Food Scientists and Technologists
Use chemistry, microbiology, engineering, and other sciences to study the principles underlying the processing and deterioration of foods; analyze food content to determine levels of vitamins, fat, sugar, and protein; discover new food sources; research ways to make processed foods safe, palatable, and healthful; and apply food science knowledge to determine best ways to process, package, preserve, store, and distribute food.
At a Glance
Food Scientists and Technologists earns a median of $85,310/yr with +6.5% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Dependability, Documenting/Recording Information, Microsoft Outlook.
$85,310/yr
+6.5%
1
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (14)
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Knowledge (8)
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
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.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Abilities (17)
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.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Technology (13)
Category: Data base user interface and query software | Hot Technology
Work Activities (27)
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Work Styles (3)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
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