This position supports end-to-end agricultural production and facility operations by performing harvesting, packing, and sanitation functions to ensure product quality, food safety, and operational efficiency. The role is responsible for the safe and efficient harvesting of crops, including cleaning and sanitizing soiled gutters prior to re-seeding, operating agricultural equipment, and working in varying climate conditions to maximize yield and maintain product integrity. In addition, the position operates packaging scales, sealing equipment, and palletizes finished cases in accordance with customer specifications and production standards. The role also ensures all areas of the facility—including harvesting equipment, packaging machines, storage areas, and common spaces—are properly cleaned and sanitized to meet GFSI and food safety program requirements, performing janitorial duties as needed. This position requires flexibility, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safety, cleanliness, and quality across all stages of production. The Sanitation Technician is also responsible for performing the Janitor essential functions when needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate, disassemble, clean, reassemble, and sanitize harvesting, packaging, and processing equipment using pressure sprayers, foaming systems, CIP and COP procedures in accordance with GFSI, GMP, HACCP, and SSOP
• Establishes and maintains adequate records to track chemical Inventory and sanitation supplies.
• Use sanitation and cleaning equipment to complete other job functions including pressure sprayers, vacuums, ladders, floor scrubbers, etc.
• Measure, weigh, and mix industrial strength cleaners and chemicals, using measuring tanks, and other calibration devices.
• Notify the Sanitation Lead Person and/or Maintenance Personnel of any mechanical malfunctions or subsequent problems beyond regular operator troubleshooting capabilities.
• Assist with trash compactor operations, waste removal, and recycling activities throughout the facility.
• Know and demonstrate proper Clean In Place (CIP) and Clean Out of Place (COP) procedures.
• Complete all Quality and Sanitation paperwork required of the position.
• Perform pre-operational inspections and communicate findings to the Sanitation Lead Person.
• Assist in the training of new hires on proper SSOPs, GMPs, PPE requirements, and other Quality and/or Sanitation policies/procedures under direction of the Sanitation Lead Person.
• Perform harvesting operations, including operating and maintaining harvesting equipment, monitoring crop conditions, and reporting quality or food safety concerns to QA and management as required.
• Operate packaging equipment including conveyors, scales, sealing equipment, labeling systems, and palletizing finished product in accordance with customer specifications and production standards.
• Manage product flow through conveyors and scales to prevent backups or jams, working collaboratively with team members and rotating positions as assigned to support continuous operations.
• Verify labels, date codes, case weights, and product specifications; identify non-conforming product and take appropriate corrective action.
• Manually package sealed cartons into corrugated cases, stack finished cases onto pallets, and safely lift and carry up to 30 lbs.
• Perform the Janitor essential functions when needed.
• Expected to adhere to safe work practices, follow GMP and HACCP guidelines, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained. Report to management any conditions or practices that may adversely affect food safety, food quality or personnel safety.
• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner so that you get along with customers, clients, co-workers, and management.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to work 8+ hour shifts performing repetitive and physically demanding tasks while maintaining quality and productivity standards.
• Ability to work in refrigerated, greenhouse, and production environments, including exposure to cold, heat, humidity, height, high-intensity lighting, and varying climate conditions.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-based environment.
• Ability to follow instructions, adapt to changes in policies, procedures, and techniques, and accept constructive feedback while meeting production and quality goals.
• Commitment to safe work practices and compliance with GMP, HACCP, food safety, and quality standards.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:

• 1+ year working in production environment.
• One (1) or more years of experience in a production, manufacturing, agricultural, greenhouse, or food processing environment.
• Prior industrial sanitation experience and/or experience in regulated industries such as agriculture, food manufacturing, healthcare, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or consumer packaged goods preferred.
• Previous experience operating or working around harvesting, packaging, conveyor, or greenhouse equipment is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with sanitation procedures, gutter washing, and food safety programs is a plus.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot equipment issues and assist Maintenance as needed.
• Ability to disassemble, clean, and reassemble processing or harvesting equipment.
• Ability to read scales, verify weights, and ensure product meets customer and quality specifications.
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and ability to manage workflow to meet productivity goals.
• Effective communication skills with supervisors, QA, maintenance, and team members.
• Willingness and ability to learn and comply with Confined Space Entry, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), chemical safety, PPE, and other required safety training.
• Ability to work with cleaning chemicals and sanitizers in accordance with chemical safety training and procedures.
• Basic computer or system skills sufficient to enter production and sanitation data (e.g., RedZone) and participate in daily huddles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and balance up to 30–50 lbs. safely and repeatedly, with care when handling plants and finished product.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, climb, kneel, and perform repetitive motions throughout the shift.
• Physical stamina to perform continuous harvesting, packing, and sanitation activities for extended periods without loss of quality or safety focus.

SCHEDULE AND FLEXIBILITY:

• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends, holidays, and rotating assignments or positions as operational needs require.