Botanist
A botanist is a scientist dedicated to the study of plants, encompassing various aspects such as their physiology, reproduction, and the environments in which they thrive. These professionals conduct both basic and applied research, often focusing on plant life processes, structure, and the impact of environmental factors on plant species. They typically work in diverse settings, including universities, government agencies, and public venues like botanical gardens. Their work often involves outdoor field studies, where they collect data and specimens, as well as laboratory analysis to interpret their findings.
Botanists play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues, understanding ecological impacts, and contributing to fields such as agriculture and conservation. To become a botanist, a bachelor's degree in botany or a related field is usually required, with many pursuing further education to attain a doctorate. They are passionate about nature and often engage with the public through educational outreach, promoting awareness of plant life and its significance to the ecosystem. The median annual earnings for botanists are approximately $91,100, reflecting the specialized knowledge and skills required for this profession.
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Subject Terms
Botanist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Interests: Plant life, plant biology, environmental studies, nature, working outdoors
Earnings (Yearly Median): $91,100 per year $43.80 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 2% to 4% (Average)
Entry-Level Education Bachelor's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Botanists are scientists who study and conduct basic and applied research on plants and plant characteristics, such as physiology and reproduction. Botanists also study the environments in which plants grow, including soil, climate, and elevation. Some botanists specialize in the study of plant life processes or cultivate useful plants for food, while others focus on the structure of plants, species hierarchy, or how different plants react to adverse environmental conditions. Botanists are employed by universities, government agencies, and private organizations. In addition to their research and study of plant life, botanists frequently share their knowledge with the general public at botanical gardens and other venues.
Work Environment. Botanists study plant life and the environment in which they grow. Much of the work that is performed is conducted in the field, over time, and often in remote locations. Field botanists are accustomed to taking long walks, hikes, or drives to view research specimens. Botanists also spend time in the laboratory, conducting experiments and analyzing data. Many botanists are university and college professors, working in offices at institutions of higher learning. Additionally, many botanists work in public settings, such as botanical gardens, zoos, and museums.
Occupation Interest. Botanists enjoy the study of plant species and how plants interact with their environments. Because of their knowledge of trees, algae, and many other forms of plant life, botanists are often consulted in the study of how pollution and other elements affect the air, ground, and water. Economic botanists research the effectiveness of certain plant species in fighting human hunger and disease, as well as supplementing a healthy diet. Botanists contribute to the understanding and stewardship of a wide range of important industries, such as agriculture, conservation, and forestry. Some botanists work in the renewable energy industry, researching plant- and algae-based biofuels. First and foremost, botanists are individuals who love nature and the outdoors, and as such, they spend a great deal of time during their careers working outdoors, usually away from urban settings.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Applied research is research done for a specific purpose. Botanists conduct basic or applied research on trees, mosses, flowering plants, algae, and other types of plants. In basic research, inquiry is driven by curiosity. The study is geared toward testing a specific theory or advancing the development of a product.
To conduct research, basic or applied, many botanists live in remote locations for long periods of time. During this time, they will take samples, study growth and distribution patterns, and take environmental readings. When they return to the laboratory or their base of operations, botanists will carefully study samples and data and write reports and scholarly papers to share their findings with the scientific community. Many botanists work for nonprofit institutions such as universities and scientific foundations. To fund their research, they must spend time applying for grants, fellowships, and other private and public funding programs.
Many botanists are also employed by government agencies, such as the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Department of the Interior (DOI). In these settings, botanists help the government gain a better understanding of current trends in environmental degradation, the impact of droughts and crop disease outbreaks, and other environmental incidents and trends.
Many botanists work in museums, botanical gardens, and zoological institutions. These botanists present scientific information about plant life to daily visitors, helping the general public to better understand the natural world. Botanists who are members of university faculties present this type of information to undergraduate and graduate students, conduct classes and seminars, and perform independent research.
Cytologists (041.061-042).Cytologists study structure, function, and life history of plant and animal cells.
Paleobotanists (024.061-042).Paleobotanists study fossilized remains of plants and animals found in geological formations to trace evolution and development of past life.
Mycologists (041.061-062). Mycologists study all types of fungi to discover those that are useful to medicine, agriculture, and industry.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Botanists conduct frequent research, examining species in forests, farm country, and other locations. A great deal of time is also spent in the laboratory, studying samples and analyzing data. Additionally, botanists often work in classroom settings, museums, botanical gardens, and similar venues, where they present to students and the general public.
Human Environment. In the field, botanists work in teams with other scientists and students. In the laboratory, botanists interact with equipment technicians and other scientists. Government officials, farmers, foresters, and members of the public sometimes contact botanists with questions about local plant and environmental issues.
Technological Environment. Botanists use laboratory analytical equipment such as microscopes, spectrometers, and photometers. They use cameras and similar surveillance equipment to monitor plant life remotely and to document research. Computers and research-related software, such as word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs, are typically used to share research results and theories with other scientists.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in careers in botany should take classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and geography. Mathematics skills are useful as well, including algebra, calculus, and geometry. Basic writing classes help future scientists learn how to write research papers, a skill they will need throughout their careers.
Postsecondary. Botanists need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, or a related natural science. Some individuals supplement their scientific coursework with studies in other disciplines, such as engineering, environmental studies, and agriculture. Most botanists obtain a doctorate in botany, receiving training in plant taxonomy and physiology, as well as other specific subfields of botany. Doctoral work is usually followed by independent research (a postdoctoral position at a college or university).
Related Occupations
− Forester and Conservation Scientist
Bibliography
"Agricultural and Food Scientists." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/agricultural-and-food-scientists.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Biologists." O*NET OnLine. National Center for O*NET Development, US Dept. of Labor, 9 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-1029.04. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.
"Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023 19-1013 Soil and Plant Scientists." US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes191013.htm. Accessed 28 Aug. 2024.