Operator Basket Washer

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

Job Summary The Bakery Basket Washer Operator is responsible for operating industrial tray and basket washing equipment to ensure a continuous supply of clean, dry baskets for daily production and dispatch operations. This role focuses on running the mechanical washer, drying baskets, sorting damaged or non-standard crates, and maintaining high standards of housekeeping around the washing area.

Key Responsibilities

Washer Operation: Load, operate, and unload the automated basket/crate washing machine continuously during the shift to maintain production flow.

Basket Drying: Utilize high-speed air knives and floor/inline fans to ensure baskets are thoroughly dried before being stacked or sent to packing lines.

Sorting & Segregation: Inspect incoming baskets and systematically sort out:

Damaged or broken baskets requiring repair/disposal.

Extremely dirty or uncured baskets requiring manual pre-scrubbing.

Competitor or third-party crates to prevent mixing with factory stock.

Housekeeping & Area Safety: Maintain a clean, safe, and organized washing station by removing excess water, sweeping debris, and preventing slip hazards in the wash bay.

Storage & Staging: Neatly stack and organize clean, dry baskets into designated staging areas, ensuring easy access for production and dispatch teams.

Equipment Care: Perform basic pre-start checks, routinely clean filter screens and catch trays, and promptly report mechanical jams or faults to maintenance.

Key Requirements

Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks, including lifting, bending, and stacking crates up to standard operational height.

Strong visual attention to detail for efficient crate sorting and defect detection.

Comfort working in a wet, noisy, and fast-paced operational environment.

In accordance with the employment equity plan of Tiger Brands and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups.