Botanists are biologists whose primary interest is the study of plants. They study plant development and life processes, physiology, structure, heredity, environment, and distribution. They are also concerned with the economic value of plants in such areas as agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and pharmacology.

JOB DUTIES

Botanists may:

Study the nature and behavior of plant cells, chromosomes, and tissues

Identify and classify plants

Examine the effects of soil, climate, rainfall, and temperature on plant growth

Investigate the mechanics and chemistry of plant life processes

Study the effects of acid rain, pollution, deforestation, and other occurrences on plants and plant ecosystems

Develop new types of plants

Write for technical publications

Teach college or university classes

Supervise graduate students

Click here to view  Botanist at work!

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Botanists may specialize in these areas:

041.061-038 BOTANISTS are biologists whose primary interest is the study of plants. They study development, physiology, structure, heredity, environment, and distribution. They are also concerned with the economic value of plants in such areas as agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and pharmacology.

041.061-038 ECONOMIC BOTANISTS develop wild and cultivated plants which may prove to be of value as crops. These Botanists grow plants under controlled conditions to determine the best soil, climate, and other requirements for their growth.

041.061-038 PLANT TAXONOMISTS identify and classify flowers, leaves, seeds, and whole plants. These scientists usually specialize in a major plant group, such as seed plants, ferns, mosses, or algae.

041.061-062 MYCOLOGISTS study fungi to determine the way they live and grow. These scientists may specialize in the study of edible fungi and those which are sources of useful drugs or those which cause disease or deterioration of foods or fabrics.

041.061-038 PLANT ECOLOGISTS study the relationships between plants and their environment.

041.061-078 PLANT PHYSIOLOGISTS conduct research on the cellular structure and organ system functions of plants. They study growth, respiration, circulation, excretion, movement, reproduction, and other functions of plants under normal and abnormal conditions.

041.061-086 PLANT PATHOLOGISTS conduct research into the nature, cause, and control of plant diseases and the decay of plant products. They study and compare healthy and diseased plants to determine the symptoms of a diseased condition.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration scripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Botanists may work alone or as a member of a research team under the direction or supervision of a department head, research supervisor, or a more experienced Botanist. Their work location and physical environment may vary, depending on their particular job or research project. They may work outdoors in all kinds of weather when conducting field research or indoors in laboratories, classrooms, or museums.

Most Botanists employed in private industry work 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime to meet project deadlines. Botanists employed as teachers in colleges may work irregular hours. They usually determine their own hours for research or field trips.

Most Botanists belong to professional associations and pay periodic membership fees. There are many associations such as: The Botanical Society of America, The American Horticultural Society, The Mycological Society of America, The American Society of Plant Taxonomists, The American Society of Plant Physiologists, and The American Phytopathological Society.

You Should Prefer:

• Performing work of a scientific and technical nature

You Should Be Able To:

• Reason in a clear and logical manner

• Plan, direct, and control or activities of others

• Evaluate information using measurable, verifiable standards

• Communicate well, both orally and in writing

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

• Work effectively with other people

• Perform arithmetical operations quickly and accurately

• Visualize three-dimensional objects from drawings or pictures

• See details in objects or drawings

• Recognize slight differences in shapes or shadings

• Accept defeat on project/experiment after long periods of study/effort

• View the problem in perspective, work on a new approach to the problem

Math Problem You Should Be Able To Solve:

So far, you've had 4 rainy days out of a total of 25 days. Estimate the probability of rain tomorrow.

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Amines and their derivatives are important nitrogen compounds. They are used as intermediates in organic reactions, and they are found in many biological systems.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

As a Botanist you are usually responsible for writing technical publications explaining any new finds you have made.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to brainstorm ways to lessen the effects of pollution.

