and sanitizing production rooms after Production employees have removed equipment, ingredients, racks, and other materials. Clean and sanitize empty spice bins, ingredient bins, and related containers as assigned. Assist with floor cleaning, drain cleaning, and general sanitation activities when time permits.

Complete cleaning records accurately and on time. Identify and report food safety, quality, equipment, chemical, or employee safety concerns to the Sanitation Supervisor. Maintain sanitation tools, equipment, and work areas in clean and organized conditions. Assist Quality Assurance personnel with sanitation inspection and verification activities.

Perform other assigned duties as required. Safety and Personal Protective Equipment Requirements: Successfully complete all required company chemical safety and sanitation training before independently handling sanitation chemicals. Wear all company-issued PPE required for chemical handling and sanitation activities, including chemical-resistant boots, chemical-resistant gloves, a chemical-resistant apron, rain suit or equivalent protective clothing, and a face shield and/or chemical safety goggles.

Wear any additional PPE required by the chemical label, SDS, task-specific risk assessment, or company policy. Inspect PPE before use and immediately report damaged or missing PPE to supervision. Follow Lockout/Tagout requirements and all other company safety procedures when applicable. Immediately report chemical spills, unsafe conditions, injuries, or exposure concerns to supervision.

Food Safety and Quality Responsibilities: Follow all Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), allergen-control procedures, HACCP requirements, SQF policies, and applicable OSHA, USDA and FDA requirements. Prevent cross-contamination by maintaining separation and control of cleaned parts, sanitation tools, chemicals, and production materials.

Complete cleaning activities according to the assigned procedure and notify supervision when the required cleaning cannot be completed as written. Immediately report food safety, quality, sanitation, or regulatory concerns.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED preferred. 1-3 years of previous sanitation, production, or food manufacturing experience. Ability to safely work with sanitation chemicals, hot water, hoses, and cleaning equipment. Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, SSOPs, chemical labels, and safety procedures.

Ability to work independently and cooperatively with Production, Sanitation, and Quality Assurance personnel. Ability to communicate effectively and escalate concerns promptly. Bilingual English and Spanish skills is a plus. Physical Requirements: Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently bend, reach, kneel, push, pull, and climb as required by assigned tasks.

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to work in wet conditions and in production environments with varying temperatures. Ability to wear required chemical-resistant PPE for extended periods. Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, or overtime, as business needs require. Page Break