JOB OVERVIEW
The Plant Sanitarian oversees all sanitation operations, ensuring compliance with food safety, sanitation, workplace safety, and company policies. This role leads and develops sanitation supervisors and staff through hiring, training, coaching, performance management, and employee development. The position is responsible for planning and coordinating sanitation activities, managing schedules and budgets, maintaining regulatory and documentation requirements, and ensuring effective cleaning and environmental monitoring programs.
About Our Company
PNW Veg Co LLC dba NORPAC is part of the OPC Family of Companies. OPC is family owned and headquartered in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of the United States. We started over 50 years ago as a small family farm and have been blessed to grow significantly with our farm fresh quality and the care we show our customers. At NORPAC, we produce fresh, high-quality, locally harvested and processed fruits & vegetables, all while maintaining a small environmental footprint. Safety of our employees and food are our #1 priorities. Our facility is approximately 784,000 square feet under roof, and includes processing lines for six varieties of fruits and vegetables, two cold storage facilities, an aseptic line, and a packaging facility.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Key responsibilities include supervising sanitation staff, evaluating sanitation effectiveness, overseeing microbiological and allergen verification programs, managing sanitation supplies and equipment, coordinating with cross-functional departments, and driving continuous improvement in sanitation processes, efficiency, and food safety performance. The Plant Sanitarian serves as an active member of food safety, HACCP, safety, and sustainability committees while supporting operational excellence throughout the facility.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- One (1) year of sanitation or quality experience in an industrial environment.
- Two (2) years of experience in a supervisory or lead role.
- Strong sanitation knowledge and skills.
- Strong quality knowledge and skills.
- HACCP and PCQI certified, or ability to become certified within two (2) months of hire
- Proficient leadership, team building, and motivational skills.
- Efficient and effective teaching and training skills.
- Optimistic attitude and driven mind set to continuously improve department objectives.
- Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
- Effective verbal and written English communication skills.
- Ability and willingness to work extended hours and weekends.
- Satisfactory results from a pre-employment background check, motor vehicle check, and drug screen.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's of Science in Environmental Health, Environmental Science, Biology, Public Health, or a related field.
- Experience as or similar to an environmental health specialist.
- Understanding of microbiology and food microbiological pathogens preferred.
- Experience working in a food processing facility.
- Bilingual English/Spanish.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work Environment: Regular exposure to wet, humid, hot, or cold conditions depending on clean-up areas such as refrigerated areas, high temperature processing areas, and outdoor locations. Aspects of work will take place in areas with high noise levels, moving mechanical equipment, forklifts, steam lines, chemicals, and various systems. Requires strict adherence to all food safety, GMP, and sanitary design standards. Requires wearing PPE—including hairnets or beardnets and a hardhat—along with any additional protective equipment necessary for specific tasks. Will also involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions during facility inspections, maintenance activities, or oversight of contractor work.
Physical Demands: Frequently requires standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing stairs. May occasionally require climbing ladders. Must be able to move throughout a large industrial food processing facility, including production floors, mechanical rooms, rooftops, utility areas, and areas with uneven terrain. Requires the ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds and to use tools, components, and equipment that require manual dexterity and precise hand–eye coordination. Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus, and the individual must be able to hear alarms, equipment sounds, radio communication, and other auditory signals in a loud environment. Requires the ability to remain on one’s feet for extended periods. Occasionally requires performance of physical tasks, including on- and off-shift or irregular hours during peak seasons or emergency situations.
Mental Demands: Work requires strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills. Work involves frequent interruptions, and interaction with internal teams and external stakeholders. Must manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and maintain composure when handling complaints or urgent requests. Occasional stress may occur when managing urgent requests or deescalating concerns.
Communication Requirements: Frequent interaction with internal teams and external customers via email and phone. Must demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Work Schedule: Will require evening, weekend, and some holiday work, and extended hours during production peaks or emergency situations. On call responsibilities may be required for urgent needs.
Safety & Hazard Exposure: Regular exposure to hazards typical of an industrial environment, including electrical systems, rotating equipment, pressurized vessels, heights, and chemical handling. Strict adherence to safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and PPE requirements is essential.
BENEFITS
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Long-term disability
- Flexible spending account (health and dependent care)
- EAP
- Sick and vacation time
Pay: $30.00 - $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Safety equipment provided
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Salem, OR 97305 (Required)
Work Location: In person
