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May 26, 2013



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AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCE TECHNICIANS

An Occupation in

Occupation Description:

Work with agricultural scientists in food, fiber, and animal research, production, and processing; assist with animal breeding and nutrition work; under supervision, conduct tests and experiments to improve yield and quality of crops or to increase the resistance of plants and animals to disease or insects. Include technicians who assist food scientists or food technologists in the research, development, production technology, quality control, packaging, processing, and use of foods.

Career Video:

View a brief introduction to Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
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Specialized Occupations:

Agricultural Technicians (ONET code: 19-4011.01)

Food Science Technicians (ONET code: 19-4011.02)


	Occupation Description:

	Perform standardized qualitative and quantitative tests to determine physical or chemical properties of food or beverage products.


	Typical Tasks:

	Analyze test results to classify products, or compare results with standard tables. Compute moisture or salt content, percentages of ingredients, formulas, or other product factors, using mathematical and chemical procedures. Conduct standardized tests on food, beverages, additives, and preservatives in order to ensure compliance with standards and regulations regarding factors such as color, texture, and nutrients. Examine chemical and biological samples in order to identify cell structures, and to locate bacteria, or extraneous material, using microscope. Prepare slides and incubate slides with cell cultures. Provide assistance to food scientists and technologists in research and development, production technology, and quality control. Record and compile test results, and prepare graphs, charts, and reports.


	Skills:

	Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.. Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.. Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.. Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.. Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.. Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.. Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems..


	Knowledge:

	Chemistry - Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.. Biology - Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.. Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.. English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.. Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.. Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.. Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions..

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Education & Training:

	Associate degree

	View Related Programs on Connecticut's Education & Training ConneCTion site

Wage Information:

	Sorry, wage information is not available for this occupation.

Occupation Outlook:

	Sorry, outlook information is not available for this occupation.

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