About This Career

Works 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.

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster Food Products and Processing Systems pathway.

A person in this career:

• Tastes or smells foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
• Measures, tests, or weighs bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
• Maintains records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
• Monitors and controls temperature of products.
• Analyzes test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
• Records or compiles test results or prepares graphs, charts, or reports.
• Performs regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
• Examines chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
• Conducts standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.
• Trains newly hired laboratory personnel.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
• Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation involves walking or running more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel