Food Science Technician

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A food science technician could....

Overview Listen to this section

Good taste, texture, quality, and safety are all very important in the food industry. Food science technicians test and catalog the physical and chemical properties of food to help ensure these aspects.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Food Science Technician?

1. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
2. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
3. 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.
4. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
5. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

6. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
7. Coordination: ? Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
8. Quality Control Analysis: ? Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
9. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
10. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Food Science Technician might do:

• 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.
• Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
• Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.