Sanitation Associate
Location: Elk Grove Pay: $24+ Shift; Night shift - 8-9pm start - 7am Job DescriptionThe Sanitation Associate is responsible for thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing all production equipment and facility infrastructure in a food manufacturing environment, while strictly following safety, food safety, and sanitation procedures. This role disassembles and reassembles plant equipment, protects sensitive components during cleaning, and uses sanitation chemicals and cleaning equipment in compliance with regulatory standards. The Sanitation Associate works closely with the production and maintenance teams to maintain a clean, safe, and compliant facility that supports efficient food production operations.Responsibilities
- Perform all tasks in strict accordance with Safety and Food Safety Standards, consistently promoting a culture of safety.
- Participate in safety training programs and actively contribute ideas and feedback to support safety initiatives.
- Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies related to food safety, sanitation, and environmental regulations, including SQF, GMP, HACCP, OSHA, Food Fraud/Defense, Allergens, Organic, and Gluten Free standards.
- Learn and apply proper cleaning methods for different types of machinery, including understanding which chemicals to use for each cleaning task.
- Rotate cleaning areas daily to ensure all equipment and zones receive thorough and consistent sanitation.
- Disassemble and reassemble plant equipment as needed for deep cleaning, ensuring all components are properly cleaned and correctly reassembled.
- Cover all electronic devices, panels, and sensitive equipment with protective plastic prior to wet cleaning in production areas.
- Operate air nozzles in designated areas, using appropriate personal protective equipment such as ear protection and bump cap.
- Operate water nozzles in designated areas, using required PPE including apron, boots, and bump cap while working in washrooms or wet environments.
- Inspect all machinery and equipment after cleaning to verify they are completely clean, free of residue, and properly assembled before returning to service.
- Store all cleaning tools, equipment, and materials in their designated locations and ensure nothing is left in unauthorized or unsafe areas.
- Follow proper Lock Out/Tag Out procedures when cleaning mixers, corn and flour machines, and other equipment to ensure they are completely turned off and locked out before work begins.
- Work collaboratively with team members to clean various types of machinery efficiently and safely within required timeframes.
- Accurately weigh and record all waste generated by machines to ensure waste totals are precise and properly documented.
- Report any safety hazards to the supervisor immediately, including open electrical boxes, loose cables or wires, or any condition that could cause an accident.
- Use ladders or scissor lifts only when trained and authorized, and never climb on top of machines to perform cleaning tasks.
- Label all chemicals stored in secondary containers according to OSHA-GHS procedures to ensure proper identification and safe handling.
- Operate trash and recycling equipment safely and notify the supervisor when compactors or containers reach maximum capacity.
- Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times, including safety goggles, hairnets, apron, and boots when working in washrooms or wet areas.
- Assist with janitorial duties as needed, including cleaning restrooms, office areas, and maintaining the cleanliness of company premises.
- Use cleaning equipment and sanitation chemicals correctly and efficiently, following all regulatory guidelines and internal procedures.
- Perform sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, and general housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean and orderly production and support environment.
- Support general production, packaging, and food processing areas by ensuring they remain clean and free of debris and contamination risks.
- Drive forklifts and other industrial equipment, when authorized, to move waste, supplies, or equipment related to sanitation activities.
- Maintain reliable attendance, arrive on time for scheduled shifts, and work weekends, holidays, and off-shifts as required.
- Perform all duties in a consistent state of alertness and in a safe manner, adhering to zero-tolerance policies for drugs and alcohol.
- Comply with all food safety and third-party certification policies, including SQF, Gluten-Free, Organic, and related standards.
- Perform other sanitation, custodial, and general labor tasks as assigned to support overall plant cleanliness and operational efficiency.
Essential Skills
- 12 years of experience working in food manufacturing or similar industrial environments.
- 12 years of experience with sanitation procedures for food manufacturing equipment or comparable sanitation experience.
- Grade school education; High School Diploma or GED is a plus.
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills to understand instructions, document work, and communicate with team members and supervisors.
- Proficient math skills to weigh waste accurately and perform basic calculations.
- Proficient analytical and problem-solving skills to identify sanitation issues and determine appropriate corrective actions.
- Basic computer skills to follow digital procedures, complete training, or enter sanitation data as required.
- Ability to work effectively as an excellent team player in a fast-paced production environment.
- Self-motivation and the ability to work with little or no direct supervision while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.
- Ability to work safely and efficiently with water and chemicals for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
- Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods on hard, often wet surfaces.
- Ability to bend, stoop, crawl, reach, grasp, kneel, squat, and work in adverse and awkward positions as required for equipment cleaning.
- Ability to drive a forklift and operate industrial equipment such as pallet jacks and scissor lifts, as required by the role.
- Reliability and punctuality with flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and off-shifts as needed.
- Ability to comply with company attendance and punctuality policies.
- Ability to consistently perform essential job functions in a state of alertness and in a safe manner.
- Commitment to adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol.
- Ability to comply with all food safety and third-party certification policies, including SQF, Gluten-Free, and Organic requirements.
- Strong commitment to following safety procedures, PPE requirements, and Lock Out/Tag Out protocols.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED preferred.
- Experience in food production, packaging, or food processing environments.
- Background in janitorial, custodial, housekeeping, or industrial cleaning roles.
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and sanitation standards in manufacturing settings.
- Experience operating cleaning equipment such as hoses, nozzles, scrubbers, and sanitation tools.
- Knowledge of sanitation chemicals, their safe handling, and correct application according to regulatory guidelines.
- Experience working with or around rotating and reciprocating machinery in an industrial environment.
- Ability to maintain focus and attention to detail when disassembling and reassembling complex equipment.
- Comfort working in environments with varying temperatures, moisture, and noise levels.
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and a positive, cooperative attitude toward team-based tasks.
Why Work Here?Employees in this environment benefit from a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that supports both their professional and personal well-being. The organization offers robust medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts to help manage healthcare costs. A 401(k) savings plan with matching contributions supports long-term financial security, while life, AD&D, and disability insurance provide additional peace of mind. Team members have access to an employee assistance program and wellness programs that promote mental, physical, and financial health. The company invests in ongoing development through tuition reimbursement and student loan counseling, and encourages internal referrals with an employee referral program. Generous paid time off and additional benefits create a supportive, stable, and growth-oriented workplace where employees can build a long-term career.Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a food manufacturing facility where continual walking and standing on wet, hard surfaces is required. The work involves frequent climbing and descending of steps, as well as continual bending, kneeling, squatting, stooping, reaching, pulling, pushing, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The Sanitation Associate works around rotating and reciprocating machinery and must remain aware of moving parts and equipment at all times. The environment includes exposure to cool and hot temperatures, as well as elevated noise levels typical of production areas. The position requires regular use of industrial equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, and pallet jacks, when trained and authorized. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is mandatory and includes safety goggles, hairnets, aprons, and boots, particularly when working in washrooms or wet cleaning zones. Work is primarily performed on-site in production and washroom areas, often involving water and chemical use, with a strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and adherence to established procedures. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk Grove, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Elk Grove, CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Elk Grove,CA.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.