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Sanitation – Food Plant Jobs in Canada

Sector: Agriculture & Food Processing · Typical pay (gross): 18–27 CAD/hour · Typical locations: Ontario (Toronto/GTA), Alberta (Calgary/Edmonton), British Columbia (Vancouver)

CV REQUIRED: candidates without a CV are not considered. Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html.
Last updated: —
Pay shown: gross (brutto)
Page: /sanitation-food-plant.html
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Quick facts

What most candidates want to know first

Gross pay: 18–27 CAD/h Shift work common evenings/nights PPE required Food safety & hygiene standards
Typical setting: food manufacturing plants where sanitation is a “production-critical” function. A missed sanitation step can stop the line the next day—this is why reliable sanitation teams are consistently in demand.

Why this role matters

A practical hiring story (not boilerplate)

In Canadian food plants, sanitation is not “just cleaning.” It is part of how facilities protect product quality, control allergens, and meet internal audits. Employers often build sanitation crews around: dependable attendance, safe chemical handling, and the ability to follow standardized cleaning steps consistently.

This page describes a typical sanitation role in Canadian food plants. Exact duties vary by site, product type, and shift.

Day-to-day tasks

What sanitation teams actually do on shift

Equipment & production areas

  • Clean and sanitize equipment surfaces, guards, conveyors, and work areas (per site procedures).
  • Perform changeover cleaning and allergen control steps where required.
  • Remove debris, rinse, apply foam/sanitizer, and verify completion (method depends on product line).
  • Clean floors, drains, and high-traffic zones to reduce slip hazards and contamination risk.

Chemicals, tools, and documentation

  • Handle approved cleaning chemicals safely (dilution, contact time, labeling, storage).
  • Use typical tools: foamer, squeegees, brushes, pressure washer, hoses, and basic hand tools.
  • Follow lockout/tagout or equipment isolation rules when applicable (site-led training).
  • Complete checklists or sign-offs (basic documentation is common in food plants).

The exact cleaning method depends on the facility (wet wash vs. dry clean zones, product type, and shift schedule).

Requirements & certifications

Clear expectations without overpromising

Must-have (typical)

  • Reliable attendance and the ability to follow step-by-step sanitation procedures.
  • Basic English for safety and team communication (A2+ recommended).
  • Comfort working in wet environments, cool rooms, or strong odors (varies by plant).
  • Ability to stand, bend, lift and move equipment/hoses as required by the site.

Nice-to-have

  • Previous industrial sanitation or food production experience.
  • Food safety/hygiene training (e.g., Food Handler-style knowledge) or WHMIS-style chemical awareness (site dependent).
  • Experience with foam cleaning, pressure washing, CIP, or detailed changeover cleaning.
Reality check: Some employers prioritize trainability and consistency over long experience, especially for entry-level sanitation.

Pay, overtime, and what affects your hourly rate (gross)

Transparent ranges for Canada (brutto)

Typical gross pay for sanitation roles in food plants is 18–27 CAD/hour. Entry-level roles often start closer to the lower end, while experienced sanitation (equipment-heavy lines, lead/relief duties, or specialized sanitation) can reach the upper end.

  • Province & site: major metro areas and certain plants may pay higher due to labor demand.
  • Shift premium: evenings/nights may include a premium (policy depends on employer).
  • Overtime: rules vary by province and employer policy; many sites pay overtime after a threshold of hours per week/day.
  • Union / non-union: in some environments, agreements can influence rates and premiums.

This page shows indicative gross pay only. Net pay depends on taxes and statutory deductions in Canada, and any site-specific deductions where applicable.

Work conditions in Canadian plants

What candidates should expect on site

  • Shifts: sanitation is often scheduled after production (late afternoon, evening, or night). Rotations are possible.
  • PPE: safety boots, gloves, eye/face protection, and waterproof gear are common requirements.
  • Safety: sites typically enforce safe chemical handling, slip prevention, and equipment isolation procedures.
  • Probation: many employers apply a probation period; performance and reliability matter early.
  • Accommodation/travel: depends on project and employer; do not assume it is included.
Good to know: sanitation work can be physically demanding and time-sensitive. The best performers keep a steady pace while staying compliant with safety rules.

Documents for legal work in Canada (general)

High-level guidance (no external links)

  • Eligibility to work: you must have the legal right to work in Canada (e.g., an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit).
  • Identity documents: valid ID/travel document as required by law and employer onboarding.
  • Social Insurance Number (SIN): required for payroll (arranged after eligibility is confirmed, per standard practice).
  • Checks: some employers may request background checks or site clearances depending on facility rules.

Employers set their own hiring and compliance policies. This page does not promise sponsorship, permits, or placements.

Candidate portrait

Fast self-check before you apply

You are a good fit if you…

  • can follow a cleaning sequence consistently (even when the shift is busy).
  • take safety seriously around chemicals, hoses, and wet floors.
  • are comfortable with evening/night work and stable routines.
  • keep a steady pace and finish tasks to standard, not “almost done.”
  • communicate simply and clearly with supervisors and teammates.
  • are okay with repetitive work and detailed checklists.

This role is not for you if you…

  • avoid physically active work or standing for long periods.
  • dislike strict procedures or being audited against a standard.
  • are not comfortable around cleaning chemicals and strong odors.
  • cannot commit to reliable attendance for shift-based work.

How to apply (CV required)

Short, practical steps

  1. Create or upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
  2. Add your experience (industrial cleaning, food production, sanitation), shift availability, and preferred locations.
  3. Submit your application — we contact shortlisted candidates.

Include any hygiene/safety training and a clear list of tools or cleaning systems you have used (even basic).

Related roles in Agriculture & Food Processing

Internal links to similar vacancies

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FAQ

Is a CV required for sanitation jobs?

Yes. Candidates without a CV are not considered. Please create or upload your CV before applying.

Is the pay shown net or gross?

All pay ranges on this page are shown as gross (brutto) hourly. Net pay depends on taxes and statutory deductions in Canada.

Do sanitation roles usually require night shifts?

Often, yes. Many food plants schedule sanitation after production, which can mean evenings or nights. Exact schedules depend on the site.

What tools or systems are common in food-plant sanitation?

Facilities commonly use foam cleaning, rinsing, sanitizing steps, and documented checklists. Tools can include hoses, foamers, brushes, and pressure washers.

Do I need special certificates?

Not always. Some employers provide site training. Any hygiene, safety, or chemical-handling knowledge is a plus, and requirements vary by employer and province.

What documents are needed for legal work in Canada?

You must have the legal right to work in Canada (work permit type varies), plus standard onboarding documents. Some employers may request additional checks depending on the facility.