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Dietary Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in co-ordinating information to establish methods to meet work schedules and maintain records of stock, repairs, sales and wastage; and in ensuring that food and service meet quality control standards; may plan cafeteria menus and determine related food and labour costs
Interest in supervising and checking assembly of regular and special diet trays, and delivery of food trolleys to hospital patients; may participate in the selection of food service staff and assist in the development of policies, procedures and budgets
Interest in training staff in job duties and sanitation and safety procedures
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one position to another but, in general, food and nutrition managers:
Food and nutrition managers work as part of a team with representatives of other departments in their organizations. They may work under the direction of dietitians to recommend ways to improve clients' food intake based on client needs and established guidelines. They may also adapt client menus for special nutrient needs or restrictions. For more information, see the Dietitian occupational profile.
Food and nutrition managers may work rotating shifts that include weekends and holidays. They spend long periods of time standing while supervising food production and service in warm, sometimes noisy kitchens. They may need to lift up to 10 kilograms.
Food and nutrition managers need:
They should enjoy directing the work of others and compiling information.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected on Jul 06, 2022.
Review these skills to learn:
| Supervise and co-ordinate activities of staff who prepare and portion food | 98 |
|---|---|
| Maintain records of stock, repairs, sales and wastage | 97 |
| Estimate and order ingredients and supplies | 95 |
| Ensure food service and quality control | 93 |
| Train staff in job duties, sanitation and safety procedures | 91 |
| Establish methods to meet work schedules | 87 |
| Prepare and submit reports | 84 |
| Address customers' complaints or concerns | 81 |
| Establish work schedules | 63 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 53 |
Food and nutrition managers need computer skills and related post-secondary education. 2 to 3 years of experience in the food service or hospitality environment is preferred.
CHA Learning offers a 6-course program in Food Service and Nutrition Management. The entrance requirements include:
For more information, visit the HealthCareCAN website.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is voluntary in this occupation.
However, graduates of accredited programs are eligible for membership in the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management. CSNM offers a certification program in nutrition management.
Food and nutrition managers are employed by organizations that sell food or food products, have food service outlets or provide nutritional services to clients. For example, they may work for:
Food and nutrition managers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6311: Food service supervisors. In Alberta, 87% of people employed in this classification work in the Accommodation and Food Services [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 6311: Food service supervisors occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 230 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $20.00 | $16.38 | $16.00 |
| Overall | $15.60 | $22.00 | $17.26 | $16.50 |
| Top | $16.00 | $25.00 | $18.59 | $17.50 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Public Administration | $50,802 |
|---|---|
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $45,837 |
| Retail Trade | $44,592 |
| Information, Culture, Recreation | $35,569 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $31,443 |
| Accommodation & Food Services | $30,899 |
| Educational Services | $30,148 |
Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals website: cafp.ca
Canadian Society of Nutrition Management website: www.csnm.ca
HealthCareCAN website: www.healthcarecan.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.