Process Control and Machine Operators in Food and Beverage Processing
(NOC 9461)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesProcess control and machine operators in this group use machines to process and package food and beverage products. They work in fruit and vegetable processing plants, dairies, flour mills, bakeries, sugar refineries, meat plants, breweries, and other food and beverage processing companies.
Job Outlook
Average
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Process Control and Machine Operators in Food and Beverage Processing most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 53% of Process Control and Machine Operators in Food and Beverage Processing who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $45,034. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$14.00
Median$22.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,252
Minimum$31,892
Median$63,392
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Process control and machine operators in this group use machines to process and package food and beverage products. They work in fruit and vegetable processing plants, dairies, flour mills, bakeries, sugar refineries, meat plants, breweries, and other food and beverage processing companies.
Job duties
Process control operators:
- Use process control machinery through control panels, computer terminals or other control systems to grind, extract, mix, blend, cook or otherwise process food products and to bag, box or otherwise package food products.
- Use process control machinery to grind, extract, mix, blend, distill, ferment or otherwise process alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages and to bottle, can or otherwise package beverages.
- Watch gauges, computer printouts and video monitors to verify specified processing conditions and adjust process variables like cooking times, ingredient inputs, flow rates and temperature settings.
- Maintain shift log of production and other data.
Machine operators:
- Set up and adjust processing and packaging machines before use.
- Use machines to grind, extract, mix, blend, dry, freeze, cook, or otherwise process food, beverage or related products.
- Use machines to box, can or otherwise package food, beverage or associated products.
- Check products to make sure they meet company standards and clear machine blockages as needed.
- Record production information like quantity, weight, size, date and type of products packaged.
- Make corrective machine adjustments, clean machines and immediate work areas.
Sample job titles
- brewery worker
- cheese maker
- cider maker
- coffee roaster
- dairy plant machine operator
- fruit and vegetable machine operator
- packaging machine operator - food processing
- press operator - food and beverage processing
- process control operator - food and beverage processing
- winemaker - food and beverage processing
Skills
You should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and mechanical skills are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- High school may be required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
Other considerations
Shiftwork is common in these jobs. Experience as a labourer in food, beverage or associated products processing may be required for machine operators while experience as a machine operator in food, beverage or associated products processing is usually required for industrial process control operators. There is little movement among the various types of process control operators within the food and beverage processing industry while movement options exist among machine operators within the food, beverage and associated products processing. Process control operators may move to supervisor positions in food and beverage processing with experience while machine operators may move to process control operation or supervisor positions with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Accommodation and food services
Retail trade
Wholesale trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
25-34
35-44
15-24
55-64
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$25,633 median annual incomeLess than high school
$32,564 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,059 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$14,841 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$26,399 median annual incomeCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.