USDA Sanitarian Lead

Position Summary

Under the direction of the USDA Supervisor/ Manager, the USDA Sanitarian Lead is responsible for leading sanitation activities in the USDA room, equipment and designated areas of the facility. This role ensures sanitation procedures are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with USDA regulations, company standards, and customer requirements. Assist the Supervisor/Manager in ensuring standards are met or exceeded and all personnel actions are completed in a timely manner. The Lead supports audit readiness, employee training, documentation accuracy, and daily sanitation team coordination.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and write in English and perform basic math functions.
• Ability to understand work processes, methods and use of equipment.
• Knowledge of chemical mixing process.
• Ability to lead others in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Desired Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong communication skills.
• USDA Inspection experience.
• Bilingual Spanish/English a plus.
• USDA Sanitation experience, at least 1 full year, in manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support sanitation team members to ensure work is completed safely “Safety First, on time, and to standard.
• Abide by and enforce all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs).
• Ensure all safety rules, SSOPs, and sanitation procedures are followed at all times.
• Oversee cleaning and sanitizing of the USDA room, equipment, and other assigned facility areas.
• Perform sanitation duties as set forth in Latitude 36 Foods SSOP’s and in compliance with USDA/FDA regulations and guidelines.
• Follow guidelines as set forth by Supervisor and the Manufacturer for use of cleaning equipment when performing your duties
• Test and record sanitizer strength on the log sheet outside of the room.
• Detecting and eliminating residue can affect the safety and quality of the product.
• Ability to follow lockout/tagout procedures to guarantee equipment remains turned off during cleaning labor to follow safety precaution.
• Report any mechanical problems to the supervisor.
• Verify chemical mixing, chemical concentrations, and proper use of cleaning materials.
• Ensures daily documentation paperwork is completed properly, reviewed and submitted on time.
• Ensures that production area is always “audit ready”.
• Communicate sanitation updates, revisions, and food safety requirements sanitation crew. Help monitor attendance, and other assigned personnel-related tasks.
• Assist with training new hires and support ongoing team development.
• Complete all annual training for the sanitation team.
• Maintain strong communication across departments to support production and sanitation needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned by leadership.

Physical Requirements

• Work area temperatures are between 34- and 40-degrees Fahrenheit.
• Frequent exposure to wet and humid conditions during sanitation.
• Must be able to lift and move up to 50 pounds frequently.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, twisting, lifting, climbing and moving heavy items.
• Ability to work with cleaning materials, chemicals and sanitation equipment.
• Normal visual and hearing acuity required.

Latitude 36 Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we take great pride in our diverse and talented workforce. We are looking for diversity in candidates for employment. We recognize that our continued success depends largely on the collective strengths of our associates.