Nichols Farms is one of the top processors of pistachios in the United States. For more than two decades, Nichols Farms has maintained superior quality and exceptional service in supplying pistachio and almond products to major retail and wholesale clients domestically and internationally. Nichols Farms maintains a state-of-the-art processing facility at their corporate headquarters in Hanford, California, employing over 350 employees. Join the Nichols Farms Team in their objective of continued growth. Nichols Farms possesses a strong employee-oriented environment dedicated to training and growth of team members.

The Nichols Farms Mission and Vision supports a culture of striving for mutual success of our employees, suppliers and customers through operational excellence and educational development.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Sanitation Forklift II role is a hands-on member of the Sanitation Team responsible for daily sanitation needs, as well as maintaining the plant environment and meeting mandatory sanitation requirements for machinery, equipment, and facilities in accordance with the company's policies, and OSHA regulations, and applicable laws. Responsibilities include operating a tractor for waste management, washing heavy bins, performing confined space cleaning tasks, including cleaning inside hoppers and tanks, applying pesticides and herbicides, chemical bait station maintenance for rodent control, and sorting trash at roll-off containers, along with other assigned waste management duties. Clean and sanitize plant and production equipment, handle chemicals safely, and maintain building and grounds upkeep. This role also requires operating a Forklift (sit down and stand up), scissor lift, and boom lift.

Safety Ability: Promote a "safety first" culture within the position, department, and all other departments company-wide.

Follow all safety rules (including lockout/tag out, confined space, fall protection, chemical use, and HazCom).

Quality Ability: Support training of employees in regard to GMPs and SSOPs standards by leading by example.

Continuous Improvement: Actively participate in continuous improvement teams and processes.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promote a "safety first" culture within the Sanitation department and all other departments.
• Follow all safety rules as trained and lead by example (including Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space and chemical use).
• Complete daily sanitation tasks such as (but not limited to) sanitation of equipment lines and tools.
• Support measures to continuously improve sanitation methods, equipment performance, and quality.
• Support training of employees regarding sanitation standards, GMPs, SSOPs and objectives by following procedures as trained and leading by example for new team members.
• Conduct regular inspections of equipment for wear and tear and report issues to the lead or supervisor.
• Communicate improvement opportunities to supervisor such as changes in equipment, plant layout, lighting,ventilation, or work practices to improve sanitation standards and effectiveness of the process.
• Follow updated chemical usage procedures.
• Successfully complete chemical dilutions and verifications.
• Remain informed of chemical labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) sheets and updates.
• Operate a forklift, scissor lift, boom lift, and floor scrubber & ride-on floor sweeper/tractor as assigned.
• Operate a tractor on and off campus, connecting trailers, and dumping waste.
• Washing full and half-size bins, which involves manual handling; bins weighing approximately 180 lbs. are moved using forklifts when necessary.
• Perform confined space work, including cleaning inside hoppers and cleaning tanks.
• Applying pesticides and herbicides as needed.
• Perform rodent control by monitoring and maintaining chemical bait stations.
• Separate and dump trash at roll-off containers.
• Perform waste management duties as assigned.
• Work safely with hazardous chemicals to clean and sanitize equipment.
• Required to climb ladders and must be comfortable working a variety of heights and in confined spaces.
• Will be required to work overtime and weekends based on business needs.
• Perform other tasks and special projects as assigned.

JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Safety Awareness: Ability to identify and communicate conditions that affect employee safety.
• Leadership: Ability to listen and follow directions and follow procedures as trained. Communicate and make suggestions for improvement.
• Interpersonal: Ability to effectively build working relationships.
• Team Involvement: Works effectively with teams and work groups. Actively participates in problem-solving and interacts with team and work groups to achieve team and organizational goals.
• Detail-oriented: Attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changes in the workplace.
• Time Management: Ability to utilize the available time to organize and complete work within given deadlines.
• Communication: Words and actions lead to mutual success. Maintains positive work relationships.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in Sanitation processes and procedures preferred.
• Knowledge of pest control is a plus or ability to learn concepts and practices.
• Forklift experience a plus or ability to become certified to operate a forklift, scissor lift, boom lift, tractor as needed within 30 days of hire.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand for periods of time at workstation, climb stairs, climb ladders, work in confined spaces, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception. Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated by the company.

The majority of the role is performed in a manufacturing environment which may include high levels of noise. Working conditions can include extreme cold, heat, or humidity. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employees' ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the Company reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the Company may deem appropriate.

EOE/M/F/D/V