Sanitation Technician at Catallia Mexican Foods in Eagan, MN

Catallia Mexican Foods is looking for an experienced Sanitation Technician with expertise in food manufacturing to join our team!

1st Shift Hours: Monday (4:00 a.m.- 2:30 pm) / Thursday - Saturday (6:00 am - 3:30 p.m.) / Sunday (6:00 am - 4:30 p.m.) / Off Days: Tuesday & Wednesday

2nd Shift Hours: Monday - Wednesday (2:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.) / Saturday 6:00 am - 3:30 p.m. / Sunday 6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / Off Days: Thursday & Friday

3rd Shift Hours: Wednesday - Friday (10:00 p.m.- 6:30 am ) / Saturday 6:00 am - 3:30 p.m. / Sunday 6:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. / Off Days: Monday & Tuesday

Position Overview

The Sanitation Technician is responsible for cleaning and sanitizing industrial food manufacturing equipment, high-speed production lines, and processing areas within a tortilla manufacturing facility. This hands-on role is critical to maintaining food safety, product quality, and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation procedures, and SSOPs (Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures).

Working closely with Production, Quality, and Maintenance, the Sanitation Technician performs detailed cleaning and sanitizing of production equipment, conveyors, mixers, and other food-processing machinery to prevent cross-contamination and ensure equipment is ready for safe production. Responsibilities include safely handling and applying industrial cleaning chemicals, disassembling and reassembling equipment as required for sanitation, and following established procedures for chemical use, equipment cleaning, and sanitation verification.

This position requires previous experience in food manufacturing, industrial sanitation, or a similar production environment; the ability to safely lift and handle materials weighing 50–70 pounds or more as required; and the ability to perform physically demanding work in an active manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate understands the importance of thorough sanitation, chemical safety, attention to detail, and consistent adherence to food safety standards. This is an essential, hands-on production support role—not a traditional janitorial or office-cleaning position.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

• Follow company safety policies, including:
  1. Utilize appropriate company-provided PPE for assigned tasks, including dust masks, face shields, safety glasses, gloves, chemical-resistant boots, and foaming suits.
  2. Understand and follow the proper use of all cleaning chemicals, supplies, and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
  3. Perform lockout/tagout duties as required.
• Ensure the entire facility, including the production plant, offices, employee areas, and company grounds, is maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition.
• Participate in the teardown, cleaning, sanitizing, and reassembly of production equipment and work areas throughout the facility.
• Disassemble and reassemble equipment as needed to ensure all food-contact surfaces and hard-to-reach areas are properly cleaned and sanitized.
• Clean and sanitize production equipment, conveyors, mixers, ovens, packaging equipment, floors, drains, walls, and other designated areas.
• Follow established Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), GMPs, and food safety requirements.
• Perform pre-operational inspections to verify equipment and production areas meet sanitation standards before production begins.
• Safely operate sanitation equipment, including pressure washers, hoses, and other cleaning tools.
• Work with a variety of cleaning chemicals while following proper dilution, handling, and storage procedures.
• Observe and report unsanitary practices, conditions, equipment concerns, leaks, or other issues that could impact food safety or sanitation.
• Communicate with Production and Maintenance regarding sanitation concerns, equipment conditions, and repairs needed.
• Complete required sanitation records, checklists, and documentation accurately.
• Complete cleaning and sanitation activities within established production downtime schedules to ensure equipment is ready for startup.
• Assist with deep-cleaning activities and scheduled sanitation projects throughout the facility.

Additional Responsibilities

• Actively participate in Food Safety and Food Defense related activities.
• Promote GMP’s and food safety policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as directed.

Basic Qualifications

• Must be willing and able to safely operate various tools and equipment, including compressed air, scrapers, and knives.
• Must be available to work weekends as required, including during peak season from June through September.
• Must understand and follow safe chemical handling practices and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Must be able to work with a variety of cleaning and sanitation chemicals.
• Must be willing and able to work irregular and/or rotating shifts.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift to 50 lbs. and stack and/or carry pans, ingredient containers, and related items.
• Must be comfortable working at elevated heights as required by the position.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and bend throughout the assigned shift.
• Must be comfortable working in a loud and fast-paced environment.
• Must be comfortable performing repetitive movements and tasks.
• Must be able to take direction and work with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work cooperatively with other teammates.
• Must be able to maintain the required production pace.
• Must be comfortable working in a hot environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability and willingness to complete tasks with detail and accuracy.
• Ability and willingness to work in a safe manner.
• Food manufacturing sanitation experience.
• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Ability to work alone or in teams.
• Ability to work at a fast pace.
• Self-motivated.
• Focus on quality.
• Flexibility.
• Integrity.

Position Backup

• Absences covered by other Sanitation Technicians as assigned by the Sanitation Supervisor