We are seeking experienced Night Wash Cleaners to join our Afternoon Shift hygiene team. You will work with open plant cleaning systems (OPCS), industrial hoses, hot water, and food-grade chemicals. You will work in hot, wet, demanding conditions. You will be responsible for ensuring this facility is safe and ready for production when the morning shift arrives.
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If you have previous experience in food processing sanitation, industrial cleaning, or a similar high-standard hygiene role, this is your opportunity to join Australia’s largest meat processing employer with genuine career pathways and industry-leading benefits.
Company Overview
JBS Australia is the country’s largest and most respected meat processing company, employing over 15,000 people across more than 45 facilities nationwide . We are the Australian arm of JBS SA, the world’s largest protein producer, but our operations are deeply local. Our Townsville plant is the northernmost operation in the network, sourcing cattle from the Northern Territory, north Queensland, and the north-west, and packing into the AMH brand the most trusted name in Australian beef .
With a processing capacity of 900 head per day and approximately 500 team members on-site, this is a major regional employer and a critical link in the national food supply chain . Our hygiene team is not an afterthought. They are essential to food safety, export compliance, and the integrity of the AMH brand.
We are also proud to be recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive workforce .
Key Responsibilities
You will be part of the Afternoon Shift hygiene crew, responsible for deep-cleaning the facility post-production.
- Effectively deliver a clean area each shift to both visual and microbiological standards. This is the standard. Not “looks clean”. Tests clean.
- Operate open plant cleaning systems (OPCS), industrial hoses, hot water units, and chemical application equipment safely and efficiently.
- Take full responsibility for your issued personal protective clothing, uniforms, and equipment. These are your tools. Maintain them.
- Comply strictly with all site safety and personal hygiene standards. No shortcuts. No exceptions.
- Follow correct chemical procedures inclusive of application methods, quantities, handling, and disposal.
- Identify and report damage, safety hazards, or equipment issues prior to and during hygiene activities.
- Carry out all work with integrity and professionalism. Your output must meet required standards every shift.
- Comply with all training and procedures, including mandatory modules on health and safety, hygiene, and environmental compliance.
- Responsibly manage waste and chemical spills in a way that does not breach environmental policies.
- Report all injuries, incidents, and near misses in a timely manner.
Shift pattern:Â Afternoon Shift. Monday to Friday (production schedule). Weekend work may be required during peak periods.
Qualifications
We need people who understand that food safety starts with a clean facility. Experience is strongly preferred. Reliability is non-negotiable.
You must have:
- Previous experience in industrial cleaning, food processing sanitation, or a similar high-volume hygiene environment (highly advantageous). If you have cleaned commercial kitchens, manufacturing floors, or large-scale food facilities, you understand the pace and standard required.
- Ability to work effectively to strict deadlines and time constraints. Production starts at a fixed hour. Your work must be complete.
- Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as cooperatively within a coordinated team.
- Good verbal communication skills. You need to understand instructions, report issues, and coordinate with shift supervisors.
- Ability to work safely around hazardous chemicals, hot water, and high-pressure equipment.
- Physical capacity to work in hot, wet, humid, and physically demanding conditions for the duration of your shift.
- Legal right to work in Australia.
It is advantageous if you hold:
- Current Australian driver’s licence and reliable transport (the plant is located 12km south of Townsville; public transport is limited).
- Previous experience with open plant cleaning systems (OPCS) or similar industrial sanitation equipment.
- Certificate II or III in Food Processing (or willingness to obtain through JBS training pathways).
Benefits and Perks
JBS Australia is a global industry leader. We reward our people accordingly.
- Competitive hourly rates 34$ including applicable shift loadings and penalties for afternoon and night work.
- Heavily discounted JBS products feed your family for less with access to high-quality Australian meat at employee prices .
- Exclusive retail discounts with leading national partners across fuel, automotive, technology, travel, and lifestyle categories .
- Discounted private health insurance through our corporate partnership program .
- Ongoing leadership and career development opportunities – JBS promotes from within. Our current site managers, supervisors, and trainers started on the floor .
- Stability and scale join Australia’s largest meat processing employer with over 15,000 team members and 45+ sites nationwide .
- Safety-focused culture we invest heavily in training, equipment, and systems to ensure our people go home safe every shift .
- Diverse and inclusive workplace we are a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality and strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women in trades, and people from all cultural backgrounds .
How to Apply
If you have the essential experience food processing sanitation, industrial cleaning, or high-volume hygiene operations and you are ready to work in a demanding but rewarding environment, we want to hear from you. To apply for the Night Wash Cleaner role at JBS Townsville, please submit your application through the official careers portal.
Your application should clearly address:
- Your previous experience in food processing, industrial, or high-volume commercial cleaning.
- Your availability for Afternoon Shift (Monday–Friday, with potential weekend work).
- Your current working rights in Australia.
Shortlisting begins immediately. Only successful candidates will be contacted.
JBS Australia is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a working environment that embraces diversity and inclusion, and we strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, women, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds .

