Sanitation Team Member - Pre Op

Employment Status: Non-Exempt

Department: Production

Reports To: Operations Management

Schedule: 4:00 AM - 12:30 PM / Monday - Friday (Full-time) OR 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM / Monday - Friday (Part-Time) Note: Please indicate your schedule preference when applying.

Ruby Jewel Ice Cream is home to the Northwest’s #1 ice cream sandwich, and we are seeking reliable, motivated team members to join our sanitation team. Sanitation plays a critical role in ensuring our products remain high quality, safe, and ready for daily production.

Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program including health, vision, and dental insurance, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, 401(k), front-loaded PTO, nine paid holidays (including one floating holiday), and more.

Summary

The Sanitation Team Member – Pre-Op is responsible for preparing our production facility for the day’s operations by cleaning, sanitizing, inspecting, and staging equipment. This role ensures all production lines meet food safety standards before startup and that equipment is built and configured correctly for the scheduled run. This position requires strong attention to detail, reliability, safe chemical handling, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment.

What You’ll Do

Perform pre-operational inspections of equipment and facility areas and re-clean as needed

Use ATP swabs and visual inspection to verify sanitation standards

Stage and place equipment to match the day’s production line configuration

Assemble and build production equipment including continuous freezers, enrobers, conveyors, mix systems, and related components

Clean and sanitize production equipment and tools, including:

• Manual washing of utensils, cambros, parts, and food contact surfaces
• Operating and maintaining the dishwasher, including chemical testing and monitoring
• Completing CIP (clean-in-place) procedures for tanks, transfer lines, and freezers
• Cleaning depositor lines, tunnel freezers, and surrounding equipment using sprayers, foamers, and manual methods
• Safely handle and apply sanitation chemicals including detergents, caustics, quaternary sanitizer, and peracetic acid
• Complete daily, weekly, monthly, and annual sanitation tasks per the master sanitation schedule
• Remove waste and maintain overall facility cleanliness
• Complete required sanitation and pre-op documentation accurately
• Follow and model Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) at all times
• Support production as needed during the shift, including working on the line when required
  
  

Who We’re Looking For

• Reliable team member with strong attendance as production start times depend on this role
• Detail-oriented and able to follow food safety procedures closely
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team
• Able to safely handle chemicals, tools, and production equipment
• Able to stand, walk, lift and move equipment for extended periods
• Able to lift up to 50lbs and move large equipment on casters
• Comfortable working in cold environments and around food allergens (dairy, nuts, gluten, latex)
• Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort using hand and power tools
• Able to communicate, read and write in English
• High school diploma or GED required
• Food manufacturing or sanitation experience preferred
  
  

Working Environment

This role is based in a food manufacturing facility and includes:

• Exposure to common food allergens
• Use of automated and manual production equipment
• Use of sanitation tools, pumps, hoses, and chemical applicators
• Periodic work in refrigerated or freezer environments
• Frequent standing, lifting, bending, and equipment movement
• Regular interaction with supervisors, managers, visitors, and contractors
  
  

Ruby Jewel LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment based on an individual’s race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.