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Dairy Technologist |
Career OverviewA dairy technologist is responsible for understanding and researching all aspects of milk production from the actual production of the milk to getting it to the consumers in the freshest and safest possible form.
A dairy technologist often works part of the time in research facilities, part of the time on actual dairies, and some of their time in research design and data analysis. Often dairy technologists work very closely with producers, retailers and wholesales, milk processing companies, engineers and equipment designers to help improve the delivery system of milk from the farm to the marketplace.
Dairy technologists may also be employed by milk production companies and may help with processing the milk, monitoring bacterial levels and other potential health concerns, developing new methods of packaging as well as the actual physical shipping and extending the shelf life of milk once it reaches retail outlets and consumer’s fridges.
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Career RequirementsSince the description of a dairy technologist varies depending on the aspect of production, packaging, safety or product development the requirements or criteria may also change. Most dairy technologists have at least a Bachelors degree level training in one or more of the following:
- Bacteriology
- Economics
- Agricultural Engineering
- Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Economics
- Food Science
In addition many dairy technologist may also have degrees in Business or other related areas. Computer knowledge, strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as understanding of experimental design and data collect and analysis are often required.
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Job OutlookThere is always a need to improve the safety and production of milk and other dairy products so the demand for trained dairy technologists is steady. They are usually employed in more rural areas however the large milk manufacturing plants are often located in larger centers.
As consumers demand more environmentally friendly and increasingly safe packaging dairy technologists will be used more and more to help develop these standards. In addition the increased emphasis on educating the public about health concerns and benefits of diary items has tended to be handled by dairy technologists working in conjunction with researchers and producers.
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Career TrackDairy technologists often assume management roles in milk and dairy plants, dairy facilities, processing plants and distribution centers. The dairy technologist may also be involved in the marketing and development of new products or packaging materials for the dairy industry.
Those individuals with a strong science or engineering background tend to move towards more of the production and product development aspects of the job whereas those with business or engineering backgrounds may gravitate towards marketing and equipment development.
As the level of training, experience and education increases for a dairy technologist the ability to assume management and senior research positions will also increase.
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CompensationMost dairy technologists with a Bachelors level education will earn between $35,000 and $38,000 per year. Those individuals with additional education or extensive experience within the industry often earn over $50,000 per year. Many dairy technologists work on a per contract basis and often the salary for these positions is considerably more than the average yearly income for those working for a single company on an ongoing basis.
Some dairy technologists work as troubleshooters for the industry and travel around the country or even outside of the country. Additional travel costs and per diem living expenses are usually included if the travel is extensive or short term.
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