Process Control and Machine Operators in Food and Beverage Processing
(NOC 9461)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesProcess control and machine operators in this group operate multi-function process control machinery and single-function machines to process and package food and beverage products. They are employed in fruit and vegetable processing plants, dairies, flour mills, bakeries, sugar refineries, meat plants, breweries, and other food and beverage processing establishments.
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 decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Machine Operators in Food, Beverage, and Associated Products Processing most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions.
The median employment income for 54% of Machine Operators in Food, Beverage, and Associated Products 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
$11.50
Minimum$18.00
Median$22.72
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,252
Minimum$31,892
Median$63,392
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$12.00
Minimum$18.75
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Process control and machine operators in this group operate multi-function process control machinery and single-function machines to process and package food and beverage products. They are employed in fruit and vegetable processing plants, dairies, flour mills, bakeries, sugar refineries, meat plants, breweries, and other food and beverage processing establishments.
Job duties
Process control operators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Operate multi-function 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.
- Operate multi-function 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.
- Observe gauges, computer printouts and video monitors to verify specified processing conditions and make adjustments to process variables such as cooking times, ingredient inputs, flow rates and temperature settings.
- Maintain shift log of production and other data.
Machine operators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Set up and adjust processing and packaging machines preparatory to operation.
- Operate single-function machines to grind, extract, mix, blend, dry, freeze, cook, or otherwise process food, beverage or associated products.
- Operate single-function machines to box, can or otherwise package food, beverage or associated products.
- Check products to ensure conformance to company standards and clear machine blockages as required.
- Record production information such as quantity, weight, size, date and type of products packaged.
- Perform 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
To work in these jobs, you should be responsible, alert, and in good physical health. Coordination, agility, and a mechanical aptitude are important. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.
Job requirements
- Completion of high school may be required.
- On-the-job training is provided.
Other considerations
Shift work may be typical for many of 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 mobility among the various types of process control operators within the food and beverage processing industry while mobility options exist among machine operators within the food, beverage and associated products processing. Process control operators may progress to supervisory positions in food and beverage processing with experience while machine operators may progress to process control operation or supervisory 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
Northern
Southern
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
Retail Trade
Accommodation and Food Services
Agriculture
Other Industries
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
15-24
45-54
55-64
35-44
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$15,366 median annual incomeLess than high school
$11,773 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$21,882 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$26,434 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$25,074 median annual incomeCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,358 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,968 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$37,356 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,852 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.