Sanitation Worker - 1st Shift

Overview

Nichols Farms is one of the top processors/marketers of pistachios in the United States. The company maintains a state-of-the-art processing facility at its corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 400 employees. Nichols Farms emphasizes a training- and growth-oriented environment and aims for mutual success for employees, suppliers and customers through operational excellence and educational development.

Nichols Farms is positioned to continue growth as a leading supplier of pistachio and almond products to major retail and wholesale clients domestically and internationally.

The Sanitation Worker is a hands-on member of the Sanitation Team. This role is responsible for daily sanitation needs, plant environment sanitation, and mandatory sanitation requirements for machinery, equipment and facilities in accordance with company policies, OSHA regulations and applicable laws. Responsibilities include cleaning and sanitizing plant and production equipment, handling chemicals, and maintaining building and grounds upkeep.

Safety
:
Promote a safety-first culture within the position, department and company-wide. Follow all safety rules (including Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Fall Protection, chemical use and Haz Com).

Quality
:
Support training of employees regarding GMPs and SSOPs by leading by example.

Continuous Improvement
:
Actively participate in continuous improvement teams and processes.

• Promote a safety-first culture within Sanitation and all other departments. Follow all safety rules as trained and lead by example (including Lockout/Tagout, fall protection, and Confined Space).
• Complete daily sanitation tasks such as sanitation of equipment lines and tools.
• Support measures to continuously improve sanitation methods, equipment performance and quality.
• Support training of employees regarding sanitation standards, GMPs, SSOPs and objectives by following procedures and leading by example for new team members.
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment for wear and tear, reporting any issues to a lead or supervisor.
• Communicate improvement opportunities to your supervisor, such as changes in equipment, plant layout, lighting, ventilation, or work practices to improve sanitation standards and process effectiveness.
• Follow updated chemical usage procedures and successfully complete chemical dilutions and verifications.
• Keep informed of chemical labels and MSDS sheets and updates.
• Safely work with hazardous chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment.
• Climb ladders and work at various heights as required.
• Operate walk-behind floor scrubber as assigned.
• Operate pressure washer as assigned, including setup and cleanup.
• Work overtime and weekends based on business needs.
• Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment, meet deadlines and communicate effectively under pressure.

• Safety Awareness:
  Identify and communicate conditions that affect employee safety.
• Leadership:
  Listen, follow directions and procedures; communicate and suggest improvements.
• Interpersonal:
  Build effective working relationships.
• Detail-oriented:
  Prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Adaptability:
  Adapt to changes in the workplace.
• Time Management:
  Organize and complete work within deadlines.
• Communication:
  Contribute to teamwork and mutual success while fostering positive work relationships.
• Team Involvement:
  Work effectively with teams and problem-solve to achieve goals.
• Attention to detail:
  Prioritize tasks and maintain accuracy.

• Experience in sanitation processes and procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of pest control is a plus or ability to learn concepts related to sanitation.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand for periods, climb stairs, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision and depth perception.

Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company.

This role is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment, which may include high levels of noise and extreme conditions of cold, heat, or humidity. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by…