Botanists are increasingly required to have advanced degrees, especially those interested in college or university positions. Persons interested in working for governmental agencies are required to pass a civil service test.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: A Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond High School) or a Master's Degree (five to six years of study beyond High School) or a Professional Degree or Doctorate (seven to ten years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0100 AGRISCIENCE , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1000 COMPUTERS , 2200 MATH , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration script.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

021 BIOLOGICAL & LIFE SCIENCES

Programs in Biological and Life Sciences provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed to understand plant and animal life and their relationships. Biological Scientists are employed in research, related medical fields, laboratory settings, industry, and education. Individuals who teach Biological Science at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary with area of interest and from school to school. A sampling of areas of interest may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

 ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this Career Exploration script.

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration script.  

  E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Course work in high school or college will acquaint you with the functions and duties of a Botanist. There are also opportunities through postsecondary programs in biological sciences, and college and university fellowships and assistantships at experimental field stations for training and research. The Department of Agriculture is one of the federal agencies which participate in the cooperative education program, offering the chance to gain work experience and an income while going to school. Landscaping firms and greenhouses may also offer practical training.

            School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadow experiences

touring a local Botanist employer

internships

volunteer work with a Botanist employer

community service work with an agency

If possible, arrange to do an undergraduate research project under one of your college professors. The project might include helping the professor with his/her research or pursuing your own independent interests. This experience may help you decide which area or areas of botany you like best. It will also give you valuable insight into how science works. Further, research experience is also very helpful should you decide to pursue graduate work.

Summer jobs or internships can provide important additional experience. These positions occur in government agencies, college and university research laboratories, agricultural experiment stations, freshwater and marine biological stations, and private companies. Start investigation summer opportunities early - the previous fall or winter. The best positions are usually filled by late spring.

To get a job as a Botanist, apply directly to employers known to have such positions. Contact civil service offices for employment in governmental agencies. College or university placement offices and faculty members may be of help. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Botanists vary depending on the Botanist's education and experience, the responsibility of the job, and the type and geographic location of the employer.

Nationally (mid 2009), recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in plant sciences were offered annual starting salaries averaging $33,456. The average annual salary for full professors of botany that taught in public colleges and universities was $85,888 in the 2007-08 school year.  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

Based on the employee's academic records, annual starting salaries for Botanists employed by the federal government in 2009 were:

The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

College and university instructors, including those who taught botany in the East North Central region that includes Michigan colleges and universities, during the 2007-2008 school year earned:

Botanists may supplement their salaries by writing, working on research projects, and consulting.

Depending on the employer, most Botanists receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. College and university teachers may receive paid sabbatical leave after 6 or 7 years of service. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part by the employer.

Advancement depends on experience, further education, and demonstration of ability and leadership. It may mean more responsibility and greater pay, or promotion to professor and department chairperson in a college or university setting.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

According to the Botanical Society of America, there were 2,360 Botanists among their members residing in the United States and Canada in mid 2009. Employment of life scientists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2016.

According to recent data, there were 207 bachelor's degrees granted in botany/plant biology. An additional 114 Master's degrees and 135 Doctoral degrees were granted in plant sciences.   Nearly two-thirds of the graduates in biological science, including botany graduates, are expected to go into other related fields or to medical, dental, and veterinary schools. This will still mean a surplus of applicants competing for job openings in this field. Opportunities are expected to be better for those with advanced degrees because most new jobs will be research oriented.

There were approximately 44 Botanists belonging to the Botanical Society of America residing in Michigan in mid 2009. A great number of Botanists taught at colleges or universities. Most of the others worked for federal, state, and local government agencies such as Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and the Interior. Others worked for industries concerned with wood, wood products, paper production, agriculture and drug industries, arboretums and botanical gardens.

The results of botanical research increase and improve our supply of medicines, foods, fibers, building materials and other plant products. Conservationists use botanical knowledge to help manage parks, forests, range lands and wilderness areas. Public health and environment protection professionals depend on their understanding of plant science to help solve pollution problems.

Some new job openings will result from increased public demand for well-planned and maintained parks, forests, nature centers and recreational facilities. Others will result from the need to replace those who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. In colleges and universities, competition for the few available openings will be keen. A Ph. D. degree will be necessary for many positions in teaching and research.

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth