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Career Exploration

Food Science Technicians

Also called: Central Laboratory Technician (CLT), Laboratory Technician (Lab Tech), QC Tech (Quality Control Technician), Quality Assurance Analyst (QA Analyst)

What they do:

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.

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • food production
  • manufacture and distribution of products

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Math and Science

  • chemistry
  • biology

Engineering and Technology

  • computers and electronics

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • communicate by writing

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • use rules to solve problems

Math

  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide
  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Integrity
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Analytical Thinking

Data base user interface and query software

  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft SQL Server

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Electronic mail software

  • IBM Lotus Notes
  • Microsoft Outlook

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Bright.

New job opportunities are very likely in the future. This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Median Annual Salary: $47,860

Education

Bachelor's degree or associate's degree is usually needed.