Operator Basket Washer - Pretoria

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.

End Date: August 23, 2026