Garbage Collector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Production Areas:

• Performs all daily duties as stated in the Master Sanitation Schedule:
• Cleans and sanitizes all common areas such as hallways, lockers, locker areas, sanitation rooms, dust collector rooms, drains, docking areas, ovens, ceiling vents and tiles
• Deep cleaning of production work stations as requested
• Removal and disposal of trash and cleaning of garbage bins
• Assist production personnel with changeovers and workstation cleaning.
• Operates the following equipment to assist with sanitation:
• Electric pallet jack, forklift and man-lift to assist in performing the sanitation duties
• Floor scrubbers, power washers and  explosion proof vacuums
• Dust collectors
• Checks Soap Titrations and water temperature in tote washers.
• Refills soap, sanitizers, paper towels, and other personal protective equipment.
• Assists with continuous improvement by Identifying opportunities for quality and sanitation.  
• Performs sanitation related tasks including but not limited to scrubbing, mopping of the floors, walls and equipment; removing trash; using the proper chemicals / equipment and all other related duties as assigned.
• Operates electric pallet jack, forklift and man-lift to assist in performing sanitation duties.
• Completes daily task documentation as required.
• Reports all repairs and maintenance issues throughout the facility in a timely manner.
• Supports Production and Quality teams through sanitation efforts and initiatives.
• Complies with safety, cGMP, SOP and SQF requirements. 

Warehouse and Non-Production Areas:

• Performs all daily duties as stated in the cleaning schedule

• Cleans and sanitizes all common areas such as cafeteria, offices, restrooms, entrances, stairwells, lockers, conference rooms.
• Washes walls, ceiling, and woodwork; washes windows, door panels, and sills.
• Cleans washrooms, including sinks, toilets, and floors. Replenishes bathroom supplies.
• Cleans warehouse areas including loading docks, rails, racks, restrooms and offices.
• Deep cleaning of offices, hallways, and other common areas.
• Removal and disposal of trash and cleaning of garbage bins.

• Operates the following equipment to assist with sanitation
• Electric pallet jack, forklift and man-lift to assist in performing the sanitation duties
• Floor scrubbers, power washers and vacuums
• Refills soap and sanitizers.
• Assists with continuous improvement by Identifying opportunities for quality and sanitation.  
• Performs sanitation related tasks including but not limited to scrubbing, mopping of the floors, walls and equipment; vacuuming, removing trash; using the proper chemicals / equipment and all other related duties as assigned.
• Operates electric pallet jack, forklift and man-lift to assist in performing the sanitation duties.
• Completes daily documentation as required.
• Reports all repairs and maintenance issues throughout the facility.
• Supports Production and Quality teams through sanitation efforts and initiatives.

• Complies with safety, cGMP, SOP and SQF requirements. 

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT

Supports a culture of safe production and exhibits safe work practices. Actively participates in the safety program by engaging in safety activities.    Effectively provides and accepts constructive peer-to-peer feedback on safety performance.  Adheres to policies, procedures, SOP’s, safe work practices, and safety policies and procedures.   Reports ALL workplace incidents to supervisor immediately.   Communicates concerns to supervisor, reports hazards, and provides input on prevention.   Properly uses, wears, and stores Personal Protective Equipment when required.    Participates on safety teams and/or completes safety-related activities as part of regular job responsibilities. 

PERFORMANCE ABILITY

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Experience in manufacturing sanitation environment, preferably food or pharmaceuticals helpful. 
• Prior forklift experience preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as MSDS sheets, safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals (S.O.P.). Ability to fill out sanitation/production paperwork accurately.    Good verbal communication skills required.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Basic computer and data entry skills required. 
• Ability to operate various types of powered industrial equipment (electric pallet jack, forklift and man ) required.
• Good attention to detail skills required.   
• Exhibits strong teamwork skills; possesses a good, “can do” attitude; collaborates with others; works in a fast-paced environment while following all company policies and procedures, including all safety policies; and exhibits flexibility and willingness to learn new tasks, change tasks and work in different areas as needed.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and/or walk; ascend and/or descend stairs; and reach with hands and arms, including overhead reaching and horizontally on a ladder (up to 10 feet); bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee will be required to use a lift truck, with a height of up to 20 feet. 

The employee must regularly lift, move (in some cases drag items), slide, raise and/or place:

• Up to 30 lb. force for up to 25 feet and then pull to original position.
• Up to 33 lbs. from 5 inches off ground and raise to 47 inches and then return 33 lbs. to original position.
• Up to 50 lbs. for 3 feet at waist level; lift bag/box onto side and return to original position.
• Up to 60 lbs. from 31 inch high shelf and 2-hand carry for up to 5 ft. and then return 60 lbs. to 31 inch surface.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts. The employee is frequently exposed to herbal aromas, dust, and/or airborne particles, some classified as allergens or irritants. 

This position works in all areas of NOW’s manufacturing facilities with direct exposure to ingredients (powders and liquids), mixes (powders and liquids), equipment, and packaging.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud, and in some areas where louder hearing protection is required.

2025 BENEFITS AT A GLANCE