Food Science Technicians

What the job really is

Work with food scientists or technologists to perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products. Includes technicians who assist in research and development of production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

At a glance

• Sector: Life, Physical & Social Science
• O*NET-SOC code: 19-4013
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
• Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
• Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
• Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
• Train newly hired laboratory personnel.
• Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
• Supervise other food science technicians.

Tools and technology

Linux, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Word, SAP software, SAS, Agar plates

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Food Scientists and Technologists
• Chemical Technicians
• Quality Control Analysts
• Agricultural Technicians
• Agricultural Inspectors
• Quality Control Systems Managers
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Food Science Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.