How to hire food science technicians
A job description you can copy, interview questions tied to the real work, and what to pay. Free.
Job description template
Copy it, fill in the brackets, and remove anything that does not fit your job. Keep only must-haves you would really turn someone away for.
[Job title] at [Company name] [City, State] · [Full-time / Part-time] · [Pay range] About the role [Two or three sentences about your team, the work and why it matters.] What you will do • Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables. • Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope. • Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies. • Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications. • Monitor and control temperature of products. • Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing. • Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports. • Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics. What you bring • [Required license, certification or years of experience, if any] • [Education, only if you truly need it. Typical to start in this job: Associate's degree] • Strong reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, writing, critical thinking and science skills • Working knowledge of food production and production and processing • [Anything else you would really turn someone away for] Pay and benefits [Pay range]. For reference, the U.S. median for this job is $25.06 an hour ($52,130 a year). [Benefits, schedule and anything else candidates should know.] How to apply [Apply on JAI Bot. Every applicant hears back.]
Interview questions for food science technicians
Ask every candidate the same questions, in the same order, and write down what they say. Questions about past work show what someone has actually done.
- Tell me about a time you had to analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about a time you had to measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications. What did you do, and how did it turn out?
- Tell me about written instructions, a policy or a manual you had to follow closely. How did you make sure you followed it correctly?
- Tell me about a time you had to understand a request or problem that was explained poorly. How did you make sure you got it right?
- Explain something technical from your last job as you would to a new coworker.
- Why this job, and why now? What would make you stay here for the long term?
Good answers name a real situation, what the person did themselves and what happened. Avoid questions about age, family plans, religion, health, national origin or anything else unrelated to the job.
What food science technicians do
- Analyze test results to classify products or compare results with standard tables.
- Examine chemical or biological samples to identify cell structures or to locate bacteria or extraneous material, using a microscope.
- Maintain records of testing results or other documents as required by state or other governing agencies.
- Measure, test, or weigh bottles, cans, or other containers to ensure that hardness, strength, or dimensions meet specifications.
- Monitor and control temperature of products.
- Perform regular maintenance of laboratory equipment by inspecting, calibrating, cleaning, or sterilizing.
- Record or compile test results or prepare graphs, charts, or reports.
- Taste or smell foods or beverages to ensure that flavors meet specifications or to select samples with specific characteristics.
Skills that matter most
Education, experience and outlook for food science technicians
- Typical education to start: Associate's degree (BLS)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +4.8% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 3,000 openings a year (BLS)
What to pay food science technicians
Pay depends a lot on where the job is. Highest and lowest median yearly pay by state:
| State | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Washington | $62,070 |
| New Jersey | $56,730 |
| Wisconsin | $55,690 |
| New York | $55,470 |
| California | $54,200 |
See food science technicians pay in every state
Related hiring guides
- Agricultural Technicians
- Biological Technicians
- Chemical Technicians
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
- Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
- Hydrologic Technicians
- Nuclear Technicians
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Forest and Conservation Technicians
- Forensic Science Technicians
Post this job on JAI Bot. Free to start: JAI Bot reads every applicant against your must-haves, shows the resume evidence behind each one, and helps you reply to everyone. People make every decision.
Post a job freePay by areaJob duties and skills: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2025. Interview questions and the job description template: JAI Bot, based on the duties and skills above.