all about food production jobs
Food production jobs involve preparing meals and serving food in a variety of different settings and facilities. Food production workers will often perform tasks like receiving food items, ensuring food is stored properly, operating food processing equipment, mixing ingredients and assessing the quality of the food items that they are handling.
what food production jobs entail
If you work a food production job, you can find yourself in a variety of industries such a meatpacking, canneries, food packaging and many others. Food production involves a variety of different practices that vary depending on what industry you work in. Some of these practices include mincing, macerating, liquefaction, cooking, pasteurization, canning and packaging. As a food production worker you can work full time or part time in places like factories or restaurants. You will generally report to a food production manager. You may also be expected to work weekend shifts as part of your job description.
average food production salaries
The wages of food production workers will vary based on their level of experience in the field. Wages start at about $15.00 per hour on the low end. With years of experience and skills added to your repertoire, your wages as a food production worker can increase up to approximately $30.00 per hour.
your day to day tasks
Food production jobs can involve numerous different tasks depending on what setting you’re working in. Some of the day-to-day tasks that food production workers will complete include:
- monitoring stocking levels
- operating mixers
- managing ingredients to meet quality standards
- filling orders and check for accuracy
- timely delivery of ingredients
- working on a role line
- ensuring products are properly packaged
- cleaning and sanitizing equipment
where you can work
A food production worker can work in any industry where the handling of food products is involved. There are several levels of the supply chain that food production moves through. As a food production worker, you can choose to work in a factory setting, in a laboratory, in transportation, or in a restaurant or fast food location.
what you bring to the table
A food production worker is expected to have a variety of different skills and abilities and will build on these throughout their career in food production. Some skills that are necessary to work in food production jobs include:
- ability to adhere to safety regulations
- accuracy in checking orders
- ability to work in a team
- good time management skills
- ability to follow Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP)
- basic math skills to keep inventory
training and certifications
If you are interested in food production jobs, the minimum requirement is generally a high school diploma. In addition to this there are many certifications that one can work towards that help to ensure safe and sanitary management of food and food products. For example, the Food Technology, Safety and Quality Diploma can help students earn a foundation of knowledge to develop, implement and maintain food safety to ensure that products comply with national and international safety and quality standard. Other certifications such as the Food Handling Certificate may also be necessary to work in many food and beverage related environments.
where your career is headed
For experienced and skilled food production workers, there are multiple different opportunities for your future. Many individuals will move into supervisory and managerial positions. Once you reach a more experienced level, you might also be involved in the training of new, unexperienced employees which may also involve a pay increase. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the constantly changing practices of food production and food handling to ensure that your knowledge continues to remain valuable in the industry.