Micro Sanitation Technician

Job: Micro Sanitation Technician

Shift: Days

Location: Mars Petcare (Aurora, NE)

Mars Petcare is seeking a Micro Sanitation Technician to join our exciting pet food business at a manufacturing plant in Aurora, Nebraska. We focus our attention on the unique needs of cats and dogs. That obsession with detail makes it possible for us to deliver precise, effective nutrition and help them become their magnificent best.

As part of our overall total compensation package, Mars Petcare offers a competitive benefits package to all associates: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and 401k match. Associates are also immediately eligible (based on hire date) for up to three weeks of vacation, 11 Paid Holidays per year, Sick Pay, Maternity & Parental Leave, and annual bonus earning potential, plus many other ancillary benefits not listed here.

Purpose of this Role/Summary

• Responsibility for maintaining a clean and sanitary production facility.
• This role specializes in sanitation and pest control for the entire site to provide a clean, safe, and orderly environment that exemplifies a world-class manufacturing facility.

Principle Accountabilities

• Responsible for assisting all areas in maintaining high levels of daily cleanliness and adherence to site GMPs.
• Prioritize work daily by identifying pressing issues, communicating with each operator, knowing shift production plans, and awareness of the area.
• Promote a high-quality team environment through effective teamwork and self-management with a positive attitude.
• Performs all assigned activities and job tasks within their area.
• Understands production schedules as they relate to shutdowns.
• Detailed cleaning of large areas and workspaces.
• Detailed cleaning of large pieces of manufacturing equipment
• Understanding microbiological and pest control pertains to a food manufacturing environment.
• The ability to work with all Teams at the site on Sanitation, Pest Control, and Housekeeping Projects
• The ability to work in enclosed spaces.
• The desire to work as an interactive team in a large plant setting.
• When assigned to a specific operation area, complete all duties associated with that assignment safely and efficiently.
• Perform sanitation duties as required by the Master Sanitation Schedule, with particular attention to lock-out/tag-out procedures. Complete the required documentation.
• Assist the plant to meet or exceed production goals.
• Educate others on sanitation principles.

• Receive micro training and understand the hazards of cross-contamination.
• Develop a detailed knowledge of the process flow of the plant.
• Understand traffic, airflow, and color code system.
• Every associate at Mars is responsible for achieving quality and food safety.
• Other duties and responsibilities throughout the plant as assigned by the manager.

Physical Requirements

• Must be capable of working at elevated heights.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. repetitively.
• Must not be unusually sensitive to chemicals (contact lenses not recommended).
• Vision correctable to 20/20.
• Must be able to stand on feet for long periods.
• Standing on a concrete floor
• Wearing proper personal protective equipment (hair net, bump cap, ear plugs, safety shoes, and uniform)
• Bending, stooping, twisting, turning, standing for extended periods, reaching, and climbing stairs.
• Must adapt to temperature and environmental extremes such as hot to cold, dust, dirt, and chemicals.
• Forklift assignments require OSHA certification and getting on and off frequently.
• Able to work with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent education.
• Must be willing and able to work and accept varying shifts and schedules.
• Ability to understand and effectively communicate in the English language.
• Able to work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written/verbal communication (English)
• Computer Skills
• Very Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, motivate, and work in a team environment. 
• Self-motivated
• Good working knowledge of HACCP & Food Safety.
• Excellent working knowledge of all production equipment, site layout, sanitation tool use, and preventive maintenance.
• Good working knowledge of HACCP & Food Safety

About Mars, Incorporated 

Mars is a family-owned business with over a century of history, making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN’S®, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.