Food Science 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:

• 2006 NOC: Chemical Technologists (2211.1) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Chemical Technologists and Technicians (C111) 
• 2011 NOC: Chemical technologists and technicians (2211) 

Food science technologists may work in 1 of 4 areas:

• applied research and development - assisting in the development of new processing methods and new or improved foods to meet customer requests for healthier and safer foods. In general, they conduct tests to see that products meet government and industry standards and satisfy consumer needs (for example, have an adequate shelf life).
• quality control or assurance - checking raw ingredients for freshness, maturity or stability for processing, and checking finished products for safety, quality and nutritional value. They also may develop scientifically-based quality assurance programs, inspect processing line operations, or develop and improve packaging and storage methods.
• processing plants - developing production specifications, scheduling processing operations, and evaluating processing and storage operations. They may be employed in supervisory or management positions.
• regulatory agencies - inspecting food processing operations. For related information, see the Agricultural Commodity Inspector occupational profile.

To ensure food safety, food science technologists monitor hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) programs and take corrective active when necessary.

Food science technologists work in laboratories and processing plants. In some working environments, they may be required to work shifts.

Food science technologists need the following characteristics:

• good organizational skills
• a high degree of intellectual curiosity
• the ability to work well as part of a team
• creative problem solving skills
• good interpersonal skills.

They should enjoy using instruments and equipment to perform tasks requiring precision, analyzing data and conducting sampling and analysis programs, and supervising the work of others.

Food science technologists work for food and beverage processing and manufacturing companies, and private consulting firms, involved in:

• meat and poultry slaughter and processing
• dairy processing
• cereal grains and their products including flour, cereal, pasta and snack foods
• bakery and confectionery goods
• vegetable oil refining and product manufacturing
• soft drink manufacturing
• brewing, winemaking and distilling
• vegetable processing
• sugar manufacturing
• specialty foods manufacturing.

Most new graduates start as technicians, often in junior positions. Experienced food science technologists can move into:

• supervisory or administrative positions in quality assurance, inspection or regulation
• production management trainee positions leading to plant supervisory positions
• marketing and sales
• new product development, and process research and development
• regulatory positions with federal and provincial government agencies
• consulting positions with international food agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), PLENTY Canada, or Global Affairs Canada.

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:

• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Manufacturing (PDF)
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction (PDF)
• Public Administration (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

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.