Occupation Details
Food Science Technicians
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$37,320.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$47,820.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$52,570.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
660
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
790
+13 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
104
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.2%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Milk Laboratory Technician, Certified Milk Inspector and Milk Receiver
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
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.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Food Production
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Agar plates
- Anaerobic jars
- Benchtop centrifuges
- Bioluminometers
- Boiling water baths
- Bunsen burners
- Calorimeters
- Colony counters
- Color testing equipment
- Compound binocular light microscopes
- Desktop computers
- Dessicators
- Distilling equipment
- Dropping pipettes
- Dry bulb thermometers
- Electronic toploading balances
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA plate readers
- Erlenmeyer flasks
- Eyewash fountains
- Fire extinguishers
- Fluorescent microscopes
- Fume hoods
- Gas analyzers
- General purpose laboratory test tubes
- Grinders
- Handheld thermometers
- Homogenizers
- Hot air ovens
- Inoculation tubes
- Laboratory balances
Technology
- Apache JMeter
- Apache Struts
- Database software
- Graphical user interfaces GUI
- Graphics software
- IBM Lotus Notes
- IBM WebSphere
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- requisition stock, materials, supplies or equipment
- maintain records, reports, or files
- prepare reports
- communicate technical information
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- develop or maintain databases
- use precision measuring tools or equipment
- use biological testing instruments
- use microscope
- use laboratory equipment
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- determine the quality of food or beverages
- examine products or work to verify conformance to specifications
- select food or beverage samples with specific characteristics
- mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications
- prepare sample for laboratory testing, analysis, or microscopy
- sterilize or clean laboratory or healthcare equipment
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use government regulations
- use health or sanitation standards
- use quality assurance techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- follow microbiology procedures
- use biological research techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use quantitative research methods
- use knowledge of metric system
- compile numerical or statistical data
- develop tables depicting data
- measure, weigh, or count products or materials
- analyze biological research, test, or analysis data
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- analyze chemical experimental, test, or analysis data or findings
- conduct laboratory research or experiments
- conduct standardized qualitative laboratory analyses
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- perform statistical analysis
- conduct analyses to determine physical properties of materials
- conduct analyses or tests of organic compounds
- identify nutritional value of foods
- adhere to safety procedures
- maintain established procedures concerning quality assurance
- cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations
- collect scientific or technical data
- obtain technical support instructions from scientists or engineers
- distinguish colors
- examine biological or other material specimens under microscope
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Supervise other food science technicians.
- Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
- Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
- Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
- Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
- Monitor and control temperature of products.
- Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
- Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
- Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
- Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
- Train newly hired laboratory personnel.
- Prepare or incubate slides with cell cultures.
- Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
- Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products.
- Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
- Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Animated Periodic Table of the Elements
Browse through the alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals, and both the lanthanide and actinide series and with continue movement of the mouse across the table learn each element's boiling point, its oxidation states, its atomic weight, and its density.
Learn MoreCELLS alive!
CELLS alive! has captured with film and computer-enhanced images living cells and organisms for education and medical research. This is the place to watch cells in motion! A few of the animations illustrated include the basic cell-cell interactions that lead to antibody production, the stages of mitosis in an animal cell and the sequence of activities exhibited by cells.
Learn MoreCollege of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholars Adventures: Summer Academy for Jr. Scientists
Summer Academy for Jr. Scientists creates a unique enrichment opportunity for hands-on activities and experiments. Choose from two courses: Powders and Potions and experiment with solids,liquids and gases and Wild Encounters and learn and interact with a variety of creatures and plants from the animal kingdom.
Learn MoreCollege of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholars Adventures: Summer Academy for Jr. Scientists at St. John Fisher Campus
Summer Academy for Jr. Scientists at St. John Fisher Campus creates a unique enrichment opportunity for hands-on activities and experiments. Choose from two courses: Powders and Potions and experiment with solids,liquids and gases and Wild Encounters and learn and interact with a variety of creatures and plants from the animal kingdom.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Science Mini-Lessons (Elementary)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Science Mini-Lessons (High School)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreColumbia Education Center's Science Mini-Lessons (Intermediate)
Youth Net is a server on the Internet that sponsors this group of lesson plans that came from the Columbia Education Center's Summer Workshops. They were done by a consortium of teachers from 14 states dedicated to improving the quality of education in the rural, western, United States.
Learn MoreDiscovery Channel School's Curriculum Center
Here you will find classroom science activities, puzzles and project ideas to boost the study and support core curriculum topics like bacteria, chemistry, genetics, the universe and more. The correlated Discovery School videos and CD-ROMs provide a wealth of knowledge. The popular science topics are those taught in upper elementary and middle school.
Learn MoreLet's Talk About Insects
Let's Talk About Insects is designed to help students ages 9 to11 years of age gain an appreciation of insects; learn how insects grow and develop (metamorphosis), and learn the importance of insects in our environment.
Learn MoreMaterials World Modules (MWM)
Materials World Modules Northwestern University 2220 Campus Drive Cook Hall, Room 2078 Evanston, IL 60208 Phone: 847-467-2489
Learn MoreScienCentral News: Making Sense of Science
From broadcast news features to educational products, ScienCentral News not only knows how to communicate complex ideas about medicine, health, technology, and the environment, but they also know how to tell a good story!
Learn MoreScience technicians
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreStrange Matter
Discover the secrets of everyday stuff! Tackle the four big things materials scientists study. Understanding how that stuff is put together, how it can be used, how it can be changed and made better to do more amazing things - even creating completely new kinds of stuff: that's what materials science is all about.
Learn More