What Does A Botanist Do (including Their Typical Day at Work)

1. Study Plants and Their Environments or Relationships

Botanists study plants, often in their natural environment. This may involve travel to specific destinations to conduct fieldwork and collect samples. Some testing may be completed on site. However, most analysis is completed in a laboratory setting using specialized equipment.

Depending on the project, a Botanist may classify new plant species or help identify desirable traits in specific plants. They also examine the way plants interact with other plants and organisms in nature to gain a better understanding of ecosystems.

2. Test the Effects of Pollutants and Weather on Plant Species

A common requirement for Botanists is to test the impact of various pollutants, weather conditions, and other organisms on plant life. The results of the test may help companies create less harmful products or allow government agencies to reallocate resources to protect the environment.

For example, a Botanist may study the way that drought affects the health of plants in a specific region. A Botanist could also study the impact of pesticides on crops or air pollution on native plant species.

3. Use Selective Breeding Techniques to Produce Better Plants

Botanists often use breeding techniques to enhance the characteristics of plants, such as increased disease resistance or nutritional content. Selective breeding is a process used to develop better plants, which often takes multiple generations to achieve.

The first step involves the identification of desirable characteristics. Botanists then select plants that contain those characteristics.

With each set of offspring, Botanists choose the plants that possess the strongest characteristics to produce the next generation. Botanists may need to complete this process many times to slowly improve the natural traits of the plant.

4. Work with Other Scientists to Achieve Specific Objectives

Botanists rarely work alone. They are often part of a team working toward specific objectives. A project may require a variety of scientists with different specializations. For example, a Botanist working on conservation efforts may work directly with Geologists and Environmental Scientists.

Senior-level Botanists may need to manage team members and resources while entry-level Botanists are more likely to handle administrative work and lab work.

5. Raise Awareness About Various Environmental Issues

Another common task of a Botanist is to raise awareness about environmental issues and conservation efforts. They may also directly assist with these efforts or assist with recovery from natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.

Step 1: Take Biology and Science Courses in High School

Aspiring Botanists should start taking related courses in high school, including biology and other available science courses. If possible, consider enrolling in college-level courses such as Physics and Chemistry in your senior year.

Step 2: Enroll in a Bachelor’s Program with a Focus on Botany

Most Botany-related jobs require at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Botany or Plant Science. If minoring in Botany, coursework should include Plant Ecology, Plant Anatomy, Ecosystems, Cell Biology, and Environmental Biology.

Step 3: Obtain an Entry-Level Position in the Botany Field

After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree, you can start applying for entry-level positions in the Botany field. Intermediate Research Technician is a common starting point for Botanists. You may also find entry-level positions at Botanical Gardens, Arboretums, and Governmental Agencies.

Step 4: Earn a Master’s Degree to Increase Your Career Prospects

Earning a Master’s Degree increases your chances of obtaining promotions or senior positions in your field. Advancing your education also provides a chance to focus on your area of specialization, such as Conservation Biology or Agronomy.