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Food Science Technicians - 19-4013.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Central Laboratory Technician (CLT)
  • Food Science Tech (Food Science Technician)
  • Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant)
  • Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech)
  • QA Lab Tech (Quality Assurance Lab Technician)
  • QC Tech (Quality Assurance Technician)
  • QC Tech (Quality Control Technician)
  • Quality Analyst
  • Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst)
  • Quality Tech (Quality Technician)

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
  • Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.
  • Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
  • Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
  • Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
  • 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.
  • Monitor and control temperature of products.
  • Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.
  • Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
  • Prepare or incubate slides with cell cultures.
  • Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.
  • Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
  • Supervise other food science technicians.
  • Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
  • Train newly hired laboratory personnel.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
  • Clean objects.
  • Evaluate quality of materials or products.
  • Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
  • Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
  • Manage scientific or technical project resources.
  • Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
  • Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
  • Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
  • Record research or operational data.
  • Research methods to improve food products.
  • Supervise laboratory work.
  • Test quality of materials or finished products.
  • Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Food Safety Officer (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • Intelligence Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Unit Supply Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Baker, Test
  • Bottle-House Quality-Control Technician
  • Food Tester
  • Malt-Specifications-Control Assistant
  • Tester, Food Products
  • Yeast-Culture Developer