Laboratory Technician / Technologist
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:
Interest in precision working to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus, to operate chemical and petrochemical pilot plants, and to conduct air and water quality testing and assessments
Interest in analyzing data to develop and conduct programs of sampling and analysis to maintain quality standards of raw materials, chemical intermediates and products
Interest in supervising to oversee environmental monitoring and protection activities and compliance with standards; in assisting in the development of chemical engineering processes, standards, procedures and health and safety measures; in assisting in studies of chemical engineering procurement, construction, inspection and maintenance; and in preparing solutions of gas and liquid, reagents and sample formulations
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.
Food science technologists work in 1 of 4 areas:
To ensure food safety, food science technologists monitor hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) programs and take corrective action when necessary.
Food science technologists work in laboratories and processing plants. They may find themselves working in refrigerated rooms, depending on the product. In some workplaces, they may be required to work shifts.
Food science technologists need:
They should enjoy:
Food science technologists need post-secondary education in food science or a related field such as chemical technology, chemistry, biochemistry, or microbiology.
Degree programs in biochemistry, chemistry, and microbiology as well as transfer programs and related 2-year diploma programs are offered by post-secondary schools throughout Alberta.
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 not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Food science technologists work for food- and beverage-processing and manufacturing companies as well as private consulting firms involved in:
Most new graduates start as technicians, often in junior positions. Experienced food science technologists can move into:
Food science technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2211: Chemical Technologists and Technicians. In Alberta, 83% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Food science technologists are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2211: Chemical technologists and technicians.
According to the 2017 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Chemical technologists and technicians occupational group earned on average from $21.65 to $44.24 an hour. The overall average was $30.64 an hour. For more information, see the Chemical technologists and technicians wage profile.
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) website: www.aset.ab.ca
Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology (CIFST) website: www.cifst.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 31, 2019. 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.