O*NET Career Intelligence

Food Scientists and Technologists

SOC 19-1012.00

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.

Zone 4 Life, Physical, and Social Science

Skills

Knowledge

Job Zone

Green

Top Skills 8

Reading Comprehension

3.9

Active Listening

3.9

Writing

3.9

Speaking

3.8

Critical Thinking

3.8

Active Learning

3.8

Monitoring

3.6

Complex Problem Solving

3.6

Knowledge Areas 8

Production and Processing

4.6

Chemistry

4.5

Food Production

4.2

Biology

4.0

English Language

3.9

Mathematics

3.8

Engineering and Technology

3.7

Physics

3.5

Key Tasks

1Check raw ingredients for maturity or stability for processing, and finished products for safety, quality, and nutritional value.

2Inspect food processing areas to ensure compliance with government regulations and standards for sanitation, safety, quality, and waste management.

3Evaluate food processing and storage operations and assist in the development of quality assurance programs for such operations.

4Study methods to improve aspects of foods, such as chemical composition, flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, and convenience.

5Stay up to date on new regulations and current events regarding food science by reviewing scientific literature.

Also Known As

Associate Professor Compliance Coordinator Confectionery Laboratory Manager Dairy Bacteriologist Enologist Food and Drug Research Scientist Food Chemist Food Preservation Scientist Food Processing Scientist Food Safety Director