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Food Science Technicians

Life, Physical, and Social Science (19-4013)
Bright Outlook

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

Food Science Technicians earns a median of $49,430/yr with +4.8% projected growth. Typical entry: Associate's degree. Top skills: Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft PowerPoint.

Median Annual Wage

$49,430/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+4.8%

Annual Openings

3

Typical Education

Associate's degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (6)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.8
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.5
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.

3.5
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.5
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.3
Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

3.3

Knowledge (4)

Food Production

Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

3.8
Production and Processing

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

3.7
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.

3.5
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

3.4

Abilities (11)

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.9
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.8
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.8
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.8
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.8
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.6
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.6
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.5
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.3
Visual Color Discrimination

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

3.3
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.3

Technology (11)

Microsoft Access

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft SQL Server

Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAS

Category: Analytical or scientific software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Visio

Category: Process mapping and design software | Hot Technology

4.5

Work Activities (18)

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.3
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

4.3
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.2
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.2
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.1
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.1
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.0
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

3.9
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.7
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.7
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.6
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

3.6
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.6
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

3.6
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.4
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.3
Performing Administrative Activities

Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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