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:
| Starting | $16.38 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $17.26 |
| Top | $18.59 |
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
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 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.
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 to possess:
They should enjoy directing the work of others and compiling information.
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.
HealthCareCAN 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.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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:
Over 8,000 Albertans are employed in the Food service supervisors occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.4% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 192 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As food and nutrition managers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for food and nutrition managers.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| 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 |
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* 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.
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.
| 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: www.cafp.ca
Canadian Society of Nutrition Management website: www.csnm.ca
HealthCareCAN website: www.healthcarecan.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 28, 2017. 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.