What Does a Botanist Do?

A botanist is a scientist who studies plants. They may study the biology, ecology, evolution, or taxonomy of plants. Botanists may also work with plant-based products like herbs and spices to determine their medicinal value.

Botanists are often interested in all types of plants—from mosses and ferns to trees and flowers. However, they may specialize in one particular area of botany or even one type of plant.

Botanist Job Duties

Botanists have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Identifying new species of flora and fauna by studying their physical characteristics and geographic location
• Conducting research in fields such as ecology, genetics, evolution, conservation biology, systematics, physiology, taxonomy, and plant breeding
• Measuring plant growth to determine how different conditions affect growth rates
• Maintaining the greenhouses and laboratories where samples are stored or studied
• Collecting specimens of plants, algae, fungi, mosses, etc. for study and classification in herbariums or laboratories
• Conducting laboratory tests on plants to determine their chemical composition or physiological responses to environmental stimuli
• Diagnosing plant diseases and recommending appropriate treatment methods
• Preparing reports and giving presentations about research findings at professional conferences
• Conducting experiments or field studies to test hypotheses regarding plant growth and development

Botanist Salary & Outlook

The salary of a botanist can vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of company they work for. Those who work in academia typically earn less than those who work in industry.

• Median Annual Salary: $52,500 ($25.24/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

The employment of botanists is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for botanical research and services will stem from the need to address issues related to climate change, biodiversity loss, and limited resources. Botanists will be needed to study the effects of climate change on plant life and to develop new ways to conserve energy and natural resources.

Related: 25 Botanist Interview Questions and Answers

Botanist Job Requirements

A botanist typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Botanists need a bachelor’s degree to get hired. A bachelor’s degree in botany or biology is the most common degree for botanists, but they can also earn a degree in horticulture or agriculture.

Many botanists choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree to increase their earning potential and qualify for more senior-level positions. A master’s degree takes two years to complete and a doctoral degree takes four years. Courses in these programs include advanced biology, ecology, genetics and plant physiology.

Training & Experience: Botanists typically receive on-the-job training in the form of an internship during their post-graduate studies. Internships allow students to gain practical experience in a laboratory setting. They also help students network with professionals in the botany industry.

Some botanists also receive additional training in the military. The U.S. Army, for example, offers a program called the Army Environmental Training Program (AETP) that provides soldiers with training in environmental science. The program is designed to prepare soldiers for careers in the environmental industry after they complete their service.

Certifications & Licenses: Some states require botanists to obtain a license to practice there. Those seeking a license will need to study and pass an exam offered by the American Society for Licensing Officials. The exam includes questions about the laws governing the practice of botany in the state.

Botanist Skills

Botanists need the following skills in order to be successful:

Attention to detail: Botanists need to have excellent attention to detail to accurately record their observations. They need to be able to identify plants and other specimens by their physical characteristics. This skill also helps them to identify and record any changes in the environment.

Communication skills: Botanists often work with other scientists and members of the public. They may need to communicate their findings to a general audience or explain technical details to a colleague. Effective communication skills can help a botanist convey their ideas and research to others.

Computer programming skills: Computer programming skills can help botanists develop software to track their research, organize their data and create presentations to share their findings with others.

Critical thinking skills: Critical thinking is the ability to analyze a situation and make a decision based on the information you have. This is an important skill for botanists because they often need to make decisions about their research based on the information they have. For example, if a botanist is studying a plant and they notice that the plant is dying, they need to be able to think critically to determine why the plant is dying and what they can do to save it.

Observation skills: Observation skills are the ability to notice details about the environment around you. This can include noticing the differences between two plants or noticing the changes in a plant over time. Observation skills can help you identify plants and understand their needs.

