Food Science Technicians
What is a Food Science Technician?
Food Science Technicians play a crucial role in the food production industry, working alongside food scientists and technologists to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of food products. Their responsibilities typically include conducting experiments, analyzing food samples, and assisting in the development of new food products. They work in laboratories and food manufacturing facilities, utilizing various scientific methods to test the physical and chemical properties of food items. These technicians are integral to quality control processes, monitoring food processing operations, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. With a growing emphasis on food safety and nutrition, the demand for skilled Food Science Technicians continues to rise, offering opportunities for career advancement in this essential field.
Tasks
- Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
- Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
- Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
- Monitor and control temperature of products.
- Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
Technology Skills
- Data base user interface and query software
- Presentation software
- Electronic mail software
- Application server software
- Spreadsheet software
Tools Used
- Laboratory mechanical convection ovens
- Viscosimeters
- pH meters
- Handheld thermometer
- Extracting equipment for laboratories
Knowledge
-
Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
-
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
-
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Biology
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Skills
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
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.
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
-
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Bachelor's degree
-
Associate's degree
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Work Activities
-
Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
-
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
-
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
-
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Detailed Work Activities
- Evaluate quality of materials or products.
- Test quality of materials or finished products.
- Record research or operational data.
- Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
- Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
Work Interests
-
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.
-
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.
-
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$37290.0 - $74630.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.