Roles and Responsibilities of a Food Science Technician

Have you ever wondered what a food science technician does? If so, then you’re in luck. Food science technicians typically assist food scientists and technologists with performing research in the fields of quality control and production.

Food science technicians like Humberto Ojeda Avila are well-versed in all areas of intensive studies and analysis when it comes to studying food.

They conduct a variety of tests to determine whether ingredients, additives, finished products, and packaging meet all of the necessary rules and regulations.

Technicians also closely monitor foods to determine their chemical composition and properties and they can be involved in processes that take raw food products and transform them into table-ready food and beverages.

Food science technicians like Humberto Ojeda Avila, have the ability to work at food production and processing plants or laboratories. For certain job environments, technicians might have to deal with being exposed to noisy machines and strong chemicals.

Travel is also par for the course with this job, as are the essential skills of critical thinking, communication, analytical and interpersonal skills, and physical stamina.

Becoming a Food Science Technician

In order to become a food science technician like Humberto Ojeda Avila, you need to earn a college degree or have some relevant experience and set of skills to get the job done.

The level of education required of a food science technician will depend on the employer that you work for, though an associate's degree is usually considered to be the minimum in terms of having a “required” degree.

Some employers will require a bachelor's degree, while other places will hire high school graduates who have relevant experience and skills. The most relevant field of study for students seeking degrees in food science.

Students enrolled in food science programs typically take courses in food chemistry, quality assurance, and nutrition, food processing, biology, and microbiology. Certain programs may offer or require internships where students can get hands-on experience in a work environment.

Food Science Technician students should also maximize lab time before graduating since some employers require employees to already know their way around a lab. Students should seek out courses and internships that involve laboratory and technical work related to what food science technicians do on the job.

Students should also maximize lab time before graduation since some employers require employees to already know their way around a lab.

These students should pursue courses and internships that involve laboratory and technical work related to what food science technicians do on the job so that they can garner as much experience as possible.

Working as a Food Science Technician

The second step to becoming a food science technician is by starting to work in the food science industry. Degree program graduates can go to work for food producers and processors, who will usually hire technicians for their operations or research and development departments.

There are also various positions with local, state, and federal government inspection agencies, public sanitation, and organizations that specialize in health service, food regulatory control labs, and biotechnology firms as well.

Essentially, food science technicians receive on-the-job training, which can cover topics that include sanitation procedures and production techniques. Depending on the intensity of the job, training could last for more than a year at the most.

Becoming Proficient with Food Safety

The next step to becoming a food science technician is by gaining proficiency in food safety systems and quality standards.

There are several systems that focus on food safety. A few of these may be especially relevant for food science technicians, such as the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points system of food safety guidelines regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The rigid guidelines are meant to reduce the likelihood of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from harvest on through to consumption.

Becoming knowledgeable about this system, as well as other food industry guidelines and regulations, could help technicians perform their jobs more efficiently, essentially mitigating the possibility of something ugly from happening.

Certifications for Advancing your Career

The fourth step to becoming a food science technician is to consider certification for advancing your career. Through the Institute of Food Technologists, technicians that have obtained a bachelor's degree in food science or a similar field and have 3-6 years of experience can sit for the Certified Food Scientist exam.

Food science technicians are also able to become members of the Institute of Food Technologists to gain access to all of their benefits, which include things like seminars and special events.

Now that you know what it takes to become a Food Science Technician and how much work goes into the education and training process, it’s easier to appreciate those who work tirelessly in this field to benefit the public.

Conduct your own individual research to learn more about schooling or any other miscellaneous facts about the profession.