Botanist Work Environment

Botanists work in a variety of settings, including greenhouses, laboratories, offices, and the field. They may spend considerable time outdoors, working in gardens, parks, and natural areas, sometimes in remote locations. They may work in all types of weather conditions, including hot sun, cold temperatures, and rain. They may work regular hours, although they may be required to work overtime during planting and harvesting seasons. Botanists may experience some risks when working with poisonous plants or hazardous chemicals, but these risks can be minimized by following safety precautions.

Botanist Trends

Here are three trends influencing how botanists work. Botanists will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growing Use of Plant-Based Products

The use of plant-based products is growing in popularity as more and more people are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional foods. This trend is creating opportunities for botanists who can help farmers grow the plants needed to produce these products.

As the demand for plant-based products increases, botanists will need to be able to identify and cultivate the best plants for specific uses. They will also need to be able to provide guidance to farmers on how to grow these plants in a way that maximizes their potential.

A Greater Focus on Sustainability

As businesses become more aware of the importance of sustainability, they are turning to botanists for help. Botanists have a deep understanding of plants and their needs, which makes them ideal candidates for positions that focus on sustainability.

In order to take advantage of this trend, botanists should focus on developing skills that make them valuable to businesses. This may include things like horticulture, agriculture, or product development.

Greater Collaboration Between Scientists and Businesses

The trend of greater collaboration between scientists and businesses is becoming increasingly common as businesses look for new ways to innovate.

Botanists can capitalize on this trend by developing strong relationships with businesses and by being open to new ideas and suggestions. By doing so, they can help businesses find new and innovative ways to utilize plants in new products.

How to Become a Botanist

A career as a botanist can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s important to consider your personal goals and interests when planning your career path. Do you want to work in a lab or field setting? Would you prefer to teach or conduct research?

No matter which direction you choose, it’s important to have a strong foundation in botany. This means completing coursework in biology, chemistry, and math, as well as gaining experience working with plants in the field or laboratory. You should also develop skills in writing, communication, and critical thinking.

Advancement Prospects

Botanists with a bachelor’s degree may find entry-level jobs in parks, nurseries, and greenhouses. However, most research positions in botany as well as teaching jobs at community colleges require a master’s degree or doctorate.

Advancement for botanists depends largely on their educational attainment and the type of employer. Botanists with a bachelor’s degree may advance to become research assistants or technicians working under the supervision of senior scientists. Those with a master’s degree may find jobs as research associates or project leaders.

Botanists with a doctorate may find jobs as postdoctoral fellows, working on temporary research projects while they search for a permanent position. Many botanists with doctorates eventually become college professors. Some may also advance to top executive or managerial positions in government agencies or private companies.

Botanist Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we’re searching for a highly-skilled botanist to join our team and help us in our mission to protect and conserve plant life. The ideal candidate will have experience in plant identification, classification, and ecology. He or she will be responsible for conducting field research, collecting plant specimens, and maintaining herbarium collections. The botanist will also be responsible for writing scientific reports and articles, and presenting findings to colleagues, clients, and the general public.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct field research to collect plant specimens and data for analysis
• Preserve collected plant specimens according to established protocols
• Maintain accurate records of all collected specimens and associated data
• Analyze collected data to identify patterns and trends
• Write scientific reports detailing findings from research projects
• Give presentations on research findings to colleagues, clients, and students
• Stay up-to-date on latest developments in the field of botany
• Serve as a resource for others seeking information about plants and plant ecology
• Manage and oversee the work of assistants and interns
• Develop and implement research proposals to secure funding for projects
• Collaborate with other scientists from related disciplines to conduct interdisciplinary research
• Teach courses in botany at the college level

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, or related field
• Minimum 4 years professional experience as a botanist
• Extensive knowledge of plant taxonomy, morphology, and ecology
• Proficient in the use of botanical software programs, including BIS, JSTOR, and PubMed
• Excellent writing and research skills
• Ability to work independently and with a team

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in botany, biology, or related field
• 6+ years professional experience as a botanist
• Teaching experience at the college level
• Proficiency in multiple languages
• Experience conducting field research