Food Processing Technician
Chemical technologists and technicians provide technical support and services or may work independently in chemical engineering, chemical and biochemical research and analysis, industrial chemistry, chemical quality control and environmental protection. They are employed by research and development and quality control laboratories, consulting engineering companies, in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and a variety of other manufacturing and processing industries, and by utilities, health, educational and government establishments.
Typical Duties
- Conducts standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, and preservatives in order to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, and nutrients;
- Provides assistance to food scientists and technologists in research and development, production technology, and quality control;
- Computes moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures
- Examines chemical and biological samples in order to identify cell structures, and to locate bacteria, or extraneous material, using microscope;
- Records and compile test results, and prepare graphs, charts, and reports;
- Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment;
- Analyzes test results to classify products, or compares results with standard tables;
- Mixes, blends, or cultivates ingredients in order to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products;
- Measures, tests, and weighs bottles, cans, and other containers in order to ensure hardness, strength, and dimensions that meet specifications;
- Tastes or smells foods or beverages in order to ensure that flavors meet specifications, or to select samples with specific characteristics.
Educational Requirements
Two-year college program in chemical engineering technology