O*NET-SOC 19-4013.00

Food Science Technicians

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.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3

Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.Core7582
Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.Core7585
Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.Core20394
Monitor and control temperature of products.Core20395
Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.Core7581
Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.Core7579
Prepare or incubate slides with cell cultures.Supplemental20398
Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.Core20396
Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.Core7583
Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, or preservatives to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, or nutrients.Core7576
Mix, blend, or cultivate ingredients to make reagents or to manufacture food or beverage products.Supplemental7584
Train newly hired laboratory personnel.Core20397
Provide assistance to food scientists or technologists in research and development, production technology, or quality control.Core7577
Supervise other food science technicians.Core22261
Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures.Core7578
Order supplies needed to maintain inventories in laboratories or in storage facilities of food or beverage processing plants.Core7587

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 21 examples in 16 categories, 11 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Object or component oriented development software

Apache JMeter

Web platform development software

Apache Struts

Data base user interface and query software

Database software
Microsoft AccessHot Technology
Microsoft SQL ServerHot Technology
Structure query language SQL

Graphical user interface development software

Graphical user interface GUI design software

Graphics or photo imaging software

Graphics software

Electronic mail software

IBM Lotus Notes
Microsoft OutlookHot TechnologyIn Demand

Cloud-based management software

IBM WebSphere

Operating system software

LinuxHot Technology

Spreadsheet software

Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Office suite software

Microsoft Office softwareHot TechnologyIn Demand

Presentation software

Microsoft PowerPointHot TechnologyIn Demand

Process mapping and design software

Microsoft VisioHot Technology

Word processing software

Microsoft WordHot TechnologyIn Demand

Application server software

Oracle WebLogic Server
Red Hat WildFly

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

SAP softwareHot Technology

Analytical or scientific software

SASHot Technology

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

Examine characteristics or behavior of living organisms.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Research methods to improve food products.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Test quality of materials or finished products.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Measure physical or chemical properties of materials or objects.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Evaluate quality of materials or products.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

Analyze chemical compounds or substances.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

Clean objects.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

Prepare biological samples for testing or analysis.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Prepare compounds or solutions for products or testing.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Maintain laboratory or technical equipment.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

Record research or operational data.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

Train personnel in technical or scientific procedures.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Supervise laboratory work.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet
Manage scientific or technical project resources.
WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open
WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level
- No tools yet
- Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 14

Distinct tools0

Level mix

No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.