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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Sanitation Technician

💰 $35,000 - $60,000

Facilities ManagementFood & Beverage ManufacturingHospitalityHealthcarePharmaceutical

🎯 Role Definition

A Sanitation Technician is a cornerstone of any operation where cleanliness, hygiene, and safety are paramount. This role is far more than just cleaning; it's about systematically ensuring that facilities and equipment meet stringent regulatory and internal standards. Sanitation Technicians are the front line of defense against contamination, playing a critical part in product quality, consumer safety, and brand reputation, particularly in industries like food and beverage manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. They are meticulous, procedure-driven professionals who understand the science behind sanitation and are committed to upholding the highest standards of operational excellence.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • General Laborer or Production Associate
  • Janitor or Custodian
  • Warehouse Worker

Advancement To:

  • Sanitation Lead or Team Coordinator
  • Sanitation Supervisor or Manager
  • Quality Assurance (QA) Technician

Lateral Moves:

  • Maintenance Technician
  • Quality Control (QC) Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute detailed sanitation procedures by completely disassembling, cleaning, sanitizing, and reassembling complex processing and packaging equipment to ensure it is free from contaminants.
  • Accurately measure, titrate, and mix industrial-strength cleaning agents and sanitizing chemicals, strictly following safety protocols and procedural guidelines.
  • Operate and monitor automated Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) and manual Cleaning-Out-of-Place (COP) systems to effectively clean tanks, pipelines, and machinery parts.
  • Conduct thorough pre-operational inspections of equipment and production lines, verifying cleanliness and readiness before manufacturing processes begin.
  • Meticulously document all sanitation activities, cleaning cycles, and inspection results in daily logs and master sanitation schedules to ensure audit readiness and traceability.
  • Adhere rigorously to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), company policies, and food safety standards such as HACCP and SQF to maintain a compliant environment.
  • Perform heavy-duty cleaning of the facility's infrastructure, including scrubbing floors, washing walls, cleaning ceilings, and sanitizing drains using powered industrial equipment.
  • Manage the collection, segregation, and disposal of waste, recyclables, and hazardous materials according to environmental regulations and company procedures.
  • Strictly follow all safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures when working on equipment, and consistently use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Perform environmental microbiological testing, such as ATP and allergen swabbing, on equipment and surfaces to validate the effectiveness of sanitation processes.
  • Maintain all sanitation equipment, such as foamers, pressure washers, and floor scrubbers, in good working order by performing routine checks and minor preventative maintenance.
  • Identify and report any equipment damage, maintenance needs, or potential food safety risks to the Sanitation Supervisor or Maintenance department for prompt resolution.
  • Train new sanitation team members on standard operating procedures (SSOPs), chemical handling, and safety protocols to ensure team-wide consistency and competence.
  • Safely handle and work with a variety of corrosive chemicals and cleaning agents, demonstrating a full understanding of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  • Operate powered industrial cleaning equipment, including high-pressure washers, automated floor scrubbers, and scissor lifts, to clean hard-to-reach areas.
  • Ensure all sanitation activities and the facility environment consistently meet or exceed standards set by regulatory bodies like the FDA, USDA, and OSHA.
  • Diligently follow and complete all assigned tasks on the Master Sanitation Schedule (MSS) within the designated timeframes to prevent microbial harborage.
  • Verify the effectiveness of cleaning through detailed visual inspections and, where applicable, analytical testing to confirm the absence of physical, chemical, or microbial residues.
  • Participate actively in continuous improvement projects aimed at optimizing sanitation efficiency, reducing chemical and water usage, and enhancing safety.
  • Collaborate closely with the Production and Quality Assurance departments to coordinate sanitation schedules and minimize operational downtime.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with the inventory management of cleaning supplies and chemicals, notifying supervisors when stock levels are low.
  • Support the maintenance team with minor equipment adjustments or repairs discovered during the sanitation process.
  • Participate in internal, third-party, and regulatory audits by providing accurate documentation and explaining sanitation procedures.
  • Assist production teams during line changeovers by ensuring equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized for the next product run.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Chemical Handling & Titration: Deep understanding of sanitation chemicals, their proper application, dilution rates, and safety protocols (SDS).
  • Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating industrial cleaning equipment, including high-pressure washers, foamers, and automated floor scrubbers.
  • Sanitation Systems Knowledge: Experience with Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) and Cleaning-Out-of-Place (COP) systems and methodologies.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Strong knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP principles, and GFSI standards (like SQF or BRC).
  • Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): Certified or trained in LOTO procedures to ensure safety when servicing or cleaning machinery.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to disassemble and reassemble complex production equipment correctly and efficiently.
    -Documentation: Skill in accurately completing sanitation logs, pre-op inspection forms, and other required records.
  • SSOP Adherence: Ability to read, understand, and strictly follow detailed Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs).
  • Microbiological Swabbing: Experience with environmental monitoring techniques like ATP testing, allergen swabbing, or microbial swabbing.
  • Troubleshooting: Ability to identify the root cause of sanitation failures and suggest corrective actions.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Extremely meticulous and thorough in all cleaning and inspection tasks.
  • Time Management: Ability to work efficiently and complete tasks within tight deadlines, especially in fast-paced production environments.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying potential issues and finding effective solutions.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: Works well with others, including fellow technicians, production staff, and supervisors.
  • Adaptability: Flexible to work various shifts (often overnight), weekends, and overtime as needed, and can adapt to changing priorities.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, self-motivated, and committed to performing high-quality work with minimal supervision.
  • Safety Consciousness: A strong, unwavering commitment to personal and team safety at all times.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational training or certification in Food Safety, Sanitation, or a related industrial field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Food Science
  • Industrial Maintenance

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years of experience in a sanitation, custodial, or production role.

Preferred: 1+ years of sanitation experience specifically within a food manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or similarly regulated environment is highly desirable.

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