Food Batchmakers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Record production and test data for each food product batch, such as the ingredients used, temperature, test results, and time cycle.94
• Clean and sterilize vats and factory processing areas.93
• Test food product samples for moisture content, acidity level, specific gravity, or butter-fat content, and continue processing until desired levels are reached.92
• Set up, operate, and tend equipment that cooks, mixes, blends, or processes ingredients in the manufacturing of food products, according to formulas or recipes.91
• Mix or blend ingredients, according to recipes, using a paddle or an agitator, or by controlling vats that heat and mix ingredients.90
• Inspect vats after cleaning to ensure that fermentable residue has been removed.90
• Follow recipes to produce food products of specified flavor, texture, clarity, bouquet, or color.89
• Give directions to other workers who are assisting in the batchmaking process.89
• Select and measure or weigh ingredients, using English or metric measures and balance scales.89
• Press switches and turn knobs to start, adjust, and regulate equipment, such as beaters, extruders, discharge pipes, and salt pumps.88
• Determine mixing sequences, based on knowledge of temperature effects and of the solubility of specific ingredients.88
• Observe and listen to equipment to detect possible malfunctions, such as leaks or plugging, and report malfunctions or undesirable tastes to supervisors.88

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operations Monitoring56

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Critical Thinking53

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Reading Comprehension53

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Active Listening50

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Coordination50

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Operation and Control50

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Speaking50

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Complex Problem Solving47

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Judgment and Decision Making47

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Monitoring47

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Writing47

  Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Active Learning44

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Food Production82

  Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

• Public Safety and Security82

  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.

• Production and Processing80

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Education and Training64

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• English Language62

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Administration and Management54

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Mechanical54

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Mathematics53

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Computers and Electronics52

  Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

• Administrative48

  Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

• Customer and Personal Service48

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Engineering and Technology40

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Information Ordering66

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Near Vision66

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Comprehension56

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Control Precision53

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Problem Sensitivity53

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Written Comprehension53

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Auditory Attention50

  The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

• Category Flexibility50

  The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

• Manual Dexterity50

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Oral Expression50

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Perceptual Speed50

  The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

• Selective Attention50

  The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Controlling Machines and Processes86

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings86

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Documenting/Recording Information83

  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates82

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials79

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events77

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems76

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Handling and Moving Objects72

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Getting Information71

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards69

  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information68

  Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People68

  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability86

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail80

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness61

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Integrity42

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Stress Tolerance36

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation32

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Self-Control32

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Adaptability31

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Perseverance29

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Cooperation25

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Initiative18

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

• Self-Confidence17

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic85

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional61

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Enterprising27

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Investigative19

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic15

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Social8

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day87%
  • Once a week or more but not every day12%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day77%
  • Once a month or more but not every week20%

• Spend Time Standing

  • More than half the time33%
  • About half the time13%

• Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

  • Extremely important57%
  • Very important30%
  • Fairly important13%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important47%
  • Very important32%
  • Important18%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Very important29%
  • Important24%

• Time Pressure

  • Every day67%
  • Once a week or more but not every day16%
  • Never15%

• Health and Safety of Other Workers

  • Very high responsibility56%
  • Moderate responsibility31%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • More than half the time13%
  • About half the time14%
  • Less than half the time12%

• Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

  • Extremely important60%
  • Very important16%
  • Fairly important21%

• Physical Proximity

  • Very close (near touching)28%
  • Moderately close (at arm's length)42%
  • Slightly close (e.g., shared office)25%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • Continually or almost continually35%
  • More than half the time28%
  • About half the time26%
  • Less than half the time11%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Some college, no degree
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  Plex Systems Plex Manufacturing Cloud

• Inventory management software

  Edible Software

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• International Brotherhood of Teamsters
• The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
• Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Chemical Processing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Bakers
• Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Miscellaneous production workers, including semiconductor processors
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders
• Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders
• Packers and Packagers, Hand
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Cutting Workers
• Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
• Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
• Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders
• Agricultural and Food Science Technicians
• Cooks

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Record operational or production data.
• Clean work areas.
• Sterilize food cooking or processing equipment.
• Inspect food products.
• Operate cooking, baking, or other food preparation equipment.
• Operate mixing equipment.
• Inspect production equipment.
• Direct operational or production activities.
• Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
• Select production input materials.
• Determine food production methods.
• Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Cheesemaker