Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
What is a Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders?
Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders are specialized workers who manage and operate machines that roast, bake, and dry various food products and tobacco. Their role involves controlling the temperature, timing, and processing techniques to ensure that the final product meets quality standards and specifications. These operators may work in various settings, including food processing plants, bakeries, and tobacco manufacturing facilities. They are responsible for adjusting equipment settings, monitoring the processing conditions, and inspecting the products for consistency and safety. Additionally, operators need to maintain and troubleshoot the machinery they use, ensuring that all safety protocols are followed to prevent accidents or contamination. This career requires a keen attention to detail, the ability to work with machinery, and knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control procedures.
Tasks
- Observe, feel, taste, or otherwise examine products during and after processing to ensure conformance to standards.
- Set temperature and time controls, light ovens, burners, driers, or roasters, and start equipment, such as conveyors, cylinders, blowers, driers, or pumps.
- Observe temperature, humidity, pressure gauges, and product samples and adjust controls, such as thermostats and valves, to maintain prescribed operating conditions for specific stages.
- Observe flow of materials and listen for machine malfunctions, such as jamming or spillage, and notify supervisors if corrective actions fail.
- Record production data, such as weight and amount of product processed, type of product, and time and temperature of processing.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
Tools Used
- Roasting machinery
- Food drying equipment
- Heat exchangers
- Cooking machinery
- Furnaces
Knowledge
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspect food products.
- Evaluate quality of food ingredients or prepared foods.
- Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
- Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
- Operate pumping systems or equipment.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$29650.0 - $59020.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.